Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume:26 Issue: 2, Mar 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, labor and machine use on wheat yield. The data used in the study were obtained from 177 wheat producers in Diyarbakir Province through a questionnaire, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) were used in the analysis of the data. According to the results, the average wheat yield is 5482.03 kg ha-1, and 294.75 kg of seeds, 550.73 kg of fertilizer, 3.59 hours of machinery, 5.37 hours of labor and 2662.43 cc of pesticides were used per hectare for wheat production. According to the results of the ANN analysis, the relative importance of inputs affecting wheat yield was quantified, with the use of pesticides and fertilizer having the most significant impacts. Specifically, the sensitivity coefficients for pesticide use and fertilizer use were found to be 0.23 and 0.14, respectively. These coefficients represent the relative change in wheat yield per unit change in the input parameters.

Identifying and prioritizing the key economic activities has a significant role in economic planning and policy-making, therefore, diverse methods have been developed and presented for this purpose. Besides, nowadays, pollution is also one of the globally critical issues. The aim of this study was to determine the key activities of the agricultural sector by considering carbon emission limitations, using numerical taxonomy methods, demand-driven (Leontief) and supply-driven (Ghosh) models, row and column multiplier, backward and forward dispersion index, carbon emission rate, profitability index and the ratio of water consumption value to value-added. Using numerical taxonomy methods, demand-driven, and supply-driven models, increasing row and column coefficients show that beekeeping and its associated activities are at the highest rank. The results obtained by using these models and backward and forward dispersion indexes show that forestry is also a key activity. These results and analysis of carbon emissions data indicate that the sub-sector forestry and beekeeping activities, which are located in the sub-sector of animal breeding, emit less carbon and create high value-added products.

The poultry industry is one of the most important agricultural subsectors, significantly contributing to protein supply and holding a unique position in terms of production and employment. To expand and boost profitability in this industry, it is important to analyze the economic factors of production, so that the factors influencing the rise in productivity of broiler production units may properly be recognized. As a result, the effective factors on the productivity of the Arian broiler sector in Iran's Kurdistan Province were investigated and prioritized in the current study. In order to evaluate the productivity of the industry, four main factors including human capital, economic, technical, and environmental variables were evaluated. The DEMATEL-ANP integrated approach was then used to determine the relative weights of the factors. The results revealed that the human capital component had the highest impact and the economic component was identified as the most influential factor among the other factors. Furthermore, the economic indicator had the highest priority, with a weight of 0.17. Of the 29 research components (sub-criteria), the "broiler farmer experience", with a weight of 0.042, exerted the greatest impact on the productivity of the province's broiler sector. The "feed cost", "day-old chicks cost", and "health care cost" ranked the second to fourth, respectively. According to the findings, more attention should be devoted to the production chain, such as input production and poultry vaccinations, in order to accomplish and also enhance productivity in the broiler industry.

The purpose of this research was to analyze the effective factors of sustainable agricultural development in Khuzestan Province, Iran, through qualitative method. To achieve the objectives of the research, semi-structured interviews and brainstorming techniques were used to collect data, and triangulation was used to evaluate the validity of qualitative findings. In order to implement the qualitative method, three types of open, axial, and selective coding were used. MAXqda12 software was used to analyze the collected data. Based on the qualitative analysis, 127 initial codes with 1,785 repetitions with 42 sub-categories in 4 main categories were identified: Strength, Weakness, Threats and Opportunities. By strengthening strengths and taking advantage of opportunities, we can reduce weaknesses and get rid of threats. Using the obtained results by planners will pave the way for sustainable agricultural development in Khuzestan Province, Iran.

Beekeeping on rangelands is considered as a key approach for sustaining pastoral livelihood and reducing pressure on grazing lands. Previous studies are mostly focused on the ecological contributors of apiculture and the social criteria are not treated in much detail. The current research, therefore, uses the case of Sarayan Arid Rangelands in northeast Iran to examine the importance of social capital in adaptation of beekeeping as a pastoral livelihood diversification strategy. Through a random sampling procedure, 180 herders were selected in the study area. Questionnaires were used to collect data on trusts, collaboration, and solidarity as the main determinants of social capital and also herders' interests in beekeeping. Stepwise linear regression method was employed to estimate the relation between herders' interest in beekeeping and their social capital. The results show that about 33% in variance of motivation on beekeeping as a livelihood diversification strategy could be explained by the cooperation, trust, and solidarity among the rangeland users. Therefore, it is vital to introduce policies and measures to support collaboration and social networks among the rangeland users.

The aims of this investigation were to compare the accuracy and bias of prediction of Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) for Average Daily Gain (ADG) at 2-4 weeks old by employing pedigree-based BLUP and single-step Genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) techniques. Additionally, the study aimed to identify the optimal minor allele frequencies (MAF) threshold for pre-selecting SNPs for genetic prediction. The present investigation utilized a total of 488 F2 broiler chickens, which were derived from the crossbreeding of fast-growing Arian chickens and slow-growing native chickens from Urmia, Iran. These chickens were between 2-4 weeks old at the time of the study. Samples were genotyped using the Illumina 60K chicken Beadchip. In order to examine the impact of MAF on prediction accuracy, a total of 48,379 quality-controlled SNPs were categorized into five subgroups based on their MAF values: 0.05-0.1, 0.1-0.2, 0.2-0.3, 0.3-0.4, and 0.4-0.5. The findings substantiated the dominance of ssGBLUP over conventional BLUP techniques. The average accuracy of GP improved by 1.96, 3.87, and 2.12% using ssGBLUP compared to BLUP method for ADG at 2-4 weeks of age, respectively. Using a specific MAF bin and a subset of SNPs based on age group significantly enhanced the accuracy of genomic prediction for ADG traits. Current results highlighted that the pre-selection of SNPs based on allele frequency may provide a reasonable compromise between accuracy of results, number of independent variables to be considered and computing requirements.

Kinnow mandarin fruit possesses high nutraceutical value, but it exhibits heavy loss in antioxidant quality during long-term storage. The effect of sodium alginate coating and combination of Sodium Alginate (SA) and Neem Leaf Extract (NLE) coatings was evaluated on cold stored Kinnow fruits. The results revealed that fruits applied with composite coating exhibited slower decline in the levels of phenols (7.89%), flavonoids (16.8%) and carotenoid content (6.64%) during the storage as compared to the control. Coated fruits also retained better antioxidant activity as compared to the control during storage period. In addition, SA +NLE coating reduced the spoilage, loss in weight, loss of juice content, acidity and vitamin C in the Kinnow fruits. Similarly, at the end of 75 days storage period, maximum TA, TSS, juice content, Ascorbic acid, carotenoid content, TPC, TFC and anti-oxidant activity was maintained in 2% SA + 20% NLE coating, hence being the most effective coating.

Lower winter temperatures may negatively affect winter survival by preventing maximum cold acclimation before freezing temperatures. The process of cold acclimation requires adaptation to both light and low temperatures, depending on the duration of exposure. Accordingly, research is needed to identify strategies to promote cold acclimation and increase freezing tolerance. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate whether a shorter or more extended preconditioning cold treatment can improve the cold hardiness of hollyhock and its threshold of winter hardiness. The results showed that both 14 (CP1) and 28 days of Cold Preconditioning (CP2) decreased electrolyte loss, increased the activity of SOD, CAT, and APX enzymes, inhibited accumulation of Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and delayed the increase of Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while non-acclimated plants experienced a decrease in MDA. No difference was observed in antioxidant activity and photosynthetic parameters between CP1 and CP2. Although proline and water-soluble sugar contents were higher in plants subjected to 28 days of cold preconditioning than in those treated for 14 days, no significant difference was found in survival percentage. Low temperatures decreased photosynthetic parameters, while increasing leaf contents of Abscisic Acid (ABA) and phenolic. The results suggested that 14-day cold preconditioning could be used to increase cold tolerance for non-acclimated hollyhocks to grow in the field at -4°C.

Exploitation of heterosis is one of the potential means for improvement of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum L.) that can further be utilized for identification of desirable recombinants. Promising hybrids could be acceptable to growers of tropical and subtropical climates if it is a high yielder with attractive fruit colour and blocky shape. Seven diverse parents were selected through multivariate analysis and were crossed in half diallel mating design to determine the extent of heterosis, mode of gene action, combining ability effects, and dominance estimates for 18 quantitative characters. Expression of fruit colour and shape at physiological maturity stage in the F1 generation indicated the dominance of red coloured group over other fruit colour groups and dominance of blocky fruit shape over elongate and round fruit shape. Preponderance of non-additive gene action for most of the characters under study suggested the usefulness of exploitation of hybrid vigour. Three genotypes, 8/4, C/4, and Baby Bell were found most promising donors. The hybrids, Arya×Baby Bell, 8/4×Baby Bell and C/4×8/4 were identified as promising based on per se performance, heterosis manifested, and relevance of specific combining ability effects, for possible commercialization under low cost protected structure of tropical and subtropical climates after critical testing. Partial to over dominance response in inheritance of most traits contributed to the genetic basis of heterosis. Isolation of pure lines from the segregating generation of heterotic hybrids emerged as a promising approach to develop line-bred variety having improved fruit yield and quality.

This study was conducted to determine whether Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) [ROOTS-novozymes endo-mycorrhiza fungus (Glomus spp.)] increase salt stress tolerance. The effects of mycorrhiza inoculation and salt on root and stem development, mineral nutrition, enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation levels in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plant was investigated. These effects were explored in pepper plants grown under greenhouse conditions in a randomized block design. Four different doses of salt (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl) were applied to the soil-filled pots, in addition to two different doses of mycorrhiza (0 and 100 spore mycorrhiza plant-1). It was found that the root and stem dry weights of pepper plants were greatly reduced in the non-mycorrhiza treatments, whereas the presence of mycorrhiza ameliorated these negative effects. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents of AMF treated pepper were higher than non-mycorrhizal plants. Owing to the presence of AMF colonization, nutrient uptake was increased and, consequently, the nutrient contents of stem and root tissues of mycorrhizal inoculated plants were enhanced as well. On the other hand, the root and stem enzyme activity of plants increased with salinity. AMF inoculation decreased SOD, CAT, POD and AxPOD enzymes of plant and the MDA and H2O2 contents, indicating lower oxidative damage in the inoculated plants. Our results showed that AMF can contribute to protect plants against salinity by alleviating the salt induced oxidative stress and arranging the ion balance in plant via increasing nutrient uptake in saline soils.

Citrus is one of the most important fruits whose growth performance and production is significantly affected by environmental stresses. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity and alkaline pH, strikingly limit citrus growth and development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of four NaCl concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 mM) and two pH levels (6.5 and 8.2) on some of morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters of two citrus rootstocks (Sour orange and Bakraei rootstocks). The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. The results showed that the value of shoot dry weight, fresh and dry weight of roots, and transpiration were significantly decreased in both Bakraei and Sour orange rootstocks when receiving irrigation with 90 mM supplement of salinity at pH= 8.2. Proline and carbohydrates of citrus rootstocks were considerably increased by increasing the levels of salinity (90 mM NaCl) and alkaline stress (pH= 8.2) in each rootstock, at which condition the photosynthesis rate of Sour orange and Bakraei also declined by 34.77 and 50.80%, respectively. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were increased by 57.42, 42.10, and 45.86% in Sour orange rootstock and 42.04, 26.78, and 37.92% in Bakraei rootstock, respectively. Overall, it can be concluded that the growth performance of Sour orange rootstock is more suitable than Bakraei to tolerate salt-alkali conditions.

The presence of genetic diversity leads to better adaptation of plants to different environments and enables researchers to select superior genotypes adapted to given culture conditions. In order to estimate the genetic diversity of eggplant, 22 accessions were obtained from the INRAe vegetable germplasm center and the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran and were planted in horticultural science station of University of Tehran, Karaj, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The number of flowers per plant and number of fruits per plant were higher in the MM00007 and FLT02 accessions, respectively. The maximum leaf area (190 cm2 plant-1) was recorded for MM 01597. Accessions FLT46, MM 0064, MM 00108 bis MM 01597 and MM 01010 revealed high variations in root characters. Higher number of root tips and maximum number of roots were assigned for FLT46, and average root orientation and steep root angle frequency for MM 01597 and MM 01010. The correlation of root angles frequency and root number could possibly be exploited in selection programs as factors indirectly involved in increasing yield and the number of flowers per plant. Based on all evaluated traits, genotypes FLT10, MM 01597, MM 01010, FLT46, and FLTE9012 could be used as parents for future eggplant breeding programs due to their desirable agricultural traits.

This study was carried out to determine the genetic variability and the relationship between twenty traits for nut yield in fourteen cashew genotypes. The genotypes show considerable variation, and nut yield tree-1 had the highest genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation. The number of nuts panicle-1, kernel weight and nut yield tree-1 all had substantial heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean. Plant height, canopy spread, leaf size, flowering intensity, length of inflorescence, percentage fruit set, number of nuts panicle-1, nut weight, shell thickness, kernel weight, apple weight and TSS of juice all showed a significant positive association with nut yield tree-1. Path analysis revealed that the main factors influencing nut yield tree-1 were canopy spread (east-west direction), apple weight, length of the inflorescence and the number of nuts panicle-1. The information on these statistical metrics would be useful in identifying genotypes with greater yield potential that can be used in the cashew improvement program.

Larvae of numerous Noctuidae and Nolidae species have significant annual economic losses in agriculture. DNA-based diagnostics have been proposed as an effective way to accelerate the identification and discovery of new species. This study aimed to determine the utility of up to 642 bp Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI) barcodes for identifying 12 major Iranian Noctuidae and Nolidae crop pests and confirming morphological identifications based on classical taxonomy. We combined molecular and morphological analysis to identify 53 specimens collected from populations throughout Iran. The results indicated the presence of a distinct barcode gap for different pest species. The mean interspecific sequence divergence (Kimura 2-parameter) was an order of magnitude (10.0%) greater than the mean intraspecific sequence divergence (0.29%). This combination of DNA and morphological analyses identified 13 species, one of which was previously unknown and may represent a new previously overlooked Earias species. There were no, or very few, sequences from Iran in international databases for some of the test species. Here, we increase the number of specimens from Iran and aid in taxonomic interpretation. The current study will aid in the identification of the most common Noctuidae and Nolidae major pest species in Iran, regardless of the observer’s taxonomic skills, developmental stage of the vouchers, as well as sex, or insect preservation condition. Our data enables researchers and practitioners involved in the bio-surveillance of insect pests to identify taxa based on simple DNA sequence comparisons quickly. DNA barcoding in conjunction with morphological identifications can provide secondary evidence supporting morphological identifications and improve taxonomic resolution.

Fusarium Oxysporum f. sp. Ciceris (FOC) is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt, a destructive and widespread disease of chickpea. Rapid and accurate identification and detection of plant pathogens are essential for timely Disease Management (DM) strategies with appropriate measures. This study aimed to quantitatively determine FOC by using Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technique with specific primer pairs [Histone (H3) and Ribosomal (J5)] in seed, root, and root collar, and to discriminate it from other pathogenic fungi [Fusarium Oxysporum formae speciales (FO f. sp.) and Ascocyhta rabiei]. Total RNAs were isolated, converted to cDNAs (limit of 5 ng/rxn.-0.05 pg/rxn.) and used as template for qPCR studies. The FOC was detected in plant samples starting from the first day after inoculation. The FOC was detected in root, root collar and seed samples and was differentiated by qPCR assay from other pathogenic fungi. Melting curves, in which no primer dimers and non-specific complementation were observed, presented a single peak. Quantification was successfully performed using specific H3 and J5 primer pairs (P< 0.05), and the FOC was distinguished from other pathogenic fungi with J5 primer (P< 0.05). The results of these studies may support the development of new biochemical and molecular methods that allow direct, faster and more accurate determination of pathogens. Thus, it will also enable us to reduce the losses caused by diseases and the costs of DM.

To increase the agricultural profit, an experiment was conducted at the Scientific Agricultural Research Center (SARC) at Salamiyah, Syria. The experiment aimed to estimate the optimum irrigation level that maximizes productivity as well as the black cumin's quality local quality standards under experimental conditions. The irrigation treatments were 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the Potential Evapotranspiration (ETP) based on Class-A pan evaporation. The treatments were denoted as B, C, D and E, respectively. The no-irrigation treatment (A) was considered as control. Irrigation water was applied by a drip system. The A-E treatments were designed and implemented using complete randomized block design (CRBD) with four replications. The actual Evapotranspiration (ETa) was calculated after calibration of soil using SPAW software. Furthermore, crop yield, Irrigation Water Use Efficiency (IWUE), yield response factor (ky) and some parameters (period of growth stage, date of flowering…etc.) were studied during 2018-2019 successive growth seasons. Results showed that irrigation could be scheduled using some equations and Class-A pan evaporation. Moreover, the vegetative growth parameters flourished virtually and significantly by comparing higher and lower irrigation levels. However, Irrigation Water Use Efficiency (IWUE) values increased by reducing the applied irrigation water. Treatment B recorded the highest IWUE value (2.4 kg ha-1 mm-1), but key values remained less than 1.0, indicating that the plant tolerates drought. Furthermore, treatment C scored the top-seed (130.6%) concerning the profit/total costs ratio. Finally, based on the results, we recommend that irrigation should not be more than 75% and not less than 25% of the ETP.