نشریه علوم آب و خاک (علوم و فنون کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی)
سال دهم شماره 3 (پیاپی 37، پاییز 1385)

Because of slight variation of the static head due to discharge fluctuations, the labyrinth weirs are considered to be economical structures for flood control and water level regulation in irrigation networks, as compared to other devices. Labyrinth weirs are composed of folded sections observed as trapezoidal and triangular in plan view. In this study, rectangular and U-shaped labyrinth weirs were investigated. Experiments were conducted on 15 labyrinth weir models. The models included eight rectangular labyrinth models and six U-shaped labyrinth models with different heights and lengths, and one linear model. All the experiments were performed in a horizontal rectangular flume, 7 m long, 0.32 m wide and 0.35 m high. The results indicated that for all the models, discharge coefficient increased sharply with an increase in Ht/P and attained a maximum value. This coefficient then decreased smoothly with a further increase in Ht/P. Increasing height of weirs increased the discharge coefficient for both rectangular and U-shaped weirs. The results also showed that increasing the length parallel to the flow direction decreased and increasing the length perpendicular to the flow direction increased the discharge coefficient. Generally, the discharge coefficient for rectangular weir was less than that of the U-shaped weir. The obtained results compared with those of Tullis et al. (1995) showed that discharge coefficient for U-shaped weir is more and for rectangular weir is less than that of the trapezoidal weir for angle of the side legs of 8 and 12 degrees.

In the present research, for the development of Fars province minimum temperature atlas, minimum daily temperature data of 20 evaporative stations of Fars Regional Water Organization and five synoptic stations of Fars Meteorological Organization were used. At first, two starting times were selected for all of the stations. The first was the first day of Farvardin for analyzing the spring frost and the secend was the first day of Mehr for analyzing the autumn and winter frost. Also, the temperature range of 0 to –1.5 was classified as mild frost or freeze, the temperature range of -1.5 to –3 as the moderate frost or freeze and temperature below –3 as severe frost or freeze. The data of minimum temperatures, the first and the last days in which the three temperature ranges occurred and the day of the lowest temperature based on the two starting times were recorded. The selected number of days (dates) were fitted to the distribution functions by SMADA software and the best distribution function was identified using the statistical parameter Root Mean Square. The best fitted distribution functions were Pearson type III and log Pearson type III. Then, based on the fitted distribution function, the number of days for the occurrence of the first and last frost and number of days for the occurrence of the first lowest temperature were determined at 50 and 70% probability levels. Finally, each of these occurrence dates was plotted with Surfer software using the geographical positions of each station (longitude and latitude) for Fars province. Based on these plotted maps, the best days of planting and harvesting of the crops can be determined throughout the Fars province.

The sensitivity analysis approach should be regarded as a new means which has recently been proposed for assessing flow of the irrigation networks. This approach uses the flow steady state equations and the physical conditions of irrigation channels to evaluate the response of the system to input perturbations. In this paper, some structural hydraulic sensitivity indicators were developed and utilized in studying the flow of an irrigation channel. For evaluating the efficiency of indicators and proposed analysis method, a real case was simulated by SOBEK model. Using the simulation results and introduced indicators, the flow regulation and distribution process within channel was studied. The results indicated a successful application of sensitivity indicators in evaluating system's potential in relation to alternative operational scenarios. With the calculation of these indicators, a comprehensive information system could be provided and applied in the analysis of the response potential of channel to structural perturbations, estimation of structure setting accuracy, and in the choice of suitable operation frequency there of.

Orumiyeh Lake basin is one of the important regions in Iran from water resources and environment standpoints. In this basin, substantial part of the annual precipitation occurrs in spring, winter, and fall seasons. Due to semi-arid climate of the basin, rainfall forecasting is an important issue for proper water resources planning and management, particularly in drought years. On the other hand, investigations around the world show that there is a good conection between climatic signals and the amount of precipitation. In this paper, the relationship between climatic signals and seasonal rainfall was investigated in Orumiyeh Lake basin. For this purpose, monthly SPI (Standard Precipitation Index) was calculated and used along with six climatic signals including SOI (Southern Oscillation Index), PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation), PNA (Pacific North America), NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), NINO3.4 and, NOI (North Oscillation Index). A new method employing the negative and positive phases of signals was proposed and tested to distinguish the relationship between the climatic signals and the individual stations rainfall in the basin. Furthermore, it was found that using joint signals substantially improves the precision of the forcast rainfalls. The results showed that fall and winter rainfalls had the highest correlatetions with SOI and NAO, respectively. Therefore, it would be possible to forecast the basin rainfall using climatic signals of the previous seasons.

Limitation of suitable water resources is the most important problem of agriculture in Iran. Considering the condition of shallow and saline groundwater in many parts of Iran, and relative resistance of safflower to salinity, it is necessary to study the contribution of groundwater to water consumption of safflower. In this research, the effects of different water table depths and salinity of groundwater on contribution of groundwater to evapotranspiration of safflower were studied. The treatments were four levels of water table depth (50, 70, 90, and 120 cm), two levels of groundwater salinity (EC of 0.6, and 10 dSm-1 ), and two irrigation regimes (irrigation with a depth of water equal to 75 percent of evaporation from water surface and frequency of 5 days, and no irrigation). The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with treatment combinations arranged in factorial manner and three replications. For fixing the water table in the pots (PVC pipe 200 mm in diameter and 120 cm high), a special equipment was built on the principle of Marriot bottle that was able to measure the contribution of groundwater to evapotranspiration of the plants. Results showed that salinity of groundwater, irrigation regime, and their interactions have significant effects on evapotranspiration of safflower. In addition, effects of water table depth, salinity of groundwater, irrigation regime, interaction of salinity and water table depth, interaction of water table depth and irrigation regime, and interaction of water table depth, salinity, and irrigation regime on evaporation from soil surface were significant. The ratio of contribution of groundwater to plant water consumption and evapotranspiration was in the range of 52.5 and 54.9% for saline groundwater and 81.7 to 82.7% for fresh groundwater. The ratio of evaporation from soil surface and evapotranspiration was in the range of 4.5 to 53.6% for different treatments. In all treatments of groundwater depths, irrigation treatment significantly decreased evapotranspiration, but no significant change in evapotranspiration was observed in irrigated and no irrigated treatments. Maximum amount of evapotranspiration (251 cm) occurred in the 50 cm depth of groundwater with salinity of 0.6 dS/m under irrigated condition, and minimum amount (43.9 cm) occurred in the 90 cm depth to groundwater with salinity of 10 dS/m under no irrigation condition. Generally, salinity of groundwater caused significant decrease in evapotranspiration, evaporation from soil surface, transpiration, and contribution of groundwater to evapotranspiration.

To investigate the effects of different irrigation levels on yield and oil content of rapeseed, and to determine the irrigation requirement and irrigation scheduling, an experiment with Randomized Complete Block Design consisting of four irrigation treatments replicated 3 times, was conducted in Zarghan Agric. Expt. Station during the years of 2000-2003. The treatments were based on the cumulative evaporation values of 50, 75,100 and 125 mm from class A pan (T50, T75, T100 and T125). The depth of water for each treatment was determined according to the deficit of field capacity and soil moisture content before irrigation. In the three years of experiment, the cultivars: Okapi, Orient and Likord were cultivated and the annual data related to yield and seed oil contents of each cultivar was analyzed separately. In the first year of experiment, the effect of different treatments on yield of Okapi cultivar was not significant, but the maximum and minimum yields were obtained at the T75 and T100 treatments equal to 2678 and 2050 kg ha-1, respectively. The effect of different treatments on seed oil content was significant at the level of 5 %, and the maximum and minimum seed oil contents were obtained at the T100 and T75 treatments equal to 42.50 and 41.66 %, respectively. In the second year of experiment, the effect of different treatments on the yield of Orient cultivar was significant at the level of 5 %, and the maximum and minimum yields were obtained at the T50 and T125 treatments equal to 3133 and 2133 kg ha-1, respectively. The effect of different treatments on seed oil content was significant at the level of 5 %, and the maximum and minimum seed oil contents were obtained at the T75 and T50 treatments equal to 46.38 and 44.82 %, respectively. In the third year of experiment, the effect of different treatments on the yield of Likord cultivar was significant at the level of 5 %, and the maximum and minimum yields were obtained at the T50 and T125 treatments equal to 3667 and 2250 kg ha-1, respectively. The effect of different treatments on seed oil content was significant at the level of 1 %, and the maximum and minimum seed oil contents were obtained at the T50 and T125 treatments equal to 47.63 and 44.60 %, respectively. Also, the best irrigation frequency for the three rapeseed cultivars in the Zarghan area was obtained equal to 10 to 12 days.

Agricultural investigations use computer models for simulation of crop growth and field water management. By using these models, the effects of plant growth parameters on crop yields are simulated, hence, the experimental costs are reduced. In this paper, the model of MSM (Maize Simulation Model) was calibrated and validated for the prediction of maize forage production at Agricultural College, Shiraz University in 1382 and 1383 by using maize forage yield under furrow irrigation with four irrigation and three nitrogen treatments. Irrigation treatments were I4, I3, I2, and I1, with the depth of water 20% greater than, equal to, 20% and 40% less than potential crop water requirements, respectively. Nitrogen treatments were N3, N2, and N1, with the application of N as urea equal to 300, 150, and 0 kg N ha-1, respectively. After calibration and validation of MSM, it was used to estimate suitable planting dates, forage yield and net requirement of water discharge for planting at different dates. The results indicated that the net requirement of water discharge was reduced by gradual planting at different planting dates. By considering different planting dates for maize, from Ordibehest 20th to Tir 10th, the planting area might be increased 17.9%, compared with single planting date on Ordibehesht 30th under a given farm water discharge and full irrigation.

Sewage sludge and effluents, as cheap sources of irrigation water and fertilizer, can supply plants with water and nutrients however, contamination of these sources with heavy metals and the possibility of human food chain contamination using these sources should be considered. In this research, the effects of industrial sewage sludge and effluents on concentration of some nurtients, heavy metals and sodium and dry matter yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and corn (Zea mays) were investigated. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a complete randomized design with four replication. The treatments comprised well water, well water + sewage sludge(50 tons/ha), and three industrial effluents from Iran Polyacryl factory including the cooling tower, the over flow and the factory outlet effluents. Chemical analysis showed the following results The concentration of the elements in the sludge and the effluents were below the critical contaminating levels. The application of the treatments did not supply enough nitrogen for corn the cooling tower effluent could not supply enough nitrogen for wheat and barley all the treatments supplied enough P for wheat. None of the treatments could supply enough P for corn. The cooling tower, over flow and the factory outlet effluents could not supply enough P for barley, the micronutrient and heavy metal concentrations in the plant tissues using the effluents and the sewage sludge were higher than those for well water the dry matter yield of plants’roots and shoots was highest using well water + sludge and in comparison with the well water, effluents could increase the shoot dry matter yield.

Potassium is one of nutritional element that has an important effect on the quantity and quality of rice plant. Knowledge about the K critical level and plant response to different application rate of K, can effectively help with the proper use of this element. Therefore, in this study potassium (K) critical level for rice (Khazar variety) and prediction equation for grain yield were determined in 21 rice fields of Guilan provience during 2001-2002. After land preparation, 6 experimental plots (4×5m) were constructed in each selected field. Nitrogen and phosphorus were applied before transplanting, based on soil test from urea and triple superphosphate, respectively. Potassium was applied in different rates including 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 kg ha-1 of K2O as muriate potassium. Khazar variety was transplanted in a space of 25×25cm, just after fertilizing of plots. Plots were harvested in 5 m2 at the end of maturity stage from the first node above the ground, and grain and straw were measured separately. Statistic analysis was done on grain weight based on 14% moisture. The results showed, that effect of different K fertilizer application in 5% and the effect of soil type in 1% were statistically significant on the grain yield. The mean increase of grain yield in responsive fields to K application was 982 kg ha-1. The results also showed that the responses of rice fields with available K less than 100 mg kg-1, 100-160, and more than 160 mg kg-1 to KCl application were high, moderate and low, respectively. Potassium critical level based on 90% relative yield was determined as 110 mg kg-1 of soil . In final relative yield, prediction equation, available potassium, potassium content of irrigation water, and rate of KCl fertilizer application entered positively in the equation, while available phosphorus showed negative effect on relative yield.

Information about forms of zinc (Zn) is important for the evaluation of its status in soil and also understanding of the soil fertility and chemistry. To obtain such information, amounts and distribution of Zn in different fractions of 20 soil samples of Tehran province, Iran were determined by sequential extraction method and their relationships with each other and with soil characteristics were investigated. Total Zn of soils ranged from 70 to 169.9 mg/kg-1. The amount of different Zn forms relative to the sum of forms was determined to be as follows: organic less than 0.1, soluble+exchangeable 0.1, manganese-oxide-associated 0.9, carbonate 1.6, crystalline iron-oxide-associated 3.8, amorphous iron-oxide-associated 4.2, and residual form 89.3%. Simple correlation coefficients showed that pH had a negative significant correlation with all forms of Zn except organic. Silt and clay contents had significant positive correlations with total, residual, and crystalline iron-oxide-asociated Zn but CEC had significant correlation only with total Zn. Calcium carbonate equivalent showed a significant correlation with soluble+exchangeable, manganese-oxide-associated and amorphous iron-oxide-associated Zn. DTPA-extractable Zn was significantly correlated with soluble+exchangeable, carbonate, and amorphous iron-oxide-associated Zn. A significant correlation was also observed between the Zn forms themselves, which is presumably a reflection of the existence of a dynamic relation between the chemical forms of an element in soil.

Stabilizng sand dunes has been one of the main challenges in the arid regions. So far, different kinds of mulches have been used extensively for sand dune stabilization. This study was carried out to determine the optimum composition, concentration and thickness of clay mulch for sand dune stabilization. For this purpose two soil samples from clay flats of a playa with different amount of salinity from Ardestan area were used to make clay mulches. A sand dune sample was selected as bed for applying the mulch. To select the right ingredient and treatments, clay samples were mixed with sand and different amount of water, and sprayed on sand dune bed. In addition, wheat straw was added to some mixture to test its effect on stability of the mulch. Treatments with lowest crack and highest penetration of mulch in sand bed were selected for the experiment in this study. Mulch treatments contained (1): 250g sand dune + 250g clay + 25g straw (2) 250g clay + 25g straw (3) 250g sand + 250g clay (4) 250g clay (5) 125g sand + 125g clay and (6) 125g clay. All treatments were mixed with 500ml water. The experimental design was a CRD with a 6(mulch) * 2(thickness)* 2 EC factorial method with 3 replications. The results showed that clay mulch were resistant to wind erosion, but erosion took place when they had been bombarded with sandblast. The mulches with straw showed the highest resistance to erosion as compared to other treatments. With increasing the number of mulch layers, resistant to erosion also increased. The added stability of mulch was due to the increase in mulch thickness and also increases in clay and silt content. The overall result of this study shows that the mulch with two layers and higher mixture of clay and sands was the best treatment for the stabilization of sand dunes.

Overgrazing is the most important agent which causes accelerated soil erosion and land degradation in arid and semi-arid zones of Iran. Appropriate planning and land use in these areas based on land suitability evaluation provide a suitable base for conserving the land and controling desertification. Land evaluation identifies possible alternatives in land use which will more effectively meet national or local needs and assists in assessing the consequences of these alternatives. Extensive grazing refers to the land utilization type in which animals feed in natural pastures. This study was performed to evaluate physical potential of the given watershed for grazing by sheep and goats, and assess the limiting factors for the land utilization type in Mehr watershed, Sabzevar, Khorasan province. Land qualities which were evaluated include accessibility to animals, soil erodibility, moisture availability, rooting conditions, salinity and alkalinity, and drinking water availability for animals. Above mentioned land qualities were assessed by appropriate land characteristics. The requirement of grazing land utilization type was defined in terms of rated land characteristics. Matching of requirements of LUT with the land qualities of each pixel of DEM (prepared in 200×200m by GIS software) resulted in a rating for every land characteristics. Some characteristics such as slope, aspect, and distance to drinking water for animals were calculated directly by GIS. Land index for every pixel was calculated by square root method. Finally, qualitative and physical land suitability classes were determined based on land indices and classified to polygons which would be suitable in grazing management. The results were interpreted under two different scenarios. In the first scenario, drinking water for animals was supplied by permanent sources and in the second one, the supplying of water was developed to temporary rivers besides the permanent sources. With the analysis of spatial modeling it was possible to assess the land suitability with higher accuracy. Overall results showed that the given area was not highly suitable for grazing at all. The most limiting factors included moisture availability for plant growth, slope, rock fragment and outcrops and distance to drinking water. Also during the late winter, spring and early summer, when the seasonal rivers were supplying the drinking water, the limitation of given area was decreased.

Wear is the most important problem of moldboard plowshares. Because of cutting the soil, intensity of wear at the front portion of share is large and the effect of its wear on plow performance is considerable. In this research wear of the front portion of moldboard plowshares with respect to distance worked was studied. Wear of cylindrical specimens which were attached to the front portion of plowshares of a semimounted four-bottom moldboard plow was determined in five equally distance interval. The soil was silty clay loam with 13-15% moisture content and the distance worked was 250 kilometers. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that there was no significant difference in the amount of wear of the four shares. In other words, they wore down simultaneously. The wear intensity of shares decreased with increasing distance worked i.e., the amount of weight reduction being highest during the initial period of operation. This may be attributed to “work hardening” due to severe plastic deformation during wear. Two mathematical models based on regression analysis were developed for predicting wear in the front portion of plowshare. The relationship of wear with respect to the distance worked can be expressed by an exponential function having a 0.75 exponent and the relationship of wear at the front edge of shares with respect to distance from point of share by a second order function with determination coefficient of 0.93 Nearly 75% of the total wear in the front edges occurred in the 1.3 length of shares from the tip.

Rapid drying can increase brittleness of and induce internal cracks in the grain which predispose the product to breakage during subsequent activities. To fully understand the drying process requires an accurate description of the drying mechanism. Kernel equilibruim moisture content (EMC) is a property strongly related to agricultural products drying phenomena. Its accurate prediction can lead to optimisation of drying processes, especially in highly automated computer aided drying systems. In this study, a finite element formulation and solution of a set of coupled conductive heat and diffusive moisture transfer equations, to improve grain drying simulation of axisymmetric bodies are presented. Axisymmetric linear triangular elements with two degrees of freedom per node are used to discretize the rice grain in model for different equilibrium moisture content (from 7.5 to 0.12 d.b.%). For the purpose of this study, one medium grain, ‘Sepidrod CV.’, was used. During the thin layer drying, the drying air temperature of 69 °C and initial moisture content of 17.23 d.b.%, were adopted. A high relation has been observed when the output of model with 11.5 d.b.% EMC was compared to experimental data obtained by others. The least and most root mean square error analysis (RMSE) calculated for models at different EMC with experimental data were 0.0091 and 0.1025. The least and most mean relative deviation modulus were 1.394 and 5.129, respectively. Considering the mean errors of the models in relation to the obtained experimental data, the equilibrium moisture content for 11.5 d.b gave the best result.

The objective of this research was to design and develope a Pick and Position system to displace spherical-shaped fruits, with minimum damage to flesh, from one specific place to another. A mechanical gripper (end-effector) suitable for grasping spherical-shaped fruits with 5-9 cm in diameter was designed and developed. The primary goal of the gripper design was to take and release the fruit without bruising it in a specified time sequence. A slider-crank mechanism was used to drive the gripper. To achieve suitable timing in gripping and releasing of the fruit, the slider was driven by a cam. The kinematic and dynamic analysis of the gripping unit was done and its motion was simulated using Working Modwl software. In the next step, a four-bar mechanism (arm) was designed and developed to displace gripper between two specified locations. After kinematic analysis, equation of motion of the arm mechanism was derived and its dynamic analysis was performed. The gripper was assembled on the arm mechanism and the performance of the gripper and arm mechanism was investigated. It was observed that the system had the ability to pick and release the oblong fruits, such as apple, between two specified locations. The performance of the system for larger size fruits could be improved by some modifications on the gripper fingers.

For milk fat modification, after decantation of its serum, it was fractionated at three temperature rates (30-35, 17-22 and 5-10 ºC) and times (6, 13.5, and 18 hours). After each stage, the solid phase or stearine fraction was separated from liquid phase or olein fraction by centrifugation at 1600 rpm for 15 minutes. The olein fraction was then used in the second step of fractionation. This process was repeated three times until the low, medium and high melting fractions (LMF, MMF and HMF, respectively) were isolated to 27 fractions. Iodine value (by Wejs’ method) and solid fat content (SFC by NMR) of these fractions were measured and compared. The results, showed significant differences between in IV and SFC for LMF with MMF and HMF (3-6 units or 10-20% for IV and 3-14% for SFC) it was also found that LMF, MMF and HMF could be used in ice cream, Danish pastry and ice cream coating formulations, respectively.

Consumption of foods with low glycemic index (G.I.) by diabetic patients helps maintain their blood sugar at acceptable levels. Ordinary jam has a high G.I. The purpose of the present investigation was to prepare a dietetic jam using nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners. The investigation was carried out in four steps. First, glycyrrhizin was extracted from licorice extract powder, its ammonium form was prepared, and its purity was assay by HPLC. Secondly, based on a completely randomized design various types of jam were prepared using different combinations of sorbitol, fructose and ammonium glycyrrhizin. Thirdly, the prepared jams and their reference controls were evaluated for color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability by a selected taste-panel and were also subjected to physical analysis using Hunter Lab colorimeter and Bostwick consistometer. Two jam preparations were finally selected on the basis of their overall acceptability. Finally, glycemic indices of the selected jams were determined using NIDDM volunteers. The results showed that ammonium-glycyrrhizin enhances the overall acceptability of the selected product (P<0.05). As G.I. values for the selected jams were low (23.5 and 23.9), their consumption by diabetic patients and their production on a commercial scale are recommended.

Proteolytic enzymes play important roles in food and drug industries. Actinidin, the most abundant protein of kiwifruit is a cystein protease (EC 3.4.22.14). In the present study, protein contents and levels of actinidin in kiwifruit cultivars were assayed and the enzyme was purified by a simple procedure. Actinidin was purified using two steps: (1)) precipitation by ammonium sulfate and (2) ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl Sepharose. Molecular mass and proteolytic activity of the purified enzyme were determined by SDS-PAGE and casein digestion test, respectively. Protein content of the cultivars was compared by three different methods, namely, Bradford, UV and Lowry methods. The yield and degree of enzyme purity were 65 and 95 percents, respectively. Molecular mass of the purified enzymes were estimated 29 KDa in reducing SDS-PAGE. Results of the protein assays showed that protein and actinidin contents of kiwifruit were overestimated using UV or Lowry methods for assay. It was concluded that Bradford method is more accurate than UV or Lowry methods for measurement of protein level in kiwifruit.

In order to determine the effects of emulsifiers (Lecithin, E471 and E472) and their levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1%) and also addition of fungal α-amylase (0, 5, 10 and 20 g/100 kg flour) on bread staling, a completely randomized experiment with factorial design and 3 replications was conducted. Bread staling was determined after 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours of storage. Correlation between variables was analyzed by simple and multivariate regression. Results indicated that addition of emulsifiers reduced the firmness of bread. E472 had the most and E471 had the least effect on bread firmness after 72 hours of storage. Addition of α-amylase reduced the bread firmness and this effect was less pronounced after 72 hours of storage. Correlation between variables based on the development of a model showed that in the first day of bread production, optimal levels of emulsifiers were 1%, 0.25% and 0.5% for Lecithin, E471 and E472, respectively. In case of simultaneous application of emulsifiers and enzyme, the optimal level of enzyme was 5 g/100 kg flour.

To prepare a sheetable dough, potato granule and potato puree of Agria and Marfona potato-cultivars, corn flour, emulsifier ,shortening, water,starch, salt, garlic and pepper powder were used. Dough was sheeted to thickness of 1-2 mm and formed to desirable shape. These slices were baked at 125oC for 30 minutes. Prepared potato chips were packed in air or nitrogen atmosphere and stored in dark at 25oC. Peroxide value, bending strength and color of the samples were determined in 30 day intervals. Peroxide value was detected just at the end of the third month. Peroxide value in chips packed in nitrogen atmosphere was less than that in chips packed in air atmosphere. Atmosphere of packages had a significant effect on the bending strength of the chips (p<0.01). The bending strength of chips packed in nitrogen atmosphere was more than that of chips packed in air atmosphere. Storage time had significant effect on bending strength (p<0.01). Storage time and cultivar effects on lightness and darkness of chips (L in hunter lab system) were significant (p<0.01). Storage time and cultivar effects on yellowness and blueness (b) of chips were significant (p<0.05). Storage time, cultivar and packaging atmosphere had no significant effect on redness and greenness (a) of chips (p<0.05)

Evaluating different aspects of government policy in terms of their indirect and welfare effects has been always of interest. In this study, the effects of gauranteed purchasing policy on land under cultivation and yields of cotton, potatoes and onions were investigated in Fars province. For this purpose, a Nerlove model was applied to time series data of 1972-02 after testing their stationary to estimate the cultivated lands and yields functions of these products. The use of protection rates as explantory varrables is one of the interesting characteristic of such a model. Although the results were not similar for all the products, the indication is that the policy has not had significant influence on the land areas and yields of cotton, potatoes and onions. However, taking into account that the policy has been recentely commenced in Fars, and that the policy takes time to become effective, the policy may result in different outcomes in the long run.

The first Iranian hybrid monogerm cultivar of sugarbeet was developed in 2000 after an 8-year period of R&D activity. The cultivar is not only a high yielding variety but enjoys a good resistance to bolting and Sercospora. The study sought to estimate the rate of return to the public investment made to develop this variety, using the economic surplus approach. The results revealed that the investment has got an internal rate of return of 117 percent and that it has produced an exchange saving of $28.7 million. This finding indicates that the investment has been highly productive and that the field suffers underinvestment.

The aim of this study was to detect change of the forest area in the north of Iran between 1994 and 2001. The study area was covered by a 1:25000 topographic map (about 15000 ha) in Babol forests. The forest map of 1994 was extracted from 1:25000 topographic digital map. Landsat 7 ETM+ image dated July 30, 2001 was analyzed to produce the forest map for the end of the period. Since the evaluation of the image quality illustrated it less than ±1DN in the ETM 2, 4, 5, the rectification of the stripping distortion was ignored. There were also duplicate scan lines and sweep distortions in all the spectral bands. Orthorectification was implemented using ephemeris data and digital elevation model. Several spectral transformations such as rationing, PCA, Tasseled cap and image fusion (using Color space transformation and Spectral response method) were performed on the ETM+ data. The sample ground-truth map was prepared using GPS in 3% of the study area. In order to classify the image, hybrid classification method (digital and visual), using original and synthetic bands, was employed. At first the image was classified using maximum likelihood classifier. The most accurate map (overall accuracy and kappa coefficient equal to 94.56% and 0.89, respectively) was converted to the vector format and then it was edited on the basis of various color composites, fused images and other ancillary data. The obtained map showed overall accuracy and kappa coefficient equal to 96.39% and 0.927, respectively. The comparison of the classified map with the forest map of 1994, illustrated that 751 ha of forest area (equal to 8.2% of the previous forest area), were decreased. This includes a 417 ha increase (mostly reforested areas) and a 1168 ha decrease over the study period. The findings indicate the high potential of ETM+ data in forest mapping and change detection over the whole extent of the northern forest of Iran.

Ferula ovina is one of forage species of Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari whose natural spreads are under destruction. Finding information about its seed dormancy, effective factors in the dormancy breaking and also about optimal conditions of seed germination is necessary for recovery of this plant spreads. To actieve that goal, two factorial experiments were performed in completely randomize design. First experiment was performed with 6 replications for evaluation of effect of seed age, light and cold duration factors on seed germination percentage. In the second experiment, the effect of cold duration and seed age on T50 Ferula seed was investigated in 3 replications. The results showed that one-year storage reduced seed germination percentage, but this reduction was not statistically significant. One-year-old seeds compared to freshly harvested seeds showed greater T50 which indicate the reduction of seed vigor and germination velocity. Data analysis showed that light effect was significant at 1% level. The germination rate in the light was 45.6% greater than in darkness. Therefore, Ferula seeds were positive photoblastic and their germination depended on light. Also, moist chilling had significant influence on Ferula seed germination. Moist prechilling for 7-9 weeks was the best treatment for dormancy breaking of Ferula seeds. This improved seed vigor and enhanced rate of germination but it could not replace light effect. In either situation, light was required during the germination test for optimal results. The need to cold and light may be in the direction of adaptation to ecologyical conditions naturally found in the habitat of this plant in Chaharmahal.

Tuberose is one of the tropical and subtropical bulbous cut flowers cultivated extensively in most floricultural regions of Iran. Although it has a high potential for a long vase life after harvest, tuberose declines rapidly at home. In order to overcome this problem, two experiments were conducted on a local cultivar, “Goldorosht-e-Mahalat”, using a completely randomized design. To find a suitable preservative which provides the longest vase life for tuberose, the experiment was carried out by applying the carelessness of most consumers: not recutting stem ends nor changing the vase solutions. In the first experiment the preservative solutions were: sucrose (1, 2 and 3%), silver thiosulphate (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mM), silver nitrate (50, 100 and 150 mgl-1), citric acid (150, 300 and 450 mgl-1) and tap water as the control. In the early days of the experiment, silver thiosulphate caused severe burning of the florets, silver nitrate caused the wilting of the florets and bent the end of the flower spikes and sucrose didn’t have any positive effect, but decreased the vase life. The longest vase life belonged to citric acid, after which the control (tap water) was placed. The second experiment was conducted to determine the role of the water quality and citric acid. The treatments were: sterilized distilled water, citric acid made with sterilized distilled water (150, 300 and 450 mgl-1) and tap water as the control. The longest and the shortest vase life belonged to sterilized distilled water and the control (tap water) respectively. The citric acid prepared with sterilized distilled water had a desirable effect on the vase life of cut tuberose flowers. This effect increased with the increment of the acid up to 450 mgl-1.

This research was conducted to investigate the changes of GA3-like substances in the stratified (0, 10, 20, 30 days at 10oC) and non-stratified seeds of two olive cultivars, namely ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Zard’. In the first experiment stratified seeds of these cultivars (10 g) were extracted with ethanol (80%), purified by ethyl acetate, and then separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). To compare the biological activity of separated zones, lettuce hypocolyl assauy was used. The results obtained in this part of study indicated that the amount of GA3-like substances increased as the stratification period increased. In the second experiment extracts were made from different parts of non-stratified seeds of both cultivars. The result of the second experiment showed that the GA3–like substances of embryos of non-stratified seeds were higher than other parts of the seed.

Some strawberriy cultivars (Fragaria x ananassa Dutch. cv. Aliso, Selva, Gaviota and Camarosa) were grown hydroponically with five NH4:NO3 mM concentration ratios (0/6 (S1), 0.25/6 (S2), 0.5/6 (S3), 1/6 (S4), 2/6 (S5) and constant nitrate concentration in three replicates for two seasons: Summer and Winter, in greenhouses of Agriculture Faculty of Tehran University. The results are reported as Follows: In summer shoot dry weight and shoot/ root ratio were highest in 0.25 and 0.5 mM NH4-N and were constant in remaining solutions with higher ammonium concentration. Increasing ammonium concentration resulted in decreasing the root dry weight. Aliso and Selva had the highest shoot and root dry matter respectively. Gaviota had the highest runner. In winter, shoot dry matter was highest in plants grown in S5 solution. Increasing ammonium from 0 to 0.5 mM decreased fruit yield but more ammonium in S4 and S5 solution increased yield. Root and fruit dry matter were highest in Selva. Yield and Fruit fresh weight were highest in Gaviota. Camarosa had the highest shoot dry weight. In summer shoot dry weight was significantly higher than in winter. Due to the high yeild, commercial use of the S5 solution and the cv. Gaviota is recommended.

To facilitate the interpretation of data from a genotype by environment experiment (GE), a cluster method is proposed to group genotypics according to their response to the environments especially when the GE interaction is large. The interaction structure of two-way classification data often can be identified if the data stratified into homogeneous subsets. In this paper four GE interaction cluster methods are proposed for this purpose. The stability of the 10 maize hybrids including 9 hybrids that were the best hybrids in yield trials and KSC 301 (check hybrid) were evaluated for 2 years in 4 locations of Iran. The randomized complete block design with 4 replications was conducted for each environment with different layouts. Simple analysis of variance revealed significant genetic differences between hybrids for grain yield. The results of combined analysis of variance indicated that genotype × year, genotype × location, and genotype × year × location interaction effects were significant (P < 0.01). Results also showed that models 1 and 3 and models 2 and 4 had the same responses. Hybrids 8 (K1263/1 × KE8212/12) with high yield stability in both models 1 and 3 were in one group and other hybrids were in another group. In models 2 and 4 results led to 3 groups: Group1 included hybrids 3, 7 and 9 that were very stable and had high yield group 2 included hybrid 1 alone that had medium stability and yield and group 3 included other hybrids that had low stability and yield.

Annual medics are used for hey production, soil protection, biological fixation of N2 and green manure. In the present study, the inter and intra specific genetic diversity and relatedness of 4 diploid and two tetraploid (M. rugosa and M. scutellata) annual medics were evaluated using microsatellite markers. PCR analysis was performed on genomic DNA from individual plant and PCR products were detected using standard polyacrylamide sequencing gel. Totally twenty five polymorphic alleles were observed in the studied species. Average intra-specific genetic diversity ranged from zero (0.0) in both M. rugosa and M. scutellata to 0.114 in M. minima species, and the level of genetic diversity was similar in both M. orbicularis and M. truncatula species. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was used to partition the overall genetic diversity into within and among species, and between diploids and tetraploids. The results revealed significant (P<0.05) inter and intra-specific genetic variation. Pairwise comparisons based on Fst indicated significant differences among all of the species. Clustering analysis using UPGMA algorithm based on coancestary coefficient revealed a clear genetic relationship among species. The hypothesis on a common origin of two tetraploid species was supported by UPGMA clustering and phylogenetic analysis. The high level of Genetic diversity in spiny pod species respect to spineless pod species suggested the high importance of species with spiny pods in annual medics evolution. The findings support the usefulness of microsatellite markers for assessing inter and intra specific genetic diversity, differentiation and genetic relationships.

This study was conducted in a sugar beet field at Collage of Agriculture Experimental Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. In order to describe the pattern of spatial variations and density of Chenopodium album, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus sp., Portulaca oleracea, Echinochla crus-galli, and Convulvulus arvense as the main prevalent annual and perennial weeds of sugar beet fields, geostatistic methods were used. Samples were taken by systematic method from the corners of (7m × 7m) grids, using (0.5m × 0.5m) quadrates in three stages (before application of herbicides, after herbicide treatment, and before harvesting sugar beets). The integrity of spatial variation of variables was determined by using variogram functions and distribution maps of species. The variograms indicated that variations of all variables did not happen by chance. The maximum and minimum ranges of variation were observed in Solanum nigrum (by 142.7m) and Portulaca oleracea (by 1.5m), respectively. Both maximum and minimum ranges of variations were related to pre herbicide application. The highest and the lowest spatial correlations were related to Amaranthus sp. (in the third sampling treatment) and Solanum nigrum (in the first stage of sampling), respectively. The spatial distribution maps confirmed the patchiness distribution of the weeds. The patch of weed was constructed from a dense point at the center, gradually tapering toward the edges. The patches were skewed across the rows and irrigation channels. The structure of patches altered during the growing season. Any information on the distribution of weeds in the fields can be useful to improve decision makings in relation to applying the herbicides, selecting the herbicide type or applying the amount of herbicide. Also it can be useful to better design of weed control programs.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an oilseed crop and can have a considerable contribution to vegetable oil production in the country, since it has a high adaptability to different environmental conditions. This crop is grown in summer time as a second crop in Isfahan province. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the agronomic characteristics of the safflower breeding lines which were isolated from local populations of Iran in early spring and summer planting dates. Seven genotypes were evaluated at two planting dates, early spring (16 March) and summer (21 June), using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications at the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology. The results showed that the number of days to emergence, days to flowering and maturity and plant height decreased considerably in the summer planting date. However, the harvest index, seed yield per plant and seed yield per plot and oil yield increased in this planting date. Yield components were not significantly different in the two planting dates, except that 100-seed weight was significantly and considerably more in the second planting date. The average seed yield of genotypes was 2498 and 2845 kg/ha in spring and summer planting dates, respectively. In the first planting date, seed yield varied from 1876 Kg/ha, (for Kouseh genotype as check variety) to 2908 Kg/ha for E2428 line (selected from Isfshan population). In the second planting date, seed yield had a variation of 2124 to 3186 Kg/ha for the genotypes of S3110 (selected line from Khorasan population) and C111 (selected from Kouseh population), respectively. In the second planting date the check variety (Kouseh population) had a seed yield of 2965 Kg/ha. In both first and second planting dates, genotypes of E2428 and C116 (selected line from Kouseh population) had the maximum oil content in the seed, (33.9% and 32.3%د respectively). Genotype by planting date interaction was significant for seed yield and oil yield, since late planting date reduced seed yield in genotypes of S3110 and E2428, but it increased these traits in other genotypes.

This study was conducted at the Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology in 2003 to evaluate drought tolerance potential of 20 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes including 14 cultivars released in Canada, two cultivars released in the United States of America and Switzerland and four Turkish breeding lines. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used in each irrigation treatment (i.e., irrigation after 70±3 and 130±3 mm evaporation from class A pan). Results of analysis of variance revealed significant differences among cultivars for all studied traits in both irrigation treatments, with the exception of plant height at heading stage and biological yield in stress condition. Stress condition significantly reduced all the traits. Also, the interaction of genotypes by irrigation treatments was significant for days to heading, grain and biological yields and 1000-grain weight. To evaluate drought tolerance of the studied cultivars, Rosielle and Hamblin tolerance index, mean productivity (MP), Fischer and Maurer stress susceptibility index and Fernandez geometric mean productivity and stress tolerance index were calculated based on yield data in stress and non- stress conditions. According to the obtained results, stress tolerance index seems to be the most effective index to identify tolerant genotypes. Rank correlations of stress tolerance index and grain yields in stress and non-stress conditions were 0.93 and 0.78, respectively. Based on this index, Boyer and Paisley were found to be the most tolerant cultivars.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate drought tolerance of selected lines from local populations of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) at the Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology in 2002. In this study, the 12 selected safflower lines from different local populations along with two exotic cultivars and a local population were evaluated at two different irrigation regimes, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first and second irrigation regimes were based upon the depletion of 50% and 85% of soil moisture content, respectively. The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.01) among the genotypes for seed yield in both irrigation regimes. Also, the interaction between genotypes and irrigation regimes was significant (p<0.05). Based upon the genotype by environmental interaction analysis (method of Sneller and Dombek), the genotype H27 had the highest tolerance to drought stress, and its seed yield in the first and second irrigation regimes was 3353 and 3072 kg/ha, respectively. The growing variety in Isfahan province (Koseh population) was the most sensitive genotype to the drought stress and had a seed yield of 3525 and 2394 kg/ha in the above irrigation regimes, respectively. The assessment of different water stress indices (SSI, STI, TOL, GMP and MP) revealed that STI seems to be the most suitable index for recognizing the more tolerant genotypes to drought conditions and based on this index, E2428 was the most tolerant genotype, and the exotic cultivar of Ac-Sunset (from Canada) was the most sensitive one. The seed yield for genotype E2428 was 4174 and 3458 kg/ha, and for the genotype Ac-Sunset was 2004 and 1438 kg/ha in the first and second irrigation regimes, respectively.

The precision of evaluation for agronomic traits is very important in the field experiments to determine the genetic potential of genotypes or effect of treatments. The precision of the experiment mainly depends on the number of replications. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of number of replications on the precision of genotype evaluation, estimation of variance components and on the heritability for agronomic traits in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). In this study, nine genotypes of flax were evaluated for different traits, using a randomized complete block design with 8 replications. The results showed that the reduction of error variance due to increasing the number of replications mainly depended upon the type of the trait. For evaluation and estimation of heritability for number of seedlings /m2 and plant height, 3 and 2 replications were suitable, respectively. The results also showed that using more than 2 replications had no considerable effect on the prescision of evaluation, nor on the increase of heritability for days to maturity. Based upon the results, for evaluation of the number of capsules per plant, 3 or 4, and for seeds per capsules, 4 replications can be suggested. For seed yield that is the most important economic trait in flax, a relatively constant estimated mean and broad-sense heritability were obtained with 4 to 8 replicationshowever, using 2 or 3 replications over-estimated the mean of the triat (approximately 11%) and under-estimated the broad-sense heritability about 27% and 10%, respectively. With 2 replications, the estimated mean and broad-sense heritability for seed yield were 2017.6 kg/ha and 72.1%, respectively. Gain from selection for seed yield based on evaluation of genotypes with 2, 3 and 8 replications was estimated as 787, 796 and 798 kg/ha, respectively. Therefore, it seems that 2 replications can also be used for seed yield evaluation of genotypes in breeding programs of flax.

This research was carried out to investigate the heterogeneity of milk yield variance components in different production levels of holstein cattles. The first lactation milk yield records of 95945 Holstein cattles, which had calved in 651 herds through years 1991 to 2000, were used in this research. Data was collected by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran and adjusted for two-time milking per day. Records were classified into three classes: low (less than 5275 kg), average (5275-6874 kg), and high (more than 6874 kg) based on the level of production. Variance components and genetic parameters were estimated using single and three-trait animal models for each class and three classes with Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood methods (DF-REML). Bartlett test showed significant differences for variance components between classes. Milk yield heritability was estimated as 0.205, 0.276, and 0.196 for low, average, and high class, respectively, in both single and three-trait analysis. The gentic correlation coefficient between classes ranged from 0.80 to 0.85, Phenotypic correlation coefficients between classes were low and ranged from 0.17 to 0.19. The highest rank correlation coefficient between estimated breeding value by single and three-trait model was obtained in average class. The average changes in the rank of common animals in the top 1% of cows were greather than the top 5% of bulls. Adjustment for heterogeneity of variance components suggested selecting more top cows from herds with high level of production.

In this study external fat-tail dimensions (upper, middle and lower width, length, length of gap, depth and upper circumference) and fat-tail weights collected on 724 Lori-Bakhtiari sheep were used to study external fat-tail dimensions and their relationships with fat-tail weights. Sheep were 3 months to 6 years old and slaughtered at the industrial slaughter house of Joneghan in Chaharmohal and Bakhtiari province in 2003. The mean of fat-tail dimensions were estimated as 15.83, 23.85, 24.73, 26.52, 14.96, 14.12 and 52.59 cm for upper width, middle width, lower width, length, length of gap, depth and upper circumference, respectively. Fat-tail weight varied from 0.10 to 20.60 with overall mean of 2.71 kg. Fat-tail percentage varied from 1.18 to 37.18 with overall mean of 11.87 percent. The effects of fixed factors of age, sex and body condition of sheep on all of traits were highly significant (p<0.0001). The least square means of all traits except fat-tail percentage were increased with increasing age of sheep. Lowest least square mean (± s.e) of 2.12 ± 0.25 kg fat-tail weight and 7.91 ± 0.72% fat-tail were observed for sheep having body condition score of 1 and the highest least square mean with fat-tail weight of 9.84 ± 0.56 kg and fat-tail percentage of 20.59 ± 1.63 were observed for sheep having body condition score of 5. Estimation of correlation coefficients among external fat-tail dimensions and fat-tail weight were positive and varied from 0.60 between upper fat-tail width and fat-tail weight to 0.83 between upper circomference of fat-tail and fat-tail weight. Upper circumference of fat-tail accounted for %69.5 of variation of fat-tail weight. This study showed that fat-tail weight in live sheep of Lori-Bakhtiari could be estimated using external fat-tail dimensions with very high accuracy (r = 0.904).

The effects of different levels of metabolizable energy and energy to protein ratios on the performance of Fars native laying hens were examined during the second laying phase. In a feeding trial, 216 Fars native hens 42 weeks old were randomly allotted to 9 experimental diets using 6 replicated groups of 4 birds per cage. The diets were formulated with 3 levels of ME (2700, 2900 and 3100 kcal/kg diet). At each level of energy, 3 energy to protein ratios (195, 215 and 239) were considered. The diets were fed ad libitum for a period of 20 weeks (42-62 weeks). The results indicated that there were no significant differences in egg production, egg weight, body weight gain and livability at the end of the experiment (65 week of age) (P>0.05). Daily feed intake was significantly lowered in hens fed the first (ME=3100 Kcal/kg, CP=15.87), second (ME=3100 Kcal/kg, CP=14.43), third ration (ME=3100 Kcal/kg, CP=12.99) and fifth (ME=2900k Kcal/kg, CP=13.5%) as compared with the seventh ration (ME=2700 Kcal/kg, CP=13.82). Feed intake and feed conversion ratios (FCR) significantly decreased as the dietary energy level increased (P<0.05). Feed consumption at the highest energy level was significantly lower than that at the lowest energy concentration. FCR was influenced by dietary energy level. Hens on the diet with 3100 Kcal ME /kg had lower FCR compared to 2700 Kcal ME/kg. The feed cost per 1 Kg egg production increased significantly with the elevation of dietary energy and protein levels (P<0.05).The results showed that a diet containing 11.31% CP and 2700 Kcal ME/kg adequately satisfied the maintenance and production requirements of Fars native hens during the second phase of production. Also, this ration was more economical.

During years 2000 and 2001, biology and population changes of two- spotted spider mite (T. urticae) was studied on five bean cultivars of two species at 25±1ºC temp., 45±4% RH and 15: 9 (L:D) photoperiod, using leaf disks made from 2-, 6- leaf and flowering stages of the plants. The mite mass rearing was carried out on tomato plants under the same environmental conditions and the effects of feeding on 4 cultivars of phaseolus vulgaris namely Chiti Var. Zanjan, Picher, Sunray, Contender and Vigna unguiculata, Var. Kameran as host plants. Biological features as fertility, percentage of egg hatch, duration of embryonic and larval development, percentage were also Studied of lraval mortality, duration of nymphal stages, developmental period from lava to pre- oviposition stages, oviposition period, adult mite longevity, number of progenies, their percentage mortalities, and sex ratios were determined. The results indicated that the two cultivars Chiti Var: Zanjan, Contender, and species Vigna unguiculatat Var. Kameran at 2- leaf stage appeared to be suitable hosts causing higher egg production and hatches, lower embryonic and larval developmental time and lower rate of larval mortality, lower nymphal developmental period, lower duration from larval stage to preoviposition, extended oviposition period and higher adult longevity. In contrast, the cultivars, Sunray and Picker were shown to be unsuitable hosts. Regarding 6- leaf stage, the cultivar Contender and Vigna unguiculatat, were considered as suitable hosts in relation to embryonic developmental time, number of larvae, duration of larval stage, and rate of mortalities, nymphal developmental time and duration from larval stage to pre- oviposition, extended oviposition stage, sex ratio and adult longevity. But the cultivars Chiti, Picker and Sunray appeared to be unsuitable hosts. In relation to the number of eggs and percentage of egg hatch, number of larvae and nymphs, nymphal mortality rates and sex ratio, the cultivars, Picker and Sunray were considered as suitable hosts at their flowering stage but Vigna unguiculatat and Contender were identified as unsuitable ones.

Rape seed (Brassica napus L.) containing more than 40 per cent oil is one of the best oilseeds for cultivation in Iran. Sclerotinia stem rot is one of the important diseases of the rape seed, the causal agent being Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of the disease on the quantity and quality of the extracted oil and remaining foodstuff in a field experiment. In this research three cultivars including Okapi, SLM046 and Talayeh were examined under field conditions using a factorial design (cultivars and inoculations were two factors under study). The cultivars were inoculated with SK4 isolate of S. sclerotiorum. The inoculation was done on the plant stems at 30 cm height above the soil using Lewartosca method during mid flowering stage. One thousand- seed weight and glucosinolate, erucic and oleic fatty acids contents of the seeds were determind after the harvest. The results indicated that the infected plants in comparision with the controls had a lower 1000- seed weight and oleic acid content and a higher glucosinolates and erucic acid contents. There were significant differences among the genotypes in respect to all the studied traits except 1000- seed weight. Inverse correlation was observed between 1000- seed weight and erucic acid content or oil glucosinolates contents. It was concluded that the disease can reduce quantity and quality of seed oil and other nutrient contents.

To search for reproducible and environment-friendly antifungal agents, essential oils of five plant species including Myrtus communis, Mentha aquatica, Vitex agnus-castus, Thymus daenensis and Artemisia aucheri were studied for their inhibition effects on the mycelial growth of plant pathogenic fungi including Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani and Gaeumannomyces graminis. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design of factorial experiment including three essential oil concentrations and three replications at 25±2 ºC on PDA. Results revealed that R. solani with 48.83 and P.ultimum with 89.62% mean of mycelial growth inhibition were the most resistant and the most susceptible fungi to the essential oils, respectively. The essential oil of M. aquatica and T. daenensis with 93.70 and 92.74% mean of mycelial growth inhibition showed the most inhibition effect and V. agnus-castus with 33.88% was the least mycelial growth inhibitor. The essential oil of M. aquatica and T. daenensis at 20 µl/petri plate (9 cm. in diameter) completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the tested fungi. Considering the high antifungal effect, and low human and environmental hazard of essential oils, it seems that the essential oils may be used for the control of plant pathogenic fungi, or at least they may be adopted as a model for the synthesis of new antifungal agents.