فصلنامه فرآیند و کارکرد گیاهی
سال دوازدهم شماره 1 (پیاپی 54، فروردین و اردیبهشت 1402)

In order to investigate the effects of nanosilicon in salinity stress amelioration in miniature garden rose 'Sanaz' a factorial experiment as a completely randomized design were done with three replications at greenhouse of University of Maragheh in 1399. At the present study for improving in quantitative, qualitative and biochemical traits of miniature garden roses under salt stress (0, 25 and 50 mM NaCl), SiO2-NPs spray were used at different levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1). Results showed that all measured traits were decreased severely at 50 mM salinity compared to controls and the least amount of each parameter were recorded at 50 mM level of salinity. While SiO2-NPs spray at 50 mM salinity caused to preserve chlorophyll index and led to increase in the number of plant leaves (62.4%), maximum florescence (55.4%) and variable florescence (more than 3 folded). Also, SiO2-NPs spray decreased the minimum florescence (44%) at 50 mM salinity. Nanosilicon by stimulating growth and increasing in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes resulted in a decreased lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde amount and, subsequently decreased oxidative stress in plant cells. Spray of nanosilicon under salinity stress, increased the amount of proline and decreased the oxidative damage to the protein. It seems that according to the present results foliar application of SiO2-NPs especially at 200 mg L-1 under salinity stress can be recommended in garden roses.

The application of dicyandiamide (DCD) nitrification inhibitors in soil causes soil contamination for many years and has received much attention in recent decades due to its potential toxic effects on plants, but none. No action has been taken to control and eliminate contamination of nitrification inhibitors. In this study, DCD nitrification inhibitor at 4 concentrations (0, 5, 50 and 100 mg / kg) was added to the soil in a pot experiment with four replications. Greenhouse experiment was performed using factorial based on a completely randomized design to test the effect of symbiotic fungi (plants inoculated with P. indica, G. etunicatum and G. mosseae) on DCD plant toxicity. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivar Black was selected for this experiment because of its worldwide economic value. Then some properties of chlorophyll fluorescence such as minimum fluorescence (F0), maximum fluorescence (Fm) and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv / Fm) were measured. HPLC results showed the concentration of DCD nitrification inhibitor in lettuce leaves was very important. It was found that plants inoculated with symbiotic fungi had lower DCD levels than non-symbiotic plants. Plants treated with P. indica had 70 and 80% less DCD (50 and 100 mg / kg, respectively) compared to other plants.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. it is one of the medicinal and aromatic plants that can be found in natural habitats in mountainous and high areas of the country. This plant is very popular because of its large amounts of essential oil and important medicinal properties. In this study, in order to investigate the effect of the habitat on the physiological traits, yield and essential oil content, random sampling of the flowering branches of the plant in the full flowering stage with three replications was done from its natural habitats located in the altitudes of Espidan, Akher Dagh and Arkan in North Khorasan province. The results showed that the plants grown in Espidan region with 15.76 g F.W and 3.24 g D.W are the highest, and the plants of Akher dagh region with 12.58 g F.W and 2.68 g D.W, are the lowest in fresh and dry weight. In terms of the content of flavonoid compounds and the percentage of essential oil yield, the highest amount of these compounds was obtained from 69.63 (mg Q/g D.W) and 1.52% from the plants of Arkan heights. Further, the results showed that 23 compounds were identified in the essential oil of plants of three habitats, and the compounds of cis-α-Bergamotene, limonene and ß-ocimene were the main common compounds in the essential oils of three regions. In connection with the antioxidant property, the plants of Arkan area showed a higher antioxidant capacity than other habitats in inhibiting DPPH free radicals with 50.89 μg/ml. In terms of anthocyanin content, extract of Arkan plants with 2.96 mg of cyanidin 3-glucoside/g was a greater source of anthocyanin, with a significant difference compared to other plants. General conclusion The plants grown in the altitudes of Arkan showed more content of anthocyanin, flavonoid compounds, antioxidant capacity and essential oil yield than other habitats, and it seems that the Arkan habitat has the most suitable conditions for the cultivation of this valuable medicinal plant.

Peanut is rich in protein and energy and is used in most countries to supply nutritional needs. In this study, the effect of gypsum, municipal solid waste compost and mycorrhiza on grain characteristics and catalase and peroxidase activity of peanut during two cultivation years were investigated in a factorial split-plot design. In the first cropping year, the maximum number of pods (121.33 per plant), seed length (22.07 mm), thousand seed weight (117.92 g), number of seeds (156.33 per plant) and yield Seed (13746.2 kg/ha) were obtained with the use of mycorrhiza and no application of gypsum and compost, application of 150 kg/ha of gypsum with mycorrhiza and without application of compost, without mycorrhiza and application of 6 ton/ha of compost and with mycorrhiza, no gypsum and 4 ton/ha of compos, respectively. In the second cropping year, the highest catalase and peroxidase activity (36.18 and 92.26 unit/mg of protein), calcium and iron content (7.45 and 88.57 mg/kg), oil percentage (76 54%) and protein percentage (27.62%) were obtained with mycorrhiza, application of 150 kg/ha of gypsum and 8 ton/ha of compost, despite mycorrhiza and no application of gypsum and addition of 8 ton/ha of compost, no application of gypsum , despite mycorrhiza and application of 4 ton/ha of compost and despite mycorrhiza and application of 150 kg/ha of gypsum and 2 ton/ha, respectively. In this study, the simultaneous use of municipal solid waste compost and mycorrhiza is proposed.

In order to study foliar application of amino acids on morphophysiological properties and thyme essential oil under different irrigation regimes, an experiment was conducted as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Farm of Tarbiat Modares University Faculty of Agriculture in the year 2020 crop season. Experimental factors were irrigation regimes at three levels including normal irrigation, moderate water stress, severe water stress (withholding irrigation until  25%, 45% and 65% of soil available water depletion in the root zone respectively and then irrigation up to field capacity from plant establishment to harvest time), were randomized to the main plot units and spraying at 6 kinds (aspartic acid, tyrosine, proline, commercial amino acids, distilled water and without spraying) were located in subplot units. The results showed that with reduction of irrigation to the level of severe water stress, plant height, fresh and dry weight of leaves, leaf area, total chlorophyll, percentage of essential oil decreased, and glycol peroxidase and proline showed a significant increase compared to optimal irrigation. Catalase activity also increased under moderate water stress and decreased under severe water stress. Foliar application of amino acids had a positive additive effect on the studied traits. The highest essential oil yield (about 11.20 kg/ha) was assigned to plants under commercial and proline amino acid foliar application under full irrigation conditions. Based on the general results of proline foliar application, increasing the concentration of osmolites such as proline under water stress conditions was able to help the plant withstand drought stress by helping to maintain osmotic pressure and compensate for part of the reduction in growth and dry weight. Therefore, consumption of this type of amino acid under stress conditions is recommended to reduce the effects of drought stress. Under non-stress conditions, foliar application of this type of amino acid had the greatest effect on plant growth and yield.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of zeolite on biochemical and physiological properties of coriander under drought stress in factorial form in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications during the two cropping years of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Drought stress at 3 levels (including: 100% water requirement (no stress), 75% water requirement (mild stress) and 50% water requirement (severe stress)) and zeolite consumption at 5 levels (no use, 2, 4, 6 and 8 t. ha-1 of zeolite) were applied. The results showed that the water deficit stress decreased plant height drought, fresh and dry weight of shoots significantly; However, with the application of zeolite, the effects of stress were somewhat reduced. The highest and lowest shoot dry weight was obtained, in normal irrigation (without stress) with the use of six tons of zeolite per hectare (2.99 g. plant-1) and in drought conditions (50% water requirement) without the use of zeolite (1.22 g. plant-1), respectively. Reduction of irrigation also increased proline, while application of zeolite reduced drought effects slightly. Normal irrigation and consumption of six tons per hectare of zeolite showed the lowest amount of proline and severe stress (irrigation 50% of water requirement) and non-consumption of zeolite showed the highest amount of proline. In general, it was gained an acceptable economic yield in the coriander plants by applying mild stress (75% of water requirement) and using six tons per hectare of zeolite, as well as reduces the effects of stress.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) belong to the Asteraceae family. It contains flavonoids such as contains kinocalcone pigments and these compounds shown to exhibit medicinal properties. These pigments are abundantly found in flower of this plant, but it has been seen that the roots of this plant have been able to produce these pigments in vitro. One of the ways to increase the production of secondary metabolites in tissue culture is to use different elicitors. In this study, jujube fruit extract and salicylic acid were used as an elicitor. Grown roots were first cultured in liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium for mass production, in static condition. The roots were then sub-cultured with jujube fruit extract (0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1%) and salicylic acid (0, 500 μm). After 20 days of culture the growth was determined and the yellow pigments of root and medium were measured by spectrophotometer and the results showed that jujube fruit extract have protected root tissues against lipid peroxidation and this fact have triggered their growth. In this condition there was an increase in yellow pigments but these pigments were not released in the culture medium. Conversely, the SA treatment that further increases the production of pigments affected the integrity of cell membranes which lead to a fall of growth and a release of pigments in the culture medium.

Peach (Prunus persica) is one of the most important Iranian horticulture fruit. But the short of storage life and post-harvest losses are the Basie problems of fruit. This experiment was carried out to determine the effect of Folic acid on increasing shelf life of “Alberta” Peach in experimental university shahid Bahonar Kerman on design a randomized complete with three replication. Fruits of Peach treatment with Folic acid 0, 20 and 40 mMol for 5 Min and then stored at 1oC, 85-90% relative humidity for 21 days. Percentage of injured fruits, ion leakage, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide, organic acid, peroxidase and catalase activity and total soluble solids (TSS), were evaluated. The results showed that the effective compared to control and reduced percentage of injured fruits, ion leakage, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide. Generally, the results showed that the application of Folic acid 40 mMol were the most effective treatment.

In order to evaluate the effect of L-cysteine and calcium lactate on yield and fruit quality of eggplant (Solanum melongena cv. Greta RZ) under deficit irrigation, a split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at Research Farm of University of Zanjan, during 2021. Experimental treatments were included three levels of irrigation (60, 80 and 100 ETc%) and five foliar spray treatments (two levels of calcium lactate (CaL) 1 and 2 g.l-1 and two levels of L-cysteine (Cys) 0.15 and 0.5%) and distilled water as a control. The results showed that deficit irrigation stress significantly affected plant yield and fruit quality. The lowest fruit number and plant yield (1.8 kg), sepal chlorophyll and vitamin C (11.65 mg.100ml-1) contents, and the highest phenols and flavonoids contents, electron leakage, and Antioxidant enzymes activity were obtained at deficit irrigation 60% ETc.  Foliar application of CaL and Cys significantly improved fruit yield and quality under normal and deficit irrigation. The maximum plant yield (4.4 and 3.9 kg), vitamin C content (44.1 and 41.9 mg.100ml-1) and total soluble solid content (4.4 and 3.9 °B) were found with application of CaL 2 g.l-1 and Cys 0.5% respectively under irrigation 100 ETc%. CaL and Cys with increasing antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutases, catalases and peroxidase) and phenolic compounds led to an increase in fruit antioxidant capacity. According to the results, application of CaL 2 g.l-1 and Cys 0.5% is recommended to improve yield and fruit quality of eggplant under normal and deficit irrigation condition.

In order to investigate the interaction effect of nitrogen (N) and silicon foliar application on photosynthetic traits of triticale under water stress conditions, a split factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replicates was conducted at the Experimental Farm of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Darab – Shiraz University in 2017-2018 growing season. Treatments included: two levels of irrigation as the main plots [normal irrigation; irrigation based on the plant's water requirement up to the physiological maturity (IRN) and water deficit (water stress); irrigation based on the plant's water requirement up to the anthesis stage (withholding of irrigation after anthesis) (IRDI)]. Also, sub plots were two levels of silicon foliar application [0, and 3 mM] and three N fertilizer levels [N0, no nitrogen fertilizer (control); N100, 100 kg N ha-1; N150, 150 kg N ha-1]. The results showed that the IRDI reduced the photosynthesis at the milking and soft dough stages, however, this reduction was not constant in the different N levels and the highest reduction was occurred in 150 kg N ha-1 (44% and 55% reduction in the milking and soft dough stages, respectively). A similar trend was observed in the grain yield. Silicon foliar application could cause the reduction of distractive effects of water stress on photosynthesis and related traits (stomatal conductance and instantaneous water use efficiency), independently of N fertilizer supply. Totally, application of 150 and 100 kg N ha-1 is recommended for high photosynthesis rate of triticale in normal and water deficit, respectively. Furthermore, silicon foliar application (3 mM) was suggested for deminishing the hurmful effects of the severe water stress after anthesis on photosynthesis and its related traits in South of Iran.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is susceptible to phosphorus (P) deficiency and because of coarse root system with low branching rate, this species is highly dependent on mycorrhizal symbiosis. As a beneficial element for higher plants, selenium (Se) improves nutritional and pharmaceutical quality of this species. In this research, the effect of Se (at 0, 20 and 80 µg L–1 of substrate as Na2SeO4) was investigated in garlic plants grown under adequate (2 mM) and low P (without P supply for six weeks) in the absence or presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Diversispora versiformis in perlite as substrate and irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution for six weeks. Results showed that, P deficiency caused reduction of shoot growth and leaf photosynthesis while AMF inoculation results in the improvement of growth, photosynthesis and sugars content. Selenium augmented the effect of AMF inoculation leading to the highest dry biomass, photosynthesis and sugars content under the combination of both treatments irrespective the P supply level. The root activity of acid phosphatase (APase) was not affected by low P or +AMF as single treatments, while Se alone or in combination with low P and +AMF significantly increased the APase activity. The optimum Se concentration on the biomass, root colonization rate, photosynthesis and APase activity was 80 µg L–1. This is the first report on the synergistic effect of Se on AMF symbiosis on the adaptive response of plants to P deficiency.

Drought stress is the most unfavorable environmental factor that severely reduces plant growth and production. Jasmonates, as the plant growth regulators, and effective in physiological processes, increase plant tolerance to stressful conditions. Physalis is a medicinal plant belonging to Solanaceae family. In order to investigate the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) pretreatment and drought stress on the physiological and biochemical responses of Physalis. A factorial experiment was conducted with the combination of two factors, moisture levels [100% (control), 50%, and 30% of field capacity (FC)] and MeJA levels (0, 50, and 100 µM). Plants were exposed to different levels of moisture for two months, 24h after foliar application of MeJA. The results showed that pretreatmment of plants with MeJA increased leaf area, RWC, total plant dry weight, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids by 36.48, 31.07, 178.53, 37.11, and 49.73%, respectively during drought stress. In this research, application of MeJA, especially concentration of 100 µM, by increasing the contents of soluble sugars (12.13 and 16.69%), proline (22.84 and 45.86%), flavonoids (14.01 and 21.69%), protein (16.53 and 20.98%) and activity of SOD enzyme (22.09 and 13.96%) and decreasing the activities of POD (12.82 and 39.06%), APX (20.85 and 17.33%) and PPO (14.83 and 18.68%) enzymes in the shoot and root, moderated the negative effects of drought stress especially at 30% FC level. Also, MeJA induced changes in the accumulation and distribution of mineral nutrients in stressed plants. The results of this research showed that the foliar application of MeJA by improving the growth and photosynthetic properties, antioxidant system and nutritional status could be an appropriate solution to increase the tolerance of Physalis plant to drought.

Heavy metals, including nickel, are among the most important pollutants. Ni as a micronutrient is essential for plants, however, with increasing concentrations of nickel in the environment, excess of the element accumulated in plants and causing toxicity. Phytoremediation is a biotechnology, using the plant to remove or reduce environmental pollutants. In this study, to evaluate the nickel phytoremediation potential and accumulation, the effects of different levels of nickel on some growth and development characteristics of Mentha longifolia L., were studied. Various concentrations of nickel (0, 10, 50, 100 and 300 mg/l) were treated in hydroponic culture, and in this condition, the plant potential for nickel tolerance and nickel effects on some physiological and morphological characteristics of M. longifolia were evaluated. Experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design. Results analysis showed that characteristics: shoot and root length, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanins and soluble carbohydrates content of the plant were reduced by increasing the concentration of nickel in nutrient solution but total protein and shoot and root nickel content were increased. Overally, based on evaluating of the effects of nickel on vegetative and physiological characters of M. longifolia, in this study, it can be acknowledged that the plant is not resistance to nickel stress, and is not suitable for phytoremediation and removing excess amounts of nickel in the environment. Also, due to the sensitivity of the plant to nickel stress, it can be counted as an indicator of environmental nickel pollution.

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is one of the most important and destructive grapevine viruses worldwide. The virus is a genus Nepovirus and is transmitted by the Xhiphinema index nematode. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of salicylic acid foliar application on the incidence of GFLV on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) plants in the Faculty of Agriculture of Shiraz University in greenhouse conditions in 1398. Treatments included spraying as pretreatment and simultaneous application of salicylic acid and virus (SA + GFLV) on the leaves of biennial seedlings of white seedless cultivar in three concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 mg / l. Seedlings sprayed with potassium phosphate (without virus and salicylic acid treatment) were considered as controls. Comparison of the data mean to the effect of treatments on infected samples with GFLV showed that the highest and lowest disease progression were related to control and salicylic acid spraying before treatment with the virus, respectively. Analysis of physiological parameters showed that viral contamination and salicylic acid treatments affected cellular metabolism such as levels of pigments and proteins. The results of this study showed that the application of different concentrations of salicylic acid significantly increased the protein content of white seedless grapes. In addition, peroxidase activity and plant proline content were induced by virus inoculation simultaneous and post salicylic acid treatment. Therefore, salicylic acid treatment increased plant resistance to GFLV. The results of this study showed significant changes in metabolism and production of secondary metabolites in the plant under the influence of GFLV viral infection with salicylic acid treatments.

Narcissus tazetta L. is very proper plant to grow outdoor. Southern of Iran such as Khuzestan are one of the most relevant areas of narcissus flower production. However, the applied soil texture needs improvement. In this research, a factorial experiment was performed based on a completely randomized plan with seven repeats to study effects of culture substrate improvement accompanied with the inoculation of endophytic fungus Serendipita indica on narcissus yield. Four culture substrates (100% field soil, 75% field soil+25% sand, 50% field soil+50% sand, and 25% field soil+75% sand) were used as first factor, and the fungus S.indica as the second factor. Based on the findings from the research, the inoculation with S.indica led to increase in the traits the diameter of the biggest flower (104%), number of florets (121%), flowering stem length (114%), (137%), total chlorophyll (118%), carotenoid content (113%), and a decrease in flowering stem diameter (84%), and guaiacol peroxidase activity (76%) compared to the control (no-inoculation). Also it was known that the culture substrate 75% field soil+25% sand had the most positive effect on the indices, the diameter of the biggest floret, number of florets, flowering stem length, vase-life, total chlorophyll content, and carotenoid content. The interaction of two factors indicated that the S.indica-inoculated culture substrates: 75% field soil+25% sand and 50% field soil + 50% sand were the best treatments for narcissus growing. In conclusion, it can be said that despite of moderately good growth of narcissus in the field soil of Khuzestan, it needs the addition of sand for more porosity to produce high-quality cut-flowers. Based on the results from the research, the inoculation with S.indica had more positive impact on narcissus vase-life than soil texture. Hence, the use of a culture substrate with 25% sand together with field soil and the fungus inoculation was found as a proper medium for narcissus cut-flower production. Also with next studies, it is suggested to focus on the effect of soil composition and fungal inoculation on the conservation of water and the reduction of salinity effect.

In this study, the effect of various levels of salinity on Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. (Fereidunshahr population) and the role of melatonin in improving photosynthesis and the acquisition of salt tolerance was investigated using two independent experiments. In the first experiment, the effect of different concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM) on the growth and photosynthetic traits of 60-day-old plants was evaluated. The results showed that with increasing salt concentration the tolerance index and the amount of photosynthetic pigments, Fv/Fm, and stomatal conductance decreased, but the level of lipid peroxidation and catalase activity increased in the leaves. In the second experiment, the effect of root pretreatment with 100 µM melatonin was investigated on salt tolerance (100 mM sodium chloride) of D. kotschyi seedlings. The results showed that pretreatment with melatonin increased fresh and dry weight of aerial part, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids, Fv/Fm, stomatal conductance and relative water content in leaves under salt stress. The positive effect of melatonin on photosynthetic parameters was closely related to its role in increasing ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity, reducing malondialdehyde content and improving Na+, K+ and Ca2+ homeostasis in leaves, and these effects were weakened by the application of p-CPA as an inhibitor of melatonin synthesis. Based on these results, the application of external melatonin, probably by affecting the endogenous melatonin synthesis in plants, is able to moderate the osmotic stress, ionic toxicity and oxidative stress caused by salinity in D. kotschyi plants, and it is possible that melatonin treatment can use to improve phosynthesis and the level of plant's tolerance to salinity.

The most important stresses in the world's agricultural lands, especially in Iran, are drought and salinity stresses, which are increasing in these days. In this study, the independent and combined effects of salinity and drought stresses were studied on different agronomic and biochemical traits of the medicinal plant of Ammi visnaga .The experimental design was performed as split plot based in a completely randomized block design with three replication. Drought stress treatments  based on soil depletion rate (normal 50%, moderate stress 60% and severe stress 85%) and  three salinity stress levels (normal, average stress: 80 mM and severe stress :100 mM were applied. The results of the present study showed that different levels of independent stresses and the combination of salinity and drought both caused a significant decrease in seed yield, seed weight and plant height and a significant increase in malondialdehyde content compared to the control treatment. In combined treatments, the changes in chlorophyll content did not show the same trend compared to the control treatment. In both drought and salinity stresses,there was a significant increase in the contents of total phenolics, total flavonols, total flavonoids, carotenoids, proline and antioxidant activity, compared to the control, in order to compensate  the negative effects of tensions. The lowest values for seed yield, plant height and the highest antioxidant activity were observed in the combined stress of severe drought and severe salinity.The highest content for total flavonols and carotenoid and the lowest value for malondialdehyde were observed in the combined stress of moderate drought and non salinity (D2S1). The highest contents of total phenolics (228.64 mg of gallic acid per gram of fresh leaves) and total flavonoids (120.62 mg of quercetin per gram of fresh leaves) were obtained in the combined stress of moderate salinity and severe drought (D3S2). The highest content of anthocyanin (0.12 μmol/g FW) in severe combined stress of salinity and drought (D3S3). These results showed the stimulating effects of these combined levels in the highest production of phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins compounds in this plant. Considering the significant increase of phenolic compounds in moderate and severe levels of drought and salinity stresses, its cultivation in lands affected by drought and salinity stress can be considered.

Research in the field of nanotechnology as an emerging field has culminated in the advancement of various branches of technology. The role of iron in reducing abiotic stresses has not been widely studied despite the fact that it is considered an essential element for plant growth. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in 2017 in the greenhouse of Kerman Graduate University of Technology. In this research, the effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles at five levels of 0, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg/l on tomato plant subjected to cadmium chloride (CdCl2) stress with three concentrations of 0, 100 and 200 μM was evaluated. The results showed that the 200 μM CdCl2 concentration in the nutrient solution caused a significant decrease in shoot dry weight (56%), root dry weight (65.5%), shoot length (52.6%), as well as root length (56.8%) compared to the control. Besides, MDA and H2O2 content of shoots and roots increased significantly relative to the control. The change in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was 232.4% (3.3-fold) in the shoot and 143.5% (2.4-fold) in the root compared to the control. However, the application of 20 mg/L concentration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was significantly effective for plant growth and improved cadmium toxicity along with reducing the concentration of free cadmium in the plant through the stimulation of various defense mechanisms. In general, the results of this research showed that spraying iron oxide nanoparticle can be useful to protect tomato plants under cadmium stress.

In order to study the effect of cold stress on some physiological characteristics of nine ecotypes of grass pea, a factorial split plot experiment based on completely randomized design with two factors and four replications was carried out in growth chamber. The first factor was cold treatment at two levels (25 and -3˚C) and the second factor was ecotype at nine levels collected from local areas named Bam, Sirjan, Torbat Heydariyeh, Baft 1 (Kiskan area), Baft 2 (Bidgerdoyeh area), Shiraz, Kuhbanan, Rabar and Bardsir. Traits measured in this experiment included content of soluble sugars, proline, starch, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The results showed that in all ecotypes with decreasing temperature from 25 to -3 degrees the content of soluble sugars, proline, ion leakage and the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes increased whereas the content of starch and chlorophyll a, b and total decreased. Significant variation was observed between ecotypes in terms of cold stress tolerance. In Baft 2 and Bardsir ecotypes, proline content was higher than other ecotypes. Also, the highest soluble sugar content was related to Baft 2 ecotype and the highest catalase activity was related to Bardsir ecotype. In addition, these ecotypes had higher survival score. Based on the results of survival score, Baft2 and Bardsir ecotypes showed the highest resistance to cold stress and Bam, Shiraz and Sirjan ecotypes showed the lowest resistance.

Wheat is one of the most important grains and considering the role of nanotechnology in crop production, it is very important to study the effect of nanoparticles on its growth processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of three metallic complex of iron and its Fe3O4 nanoparticles on growth and some physiological parameters of wheat. In this study, treatments included no seed priming (control), priming with different concentrations (100, 200 and 500 ppm) of iron complex and the iron nanoparticles. The structure of iron nanocomplexes were identified and confirmed by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as well as monocrystalline X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (SC-XRD). The structure of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was also studied by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (SEM). The total phenolic content was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the amount of flavonoid was determined by colorimetry. Antioxidant activity was determined by FRAP method. The results showed that the prepared iron oxide nanoparticles had a smaller particle size and a larger specific surface area than the iron nanocomplex. The results showed that all growth and physiological parameters increased significantly under the treatment of all concentrations of iron complex and iron nanoparticles compared to the control. The highest seed germination (94%) was observed at the concentration of 500 ppm iron nanoparticles. Maximum root length (27 cm), stem length (16.3 cm), stem dry weight (1.7 mg), root dry weight (1.2 mg), root dry weight (0.03 g), stem dry weight (0.04 g), root length (29.33 cm) and stem length (29 cm) were observed at a concentration of 500 ppm iron nanoparticles. According to the results of this study, seed priming with iron nanoparticles is suggested as a suitable stimulant for increasing growth and production of phenolic compounds.

Soil pollution due to urban and industrial effluents containing heavy metals is one of the most serious environmental problems, and phytoremediation is a bio-cost-effective method for removing heavy metals from contaminated soil and water. In this regard, choosing the suitable plant for phytoremediation according to the type of pollution is very important. Since in addition to the amount of heavy metal absorption, the morphological and physiological characteristics of plants are also important in phytoremediation, an experiment was designed to investigate some morphological characteristics and fluorescence parameters of chlorophyll and the content of photosynthetic pigments of three plants including C. alternifolius, V. zizanioide and A. vera under two types of urban and industrial wastewater treatments. The results showed that urban and industrial wastewater treatments caused significant changes in all of the examined parameters. The interaction of wastewater and plant species on fresh weight of roots and shoots, dry weight of shoots, F0, Fm, Fv, chlorophyll a, b as well as Chlorophyll a+b were significant and for the other evaluated parameters were not significant. In general, based on this study, regarding the phytoremediation potential of the examined plants, it can be said that in soils polluted with urban wastewater, V. zizanioide and C. alternifolius and in soils polluted with industrial wastewater, V. zizanioide and A. vera were more effective.

In most of the wheat cultivated areas in the world, drought stress during the reproductive stages leads to a significant reduction in grain yield. Therefore, considering the arid and semi-arid climate of this country and the increased population ahead, it is necessary to identify cultivars tolerant to drought and related traits. On this basis, the present study was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2016-2017 cropping year. Experimental treatments included 28 bread wheat cultivars which were cultivated in two different environments (normal conditions and drought stress). GGE bipolates are one of the most accurate and efficient multivariate models. The GT type of this biplot deals with the relationships between traits in genotypes. Based on the results, the vectors in biplot showed that there was a strong and positive correlation between physiological traits such as chlorophyll pigments concentration, carotenoids, chlorophyll index, and relative water content with yield in both normal irrigation and terminal drought conditions. Under stress conditions, the concentration of elements had a negative correlation with yield, but this was with normal irrigation, whereas only microelements had a negative correlation. According to the biplot diagram, Roshan, Pishgam, Zagros, Omid, and Baran genotypes were introduced as the best genotypes for some or all of the traits under drought stress. On the other hand, evaluation of tolerance of genotypes with tolerance indices also showed that MP, GMP and STI indices had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield and therefore Alvand and Omid were identified as tolerant and sensitive genotypes, respectively. According to the present results, G×T biplot and tolerance indices (MP, GMP, and STI) can be a good way to evaluate the superiority of traits and identify tolerant genotypes, and by this way, superior genotypes with high production capacity and desirable traits can be used in drought tolerance breeding programs. Also, photosynthetic pigments and element concentrations can be a good criterion for improving grain yield, especially under stress conditions.

Silicon (Si) is regarded as one of the beneficial nutrient elements for most plants. Si increases the yield and crop quality and plays an important role in plant resistance against the environmental stresses. With science development and nanoparticle production, their application in different industry such as agriculture has gained much atlention. This research was conducted in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications and 4 plants in each replicate. Foliar spray and root application were carried out using 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg L-1 micro- and nano-SiO2 at two growth stages (the first stage in 4-5 leaves of plants and second stage two weeks after first stage). Physiological characteristics including leaf relative water content, leaf and fruit carbohydrate, leaf and fruit nitrate, chlorophyll (a, b, total) and carotenoied and activity of catalase and peroxidase were measured. The results showed that applied treatments did not have any significant effect on leaf relative water content and fruit nitrate, but application of silicon increased significantly leaf and fruit carbohydrate as well as leaf nitrate. Silicon, particularly at the nanoscale, led to a significant increase of chlorophyll a, b and total, but had no significant effect on the amount of carotenoid. Application of silicon led to a significant increase of catalase activity, but had no significant effect on the activity of peroxidase. Totally, application of nano-silicon in comparison with the control and mico-silicon had the positive effects on physiological characteristics of strawberry plants. Overall, in hydroponic culture and greenhouse production of strawberries, according to the results of this research, the application of 60 mg L-1 nano-SiO2 through the root apply method is recommended.

In order to investigate the effect of combined animal-chemical fertilizer and zeolite on the biochemical properties of two cultivars of red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a factorial experiment with three factors in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications was implemented in climatic conditions of Azna city in Lorestan province in spring of 2016 and 2017. Cultivar factor included two cultivars Goli (creeping) and Akhtar (standing); Animal-chemical compound fertilizer agent in five levels including 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 Livestock:chemical ratio and zeolite agent in four levels including non-application of zeolite and consumption of 3, 6 and 9 tons zeolite per hectare. Livestock manure was obtained from rotten sheep manure and chemical fertilizer was obtained from urea. The results showed that with increasing zeolite consumption, shoot proline decreased but grain yield (2199 kg / ha) increased. In both Goli and Akhtar cultivars, the highest amount of shoot iron (375 and 403 mg / kg, respectively), grain iron (102 and 111 mg / kg, respectively) and grain yield (2341 and 2630, respectively) Kg / ha) from 50:50 animal treatment: chemical and six tons per hectare of zeolite was obtained, but the highest potassium content of shoots (1.40 and 1.39%, respectively) in flower cultivar from 0: 100 animal treatment: Chemical and non-use of zeolite; While in Akhtar cultivar, 0: 100 livestock: chemical and six tons per hectare of zeolite were obtained. In total, Akhtar cultivar with the application of 50:50 animal manure: chemical fertilizer and six tons per hectare of zeolite is recommended to achieve maximum grain yield and grain enrichment.

In this study, the effects of application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles under water deficit irrigation stress in the pre-flowering and grain filling stages on wheat were investigated. For this purpose, this plant was sprayed with %0.02 titanium dioxide in tillering and heading stages and some traits such as plant height, leaf area index, number of fertile tillers, number of seeds, 1000 seed weight, biological yield, harvest index, relative leaf water content, total chlorophyll content, proline and malondialdehyde content and ascorbate peroxidase as well as superoxide dismutase activity were examined. The results showed the positive effects of the application of these nanoparticles on the vegetative and reproductive growth of wheat under normal conditions and stress, so that under drought stress increased the number of fertile tillers, increased the number of seeds  and 1000 seed weight was compared with the non-application of nanoparticles under stress conditions.Under normal conditions and low irrigation stress, application of these nanoparticles during tillering had more favorable effects on vegetative and functional characteristics of the plant compared to the clustering time and increased wheat harvest index in drought conditions. On the other hand, the application of titanium nanoparticles effectively reduced the adverse effects of drought stress in the pre-flowering and grain filling periods whereas increased proline activity. Recent events have increased the ability of wheat to withstand drought stress.

Drought is one of the most important environmental factors in reducing canola yield, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran. To Investigate the activity of rapeseed CV. Dhalgan antioxidant enzymes and some biochemical traits under drought stress conditions and foliar application organic growth-regulating and calcium, an experiment as split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications were performed in the Agricultural Research Institute of University of Zabol (Chah Nimeh). Experimental treatments included cut-off irrigation levels based on plant growth stages at three levels I1= control (complete irrigation throughout the growing season), I2= Irrigation up to stem elongation completion, and I3= Irrigation up to silique formation as the main factor and subsidiary factor included foliar application: F1= control (Pure water spray) and foliar application organic growth-regulating and calcium with concentrations of F2 = 0.1, F3 = 0.05, and F4 = 0.03. The increase of drought stress levels from the full irrigation treatment compared to the irrigation up to silique formation and after that irrigation up to stem elongation completion caused an increase in the activity of catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, phenol, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and proteins. and the highest activity of these traits from irrigation up to stem elongation completion combined with spraying at a concentration of 0.1 was obtained. Increased activity of catalase enzyme (82), peroxidase (90), polyphenol oxidase (72), ascorbate peroxidase (76), soluble carbohydrates (75), protein (28), phenol (73), and flavonoids (53) percent in from irrigation up to stem elongation completion combined with spraying at a concentration of 0.1 compared to the control and pure water spray. In general, it seemed that among the experimental treatments by foliar application organic growth-regulating and calcium with concentrations of 0.1 could mitigate the harmful effects of drought by activating the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant system.