نشریه تولیدات گیاهی
سال چهل و ششم شماره 1 (بهار 1402)

Efficient genomic RNA extraction is a basic requirement of molecular biology and the primary step in the study of gene expression. Woody plants are problematic due to the presence of polyphenolics, polysaccharides and other compounds that bind or co-precipitate with the RNA. The present study is to compare different methods of extracting high-quality total RNA in Thomson navel orange. Citrus is one of the most strategic fruits of Iran, finding an efficient and low-cost method is important for executive and molecular works.

Plant materials used to extract total RNA were collected from two different parts of Thomson navel orange peel (consisting of both flavedo and albedo) and pulp from Ghaemshahr Horticultural Research Station, Mazandaran in 2020. Fruits were frozen in liquid nitrogen after sampling and were stored at -80°C until used. These samples were transferred to the laboratory department of horticultural science and engineering, Gorgan where the samples were applied to analyze the molecular expriment. For this study three methods including of: Trizol, Non-column Denazist and RNX-PlusTM were evaluated for total RNA extraction. In order to show the quality and quantity of RNA, were assessed on 1% agarose gel and using a nano drop spectrophotometer with 230, 260 and 280 wavelength. Results were analyzed using a completely randomized design with three replicates, Duncan test with a significance level of 0.05 using SAS 9.0 software.

The result showed a distinct 28S and 18S rRNA bands visible on an agarose gel. The RNA integrity was assessed by the sharpness of ribosomal RNA bands. Also by using this protocols, the absorbance ratio at 260/280 was ranged between 1.80 – 1.93 which indicated there were no protein in the extracted RNA. A ratio A260/ A280 ratio from 2.0 to 2.14 indicated a lack of polysaccharides and phenol contamination. Trizol method, which was significantly different than compared to other methods. This protocol was successfully applied to isolate total RNA from the organ of two section fruit. Generally, the samples with a ratio in the range of ~ 1.9 to 2 revealed high purity of the extracted RNA using Trizol and the average concentration of RNA ranged from 379.90 (ng/µl) of orange peel and 352.15 (ng/µl) of orange pulp, respectively.  And concentration was observed in Non-column Denazist method which treated with the lowest concentration (263.10 ng/µl) of orange pulp.

The Trizol method was the best choice for extraction of high-quality total RNA. In this respect method represented the highest RNA yield and purity from various samples (peel and pulp) of citrus. However, generally peel samples (flavedo and albedo) produced high concentration total RNA.

Tomato is an economical high value product which is used fresh or processed. Having compound such as fibers, vitamin A, vitamin B, lycopene, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and polyphenols in this product leads to prevent the cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Even though biosynthesis and accumulation of this biochemical matter in tomato fruit when growing is affected by the production conditions such as methods of production environmental factors and plant genetics. Tomatoes produced in a closed hydroponic system have better flavor and marketability. This research is done to show the affects to the physical and chemical characteristics and productivity of two greenhouse tomato cultivars in two open and closed systems.

In this research the effects of two open (drip) and closed (modified nutrient film technique) hydroponic systems on physical and chemical characteristics and productivity of two greenhouse tomato cultivars (V4-22 cultivar breaded in Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and Amira cultivar from Rijkzwaan company of Netherland) was studied as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in agricultural faculty of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The information gathered and correlation between characteristics were analyzed statically by MSTAT-C 1.2 software. To compare the means, Duncan's multi domain test in 5% level was used. Some of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics include productivity, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit volume, fruit firmness, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solid, fruit dry matter, lycopene, fruit carotenoids, antioxidant capacity, polyphenols content, concentration of fruit elements such as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium were analyzed.

The results of the experiment showed that the most fruit length, fruit firmness, and calcium concentration were recorded in the plants cultivated in open system and the highest total soluble solid, lycopene, carotenoids and fruit sodium concentration were seen in the closed system. The most antioxidant capacity, polyphenols content, concentration of calcium and sodium were observed in Amira cultivar and the most titratable acidity was recognized in V4-22 cultivar. The maximum yield belonged to V4-22 cultivar (3847/29 g per plant) and minimum yield belonged to Amira cultivar (3648/70 g per plant). The interaction effect of hydroponic system and cultivar on concentration of magnesium and potassium in 1% level and dry matter in 5% level were significantly different. The correlation between Antioxidant capacity, fruit total soluble solids content, vitamin C, lycopene and polyphenols content with potassium concentration was positive and significant.

The results showed that V4-22 cultivar had higher yield than Amira cultivar and this is due to the adaptation of this cultivar to the environmental conditions of Ahvaz greenhouse. In this study, crop yield in both open and closed systems was not significantly different and the closed system increased the quality characteristics of fruit including total soluble solids, lycopene and carotenoids compared to the open system. This can be due to the most availability of nutrient solution in the closed system compared to the open system. The lowest capacity of antioxidant and total polyphenols were obtained in V4-22 cultivar. The decrease in production of these secondary metabolites indicates that this cultivar is more compatible with production conditions.

Dust nowadays has harmful effects on palm trees in different areas. This phenomenon has had a negative effects on the quantity and quality of the date crops. So effect of dust on leaf chlorophyll, stomatal conductance and fruit product percentage in date trees has been investigated.

The study regions were selected by using meteorological data with different dust concentrations. Routak (high dust intensity), Jalqh (medium dust intensity) and Saravan (low dust intensity) were selected. In each of the three regions, five groves and within each grove, 5 palm trees with similar conditions were selected. Leaf chlorophyll traits were measured in two modes without washing and after washing, As well as stomatal conductance of five chosen leaves.

The results showed a significant difference in leaf chlorophyll and stomatal conductance after washing. Saravan region with the least dust had the highest leaf chlorophyll and Routak with high dust concentration had the lowest chlorophyll. Also, the amount of chlorophyll in all three regions in leaf washing conditions was higher than the state of not washing the leaves. Chlorophyll in the region with high concentration of dust is much less than the area with less dust. The mean comparison results show a decrease in stomatal conductivity in areas with high dust concentrations (Routak area). The highest percentage of fruitset (92.98%) was obtained in Saravan region with less dust concentration. The most inferior fruitset (60%) was obtained in the Routak region with high dust concentration. The highest percentage of inoculation (98.85) and the lowest percentage of precipitation (1.14) were obtained in Saravan. The lowest rate of inoculation (89.28) and the highest percentage of shedding (10.17) were obtained in Routak region.

Dust settles on the leaves, closing the stomata, reducing the stomatal conductance and chlorophyll. Severe dust reduces fruitset, fruit formation percentage and increases fruit drop percentage. In general, the obtained results showed the adverse effects of high dust concentration on the studied traits.

Use of biochare and folic acid in a lawns bed can be used as a method for reducing water consumption and also reducing the cost of maintaining green space. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of folic acid and biochare composition on sport lawns under drought stress conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of folic acid and biochare composition on sport lawns under drought stress conditions.

For this purpose, two substances of folic acid (0, 250 and 500 mg L-1) and biochar (0, 20 and 40 g kg-1) after water stress were used at two levels of 100 (full irrigation) and 50 (drought) field capacity percentages. The traits of perspective quality (density, color, texture and coverage), chlorophyll, prolin and N, P, Ca and P elements were measured after the drought stress application. This research was carried out as factorial in a completely randomized design at department of Horticultural Science and Engineering of Arak University in 2018.

The application of biochar at 20 g kg-1 concentrations increased the cover surface in sport turfgrass. It was also determined that drought stress reduced the qualitative characteristics of color, density, texture and coverage, but increased nitrogen levels in the sports turfgrass. In this research, the reduced amount of potassium of leaf tissues by biochar application under drought stress was observed. Although, the increasing of potassium content was observed by using of folic acid treatment under drought stress. Biochar alone at a concentration of 20 g kg-1 increased the amount of grass cover compared to the control. However, the use of biochar in drought stress conditions did not have a positive effect on the studied traits and it even caused a 50% decrease in the amount of potassium under drought stress. In this test, drought stress reduced the characteristics of sports turfgrass, including color, density, texture, and coverage. The use of folic acid under drought stress conditions caused an increase in nitrogen and potassium levels in the studied turfgrass species. However, without the application of folic acid in combination with a concentration of 40 g kg-1 of biochar caused an increase in the amount of calcium compared to the control. When biochar and folic acid were used simultaneously under drought stress conditions, the amount of phosphorus increased compared to the control. Although biochar had a positive effect on the quality of the sports grass coverage, it did not have much effect on increasing the absorption of elements under drought stress. Therefore, the amount of 20 grams of biochar per kilogram of soil is recommended. However, folic acid had positive effect on the quality of the sports grass coverage and increasing the absorption of nutrients under drought stress. Therefore, the concentration of 250 mgL-1 of folic acid is the optimal and effective concentration that is suggested in this research. In general, folic acid is a natural tampon and a suitable chelator with high ion exchange capacity, which increases the absorption of mineral elements in plants and also increases the quality and quantity.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is one of the most important and popular tree nuts in the world. The kernels of this product are rich in oil (more than 50%) and contain linolenic, linoleic and oleic acid, which are essential for the human diet. Pistachio is also one of the important export products that is of strategic importance in the field of non-petroleum exports and currency and its role in the agricultural and national economy is significant and valuable. In addition to its economic value, pistachios are rich in essential nutrients such as phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, unsaturated and tonic fatty acids, the consumption of which has a great impact on health, well-being and community empowerment. The use of biodegradable, edible, and antimicrobial films and coatings as a suitable alternative to synthetic preservatives is important in order to maintain food security and prevent wastage of capital.

This study was performed in 2021 in the Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University and Green Tat Research Garden in Qazvin province. In this experiment, the effect of pre-harvest foliar application of chitosan (0, 500 and 1000 mg/l) and nano- chitosan (0, 250 and 500 mg/l) on the qualitative and sensory characteristics, activity of antioxidant enzymes and shelf life of fresh pistachios 'Ahmad Aghaei' cultivar in four different times (0, 25, 50 and 75 days after harvest) were stored in the cold storage at 4 ±0.5° C and 80% RH. The studied traits included, fruit kernel firmness, weight loss percentage, antioxidant enzyme activity, acid value, peroxide values (PV) and sensory properties were measured at different times.

The results showed that the fruits treated with nano-chitosan 500 mg/l had the highest tissue firmness (8.13 N). The lowest percentage of weight loss was observed in nano-chitosan 250 mg/l treatment on the 25th day (0.14%). The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme in fruits treated with nano-chitosan 500 mg/l also increased. The lowest polyphenol oxidase activity belonged to nano-chitosan 250 mg/l treatment and the highest guaiacol peroxidase activity was observed in chitosan 1000 mg/l treatment. The lowest and highest amount of peroxide values was obtained in the treatment of nano-chitosan 250 mg/l and control, respectively, on days 0 and 75 days after storage. The amount of free fatty acids increased during storage and the increase was slower in chitosan and nano-chitosan treatments, so that the lowest amount of free fatty acids in nano-chitosan treatment was 250 mg/l in day 0 and the highest amount of free fatty acid in control treatment was observed on the 75th day. Fresh pistachios coated with nano-chitosan 500 and 250 mg/liter significantly showed the highest average sensory scores in marketability index, skin appearance, smile and texture crispness compared to the control.

According to the results, it can be stated that the application of nano-chitosan 250 mg/l in the pre-harvest stage, due to maintaining qualitative and sensory characteristics, and increasing the shelf life of fresh pistachios up to 75 days compared to the control, and as a natural and biodegradable compound is recommended.

Bread wheat is the first grain and the most important annual crop in the world. Like other crops, wheat faces many environmental constraints such as a lack of trace elements during its growth period. Zinc deficiency is a common micronutrient disorder in wheat-growing areas of the world. The growing degree-days (GDD) index is reliable compared to the time calendar due to its stability. These indices are important for comparing genotypes whose physiological developmental stages do not match. Temperature is an important meteorological variable in the study of plant growth and development processes and therefore its study on short time scales leads to a more accurate estimate of thermal need due to the relatively wide range of temperature changes in different phenological stages, setting the planting date. Studying the effect of temperature on wheat genotypes should be based on sufficient time and temperature to complete the phenological stages in which grain yield components are formed.

To study the phenological stages, cumulative growing degree-days, and grain yield and its components in 64 spring wheat cultivars under optimal and zinc deficiency conditions, a study was conducted in the 2019-2020 cropping season based on a simple lattice design in the research field of Urmia University, Iran. Phenological stages include the number of days to germination, the number of days to booting, the number of days to pollination, the number of days to physiological maturity, and the grain filling period with their GDDs during the growing season in each pot based on 50% of the samples were determined to have reached the relevant vegetative stage. In addition to phenological stages along with the number of grains per spike, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield were examined.

Analysis of variance revealed that there is a statistically significant difference among all cultivars in terms of all studied traits except the number of days to pollination under optimal and zinc deficiency conditions. According to the results of descriptive statistics, grain yield, the number of grains per spike, and thousand-grain weight decreased and phenological traits increased under zinc deficiency conditions compared to optimal conditions. Among phenological traits, not only the number of days to spike showed relatively high variability but also had a significant relationship with grain yield under zinc deficiency based on the results of correlation and regression analyses. The factor analysis showed that under optimal conditions, the first four components explained 87.81 percent of the total variation, so that the contribution of the first to fourth components were 38.38, 21.52, 15.88, and 12.3 percent. Under zinc deficiency stress conditions, the first five components explained 95.68 percent of the total variation, so that the first to fifth components explained 34.62, 18.48, 17.51, 14.66, and 10.40 percent, respectively. Cluster analysis classified all spring wheat cultivars into three and four clusters under optimal and zinc deficiency stress conditions.

Based on the results of cluster analysis under optimal and zinc deficiency stress conditions, Neishabour, Golestan, and Gahar cultivars were identified as desirable and tolerant cultivars that can be used in future breeding programs. The results of cluster analysis were confirmed by results of canonical discriminant function results

Seedling germination and establishment are one of the most sensitive stages of plant life that play a role in plant production, proper plant establishment, plant density, and uniformity and management goals. Osmotic stress has a significant effect on germination percentage and rate. Salicornia persica is an annual halophyte plant that can grow in saline environments. According to the studies and the importance of determining the tolerances of salinity and drought tolerance in germination and plant establishment, this study aimed to investigate the effect of osmotic potentials of polyethylene glycol and sodium chloride on germination and fit of time-moisture and time-salinity models of Salicornia seeds.

In order to investigate the effect of osmotic potentials caused by polyethylene glycol and sodium chloride on germination and fit of Hydrotime and Halotime models of Salicornia seeds, two experiments were conducted based on a completely randomized design at Yasouj University in 2020. The first experimental in drought stress treatments included 13 levels of osmotic potential (zero, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9, -1.2, -1.5, -1.8, -21, -2.4, -2.7, -3, 3.3 and -3.6 MPa) which were made of polyethylene glycol 6000 and second in salinity stress included 13 levels of sodium chloride concentration that was iso-osmotic with first experiment (Zero, 62, 122, 187, 249, 311, 368, 435, 498, 560, 622, 684 and 745 mM). After the end of the germination period, the characteristics of germination rate and percentage were calculated and the hydrotime model was used to describe the relationship between germination and water potential, and the halotime model was used to describe the relationship between germination and salinity. To select the best model among the osmotic potentials, root mean square parameters and R2 were used.

The results of mean comparison of effect of osmotic potentials on the percentage of germination showed that in PEG and NaCl treatment, it was almost 100% up to the level of -1.2 and -1.5 MPa, respectively, and after that, a decreasing trend was observed, so that at the level of -3.3 MP showed a decrease of about 90 and 85%, respectively. The output results of the models showed that the coefficient of the hydrotime and halotime models were 96.8 MPa.h and 16181.87 mM.h, respectively, and the drought and salinity tolerance thresholds were -3.28 MPa and 714.62 mM, respectively. The halotime model quantified the germination of Salicornia seeds better than the hydrotime model. Drought stress limits the absorption of water by seeds and affects germination by reducing the movement and transfer of seed reserves or by directly affecting the structure and synthesis of protein in the embryo. Salinity increases the osmotic pressure of the solution and reduces water absorption through the seeds. On the other hand, high salinity causes toxicity and disturbs the ionic balance and reduces seed germination by affecting the vital interactions of the seed.

The rate of decrease in germination rate and percentage in drought stress was higher than salinity stress. Based on the results of this study, using the halotime model in biological studies of halophyte plants under osmotic stress, the tolerance threshold and the time required for germination at different salt concentrations can be well determined.

Increasing the yield of agricultural products per unit area is very important for preparing the food needed by the growing population of the country. One of the solutions is to add fertilizers in different forms and compositions to the soil to increase crop yield and strengthen soil fertility. Far away has been common all over the world.

In order to investigate the effect of different levels of camel manure and manganese sulfate on growth and yield and yield components of Setaria italic, a factorial experiment in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2009-2010 in Abuzar well cultivated lands. Khosf city was implemented. Experimental treatments included: camel manure at three levels (0, 10 and 20 t / ha) and manganese sulfate at four levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha).

The results of statistical analysis of the data showed that different levels of manure and manganese sulfate and the interaction between them had a significant effect on biological yield, number of grains per panicle and grain yield. So that the highest values ​​of the above indices were observed in the treatment of manure 20 tons per hectare and 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. The highest and lowest number of panicles were obtained in the treatment of 20 tons of camel manure and the application of 30 kg/ha of manganese sulfate and the control treatment without the use of camel manganese and manganese sulfate. The length of the panicle was also affected by the main effects of manure and manganese sulfate. So that the maximum panicle length was obtained in the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of manure and the treatment of 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. The effect of manure levels on number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per plant and number of plants per square meter was significant, but other effects had no significant effect on these traits and the highest number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per plant and number of plants In the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure were obtained per square meter. The main effects of different levels of manure and manganese sulfate at the level of one percent probability had a significant effect on 1000-grain weight and millet harvest index, but the interaction of these factors did not have a significant effect on these traits. The highest 1000-seed weight was observed in the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure and the treatment of 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. Also, the highest harvest index was related to the treatment of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure and also the highest harvest index was obtained from the consumption of 60 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate.

Finally, it can be concluded that the best treatments in this experiment were the use of 20 tons per hectare of camel manure and 90 kg per hectare of manganese sulfate. In fact, manure improves plant growth by gradually providing elements and using micronutrients. The use of manure is one of the appropriate solutions to achieve ecological agriculture that can increase agricultural production and due to the fact that most of the soils of South Khorasan province are calcareous and manganese deficient, the use of this element can be Help to remove this limitation and increase plant yield.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) as one of the medicinal plants has an important role in human health. Weeds control is very important to achieve optimal yield in agro-ecosystems. The competitive ability relationship between plant and weeds is determined by the species' biological traits and environmental conditions such as space, light, water, and nutrient availabilities. Fertilizers play a significant role in the competition between crops and weeds in agriculture. Responses of weeds and crops to fertilizer application could be different, but many weeds tend to respond better than crop species to the high availability of nutrients. Also, the kind of fertilizer (chemical and organic) can affect crop-weed competition. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate interference and weeds control periods in the application of chemical and organic fertilizers on the yield and yield components of garlic in Ramhormoz climate.

A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was carried out in Ramhormoz during 2019—2020 growing season. The first factor included nutritional management (chemical and organic) and the second factor included 12 treatments of interference and control period of weeds (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120 and 160 days). Chemical nutrition management includes the application of urea (46% application preplanting and after emergence) and Triple superphosphate (46% application preplanting) and Organic management, including the application of cattle compost and inoculation with Mycorrhiza.

The results of analysis of variance revealed that the effect of nutritional management on height of garlic wasn’t significant and on other traits garlic (Bulb diameter, bulb weight, Number of cloves per bulb, Biological yield and yield bulb) and weeds (narrow leaf dry biomass, Broad leaves dry biomass and Total weeds dry biomass) was significant. Periods of Weed Interference and Control weed treatments on all measured traits of garlic and weeds were significant. No interaction effects of nutrition and weed management treatments on the studied traits were observed. There was a significant difference between chemical and organic nutrition management, most of the yield traits and yield components of garlic were higher in organic application than chemical fertilizers. Also, the narrow leaf biomass, broadleaf, and total weeds in chemical application in comparison to organic fertilizers increased by 11.5%, 9%, and 10.5%, respectively. During the interval period for 120 days, garlic yield decreased by 100% and with the increase of control period (control in all growing seasons), bulb yield reached the highest value (3230 g.m-2). In weed control treatment for 20 days, bulb yield decreased by more than 86% compared to weed control treatment throughout the growing season. It seems that organic fertilizers with gradual release of nutrients could affect the competition of garlic with weeds, and by using organic fertilizers, the dry weight of weeds was less than chemical fertilizers.

The results indicated that due to the presence of weeds and the poor competitive ability of garlic against weeds, the field must be controlled for a long time and the use of manure fertilizer for organic agriculture and increasing soil organic matter is recommended.

Dandelion with the scientific name (Taraxacum sp.) from the Asteraceae family is one of the common weeds of turfgrasses and pastures. Post-growth control of weeds in established turfgrasses is crucial and ignoring it severely damages the aesthetic aspect of turfgrass. Chemical methods are commonly used to control weeds in established turfgrass (Karimmojeni et al., 2012). The use of herbicides helps in the management of weed control in damaged turf fields along with non-chemical methods such as correct mowing height, effective irrigation, sufficient fertilization, and timely weeding. Perennial broad-leaf weeds can be selectively controlled with herbicides. U-46 Combi Fluid, Duplosan super, and Ioxynil are suitable herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds in narrow-leaf fields.

In order to control the dandelion in Kentucky bluegrass turf, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications and 9 treatments in September 2022, at the green space of Shahrekord University. Replications included 1×1 m2 plots and the factors included two herbicides of U46-Combi Fluid and Duplosan Super and their interaction with Ioxynil. All selected plots were infested with dandelion weed. The treatments included U46-combi fluid at two levels of 1.5 and 2 L ha-1 (U1.5 and U2), Duplosan Super at two levels of 2 and 2.5 L ha-1 (D2 and D2.5), their interaction with Ioxynil herbicide at two levels (0 and 2 L ha-1) (I0 and I2), and the control (use of distilled water instead of herbicide). U-46 Combi Fluid and Duplosan Super herbicide treatments were applied at the end of September. Then, Ioxynil was applied 10 days after the first spraying. Finally, 15 days later, the effect of the treatments on the biomass characteristic of the dandelion shoots and the visual quality of turfgrass were recorded. After 50 days, the last spraying, the percentage of regrowth, herbicide control efficiency, and the biomass of turfgrass shoot were measured during the experiment. Variance analysis of data was done using SAS 9.1 statistical program and the comparison of means was conducted using LSD test (P≤0.05).

The results showed the lowest fresh and dry weight of dandelion and the highest efficiency of herbicide were found in treatments U2 + I2 and D2.5+ I2. However, these treatments had not significantly different from D2+I2 and U1.5+I2 treatments. The lowest percentage of regrowth was obtained in D2 + I2. The highest fresh weight of turfgrass was found in the control which had no significant difference with D2 + I2 and U1.5 + I2. Moreover, total chlorophyll in turfgrass leaves was improved by removing weeds. The amount of chlorophyll a, b, and total was higher in the U1.5 treatment than in other treatments. Therefore, improving the greenness of turf could be due to more light being provided to turf leaves as a result of dandelion leaf removal or positive physiological effects of 2,4-D or MCPA. There were no differences among treatments for total chlorophyll, carotenoid, visual quality, dry weight of turfgrass, and dandelion control percentage. Therefore, D2 + I2 and U1.5 + I2 can be recommended, due to the higher fresh turf weight, the good control of dandelion, and the low rate of regrowth of weed. 

Application of Duplosan Super and then Ioxynil, both with a concentration of 2.0 L ha-1 and/or U-46 Combi Fluid with a concentration of 1.5 L ha-1 and then Ioxynil with a concentration of 2.0 L ha-1 treatments are recommended due to the high weight of turfgrass, the reasonable control of dandelions, and their reduction of regrowth. In addition, leaf chlorophyll of Kentucky bluegrass treated with of U-46 Combi Fluid with a concentration of 1.5 L ha-1 was higher than in other treatments. It also had a higher turfgrass fresh weight than the 2.0 L ha-1 of U-46 Combi Fluid treatment. Duplosan Super (2.5 L ha-1) and then Ioxynil (2.0 L ha-1) treatment led to a decrease in turfgrass fresh weight compared to the same treatment without Ioxynil. In conclusion, Ioxynil concentrations at high levels did not cause visible damage, but had adverse effects on turfgrass growth, suggesting that a lower dose should be studied.

Ophrys schulzei Bornm. & Fleischm is an orchid species which its underground organ is harvested and has numerous applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The population of this orchid species in the natural habitat has been greatly reduced and is at risk of extinction due to the low germination percentage, required specific ecological conditions and also overharvesting. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate different propagation methods in order to approach ex situ conservation, domestication and cultivation of this plant species. Vegetative propagation of orchids is difficult, time-consuming and expensive, and also a small number of propagules can be obtained from each mother plant. Sexual propagation in ex vitro condition is also difficult due to low endosperm of orchid seeds, undifferentiated embryo and need to symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi. Therefore, it seems that in vitro seed germination is the most suitable method for producing orchid seedlings. The most important and crucial step in seedlings mass production is selecting appropriate growth media for in vitro cultivation. Therefore, in this research, the effect of different culture media on the germination and seedling growth of Ophrys schulzei was studied.  

In this research, germination, protocorm formation and growth indices of Ophrys schulzei seedlings were evaluated in 5 different culture media including Malmgren, Orchimax, P723,  and . At first, the seeds were sown in the mentioned culture media and transferred to the growth chamber with 25ºC and dark conditions. After germination, they were placed in a refrigerator at 4ºC for two weeks. At the end of two weeks, the culture containers were placed in the growth chamber with 25ºC and light conditions 16/8 h (light/dark). After 12 months from seed sowing, the mentioned factors were evaluated. This research was conducted as a completely randomized design with 5 replications at Research Center of Medicinal Plants Breeding and Development of University of Kurdistan, in 2019-2022.

The highest (25.26%) and lowest (0%) germination percentage were observed in Malmgren and Orchimax culture media, respectively. Protocorms were appeared earlier in the Malmgren medium than other media (19.33 days after seed sowing). Protocorms on  medium were stayed in initial form, and no significant development was observed. Protomeristems were appeared earlier in Malmgren medium compared to P723 and  (105.66 days after seed sowing). There was no significant difference between P723 and  in terms of protomeristem appearance time (1/4 B5 148.33 and P723 159 days after seed sowing). Seedlings were formed only in P723, Malmgren and  culture media. The highest protocorm weight (0.12 g) was belonged to the Malmgren culture medium, and the highest root length (21.44 mm), root weight (0.19 g), aerial weight (0.05 g), seedling length (45.98 mm) and seedling weight (0.37 g) were belonged to the seedlings grown in P723 medium. In terms of the number of roots and shoot length, no significant differences were observed between the three culture media.  

In general, among the studied culture media, Malmgren and P723 were determined the most suitable culture media for production of Ophrys schulzei seedlings.

Among various non-biological stresses, drought stress is the most important factor that has limited production in the agricultural sector of the country (Akhzari and Pessarakli, 2016). Today, the supply of oilseeds for the extraction of vegetable oils needed for various industrial, edible, medicinal and cosmetic uses is one of the basic needs of the current population growth (Beynam, 2015). Balangu (Lallemantia iberica L.) is an annual, herbaceous and drought-resistant plant belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). With medicinal-oil properties, it is considered a multi-purpose plant in agriculture (Hendawy et al., 2015). In order to check and predict the phenological stages of the planted plants in an area, the relationship between the phenological stages and the thermal factor should be considered. For this purpose, thermal units of growth degree days (GDD) are used to check the amount of heat needed to pass each growth stage of plants (Kumari et al., 2020). In plants under drought stress, where the absorption of nutrients through the root faces a problem due to the decrease in soil water volume, the absorption of micronutrients such as iron and zinc can be effective through foliar spraying. (Rafique et al., 2015). In the conditions of lack of water resources, like what is happening in our country, it is necessary to change the agricultural pattern towards planting plants adapted to dry land, as well as ways to increase yield per unit area. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the development of Balangu planting and the role of foliar application of iron and zinc micronutrients on phenology and the adjustment of stress effects.

This research was conducted in the research farm of Razi University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kermanshah during two consecutive years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) as a split-plot-factorial experiment in the form of a basic randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental treatments include: irrigation (Water deficit after flowering and Normal) in the main plots, foliar spray factors (zero, four and eight per thousand concentrations of iron and zinc sulfate) and foliar application time (at the beginning of the vegetative and reproductive growth stage) were factorially placed in sub-plots. The seeds (native population of Songhor region of Kermanshah province) were planted manually at a depth of two centimeters and with a density of 400 plants per square meter in a row at the first appropriate time in late March of 2017 and 2018. Application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash fertilizers was based on need. Dehydration stress was applied by stopping irrigation from the time of full flowering (opening of 50% of flowers).

The results showed that, with the application of water stress, the seed yield and oil yield decreased by 24% and 17%, respectively, and the oil percentage increased by 8% compared to the treatment without water stress. Also, water deficit stress reduced the number of days and heat requirement to maturity by 10 days and 275 growth days degree, respectively. The greatest increase in oil yield compared to the treatment without foliar spraying (control) was related to the 4 and 8 per thousand zinc foliar treatments in reproductive stage and under stress conditions, which increased these traits from 339 and 283 respectively in conditions Lack of stress and water deficit stress increased to 539 and 513 kg/ha. The greatest effect of iron and zinc foliar application treatments on increasing plant height and the number of days and heat requirement to maturity stage was related to 4 and 8 per thousand iron and zinc foliar application in the vegetative growth stage.

In the present study, it can be concluded that the Balangu having adaptability, suitable production, relatively short growth period and matching the length of the growth period with the rainfall of the study area, and it can be considered as a common plant for rotation in this region. Foliar application of iron and zinc micronutrient elements should be used by farmers to moderate the effects of water deficit stress, taking into account its small and economical amounts.