فصلنامه پژوهشهای زراعی در حاشیه کویر
سال ششم شماره 2 (تابستان 1388)

The effective educational programs will provide if an educational needs assessment increasingly recognize on the adult’s needs. Gathering data from potential clientele and actively involving them in the process of identifying potential educational programs increases the likelihood of implementing relevant educational programs, thus, increasing the likelihood of achieving appropriate out comes. This article describes an educational needs assessment process in other to improvement of olive gardens in Roudbar Township. The purpose of the study reported here was to identify the educational needs of Olive growers about improvement of olive gardens in Roudbar Township. The specific objectives of the study identify the personal and social variables and economic condition of Roudbar Olive Growers and identify the relation it and with educational needs of Olive growers. The design for the study was a descriptive and correlation one with data collected through using questionnaires. The sample consisted of 100 olive producers located within villages of Roodbar Township that have minimum 200 olive trees or one hectare olive garden. Reliability and validity of instrument was determined through opinions of 10 specialists and application of Cronbach, s Alpha. The findings show that knowledge level of olive producers enter in educational classes is higher than no participate. Contacts with experts, social participation and the education level effect on educational needs also t-test reveal that significant different is between studying groups and educational needs. In addition, regression analysis shows that about 58 percent of variations in the extent of using dependent variable could be predicted by independent variables.

Losses in paddy milling are a major concern in Iran. Thus research on the optimization of operating conditions for milling machines is a need. In this regard, an experiment was conducted at rice research institute of Iran in autumn 2007. The effects of two engineering factors of blade type whitener on rice breakage and kernel fissure of Hashemi paddy variety were studied. Three numbers of 22, 24 and 26 for grate magnitudes and three levels of 8, 10 and 12 mm for the distance between blade and hub were considered. Results showed that as the grate magnitudes decreased the percent of rice breakage, at first decreased and then was fixed. Percent of rice breakage decreased with increasing the distance between blade and hub. Maximum fissure in rice kernels was observed at grate No. 22. The effect of grate No. 24 was as the same as No. 26 on rice fissure. Results of statistical analysis of the data indicated that the best treatment for minimum rice breakage and minimum kernel fissure for milling of Hashemi paddy variety by blade type whitener was the combination of distance 12 mm and grate No. 26.

Sunflower is one of the field important crops in Western Azerbaijan and the present research was carried out in order to identify the hazardous birds and determine their damage rates on Alstar hybrid in Khoy station in 2003. Using a field binocular and a field guide book for identification of birds, two hazardous bird species, house sparrow (P.domesticus) and crow (C.corax) were identified. To estimate the damage rates of the birds, traits such as receptacle shape, bending of plant, distance between receptacle and soil surface were studied on Alstar hybrid in Khoy station. The results from the data analyses depicted the least damage rate was observed with bent plants of more receptacle angles where receptacles were concave in shape and nearer to the earth surface. The most damage rate was seen with right standing plants, easily and simply exposed to bird attacks because of the specific position of the receptacles.

In Iran, the responsibility for conservation and restoration of forests, as national resources, rests with the Government. In any analysis of forest management, the priority should be, thus, delivered to the role of the Government. As far as management of forests in Zagros Area is concerned, both the fragile ecosystem and growing destruction process have made it inevitable to follow a rationalized and scientific-based methodology for programs to be managed or carried out. Practicing this sort of management, however, calls for comprehensive studies so as to give deep insights into the recognition of the existing resources, constraints and needs. To this end, socio-economic concerns need to be emphasized. Also, appropriate planning for generating employment opportunities, changing farming and animal-husbandry systems, as well as establishing by-industries can protect the forests from being further destructed. This article is an attempt to provide some recommendations for improving the present state (status quo) through an analytical study of the factors involved in the management of forests.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the essential strategies in watershed management extension and education to sustainable natural resource management. This research was carried out in Hamedan Province and completed in 2008. Statistical sample in this study was drowning randomly from 124 extension workers working in Jihad-E-Agriculture of Hamedan. A number of 76 extension workers were selected through classified sampling. This study is a kind of descriptive-correlation research which has been accomplished through questionnaire and interview. Face and content validity of the questionnaire were established using a panel of experts consisting of faculty members in the department of Agricultural Extension and Education at Tehran science and research university and extension officers. The questionnaire was field-tested and Combat's Alpha coefficient was calculated(α=81%).The results obtained from calculating correlations between variables showed positive and Statistically significant relations between the extent in which extension could affect to achieve the goals of sustainable natural resource management and 27 investigated variables. Factor analysis grouped the effective strategies (27 variables) regarding to success of watershed management extension into four factors. The factors were named as follows: (1) situational conditions of extension, (2) extension management and organization, (3) extension approaches and methods, (4) extension worker's competencies. These factors explained 73/804% of variance for the variables. First factor explained the greatest amount of variance (60/068%). Enter multiple regression using factor scores indicated that first, second and third factors explained a statistically significant portion of variance(R square = 43/6) for the extent in which extension could be of effect. Regarding to the standardized coefficients, "situational conditions of extension" was considered as the most effective factor in predicting variance of the dependent variable (Beta = 0/55).

With expanding greenhouse crop production and improper pesticides management, spider mite damages and resistance to acaricides increased rapidly. Alternative application of recommended acaricides is the solution to protect mite resistance and implement mite pest managements in the greenhouses. An investigation about four doses Kingbo 6% SL (0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.75), NeemaAzal-T/S (0.5, 0.75), Hexythiazox EC 10% (0.5), Abamectin EC 1.8 (0.75), along with water application treatments done in rose greenhouse hydroponics cultivation which by two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae.) during 2007 in Varamin region. Complete block randomized designed in three replications and each replicate consisted 10 meters cultivated rose were used for evaluation treatments. Infested rose treated when observed 3 or more active mite stages under side rose leave with 10% rose leaves infestation. Sampling of 20 leaves from different parts of rose plants in each treatment done randomly and number active mite stages counted at interval of one day before and 1, 3, 7, and 10 days after treatments respectively. Collected data through Abbott formula converted into mortality% and analysis of variance on mean collected data carried out with SAS method. Grouping of the treatments done with DMRT method. Results of finding showed that, max. active mite and egg stages before treatments observed 12.28, and 8.02 in lateral side of greenhouses for Kingbo 0.4 dose and min 2.24 active stages, 2.8 eggs recorded for NeemAzal (0.75) and Abamection in middle part of greenhouse respectively. Lower (30%) and higher (48%) rose leaves infested by mites observed for Abamectin and Hexythiazox whereas rose leaves infested by mite eggs was found varied between 32 up to 56% for those treatments. NeemAzal (0.5), Abamection (0.75), Kingbo (0.4, 0.7), and water spray treatments caused higher mite mortalities of 67.11, 67.18, 69.36, 71.18 and 56.94 respectively. The maximum control% among sampling intervals recorded 67.03% three days after treatments. Application of Kingbo and NeemAzal as new acaricides did not produced any rose leaf burning effects. Therefore these treatments along with water spray application can recommend in integration mite management programme against rose spider mite in the greenhouse.

The purpose of this research was identifying methods and goals of extension system for supporting dimensions and policies of on-farm water sustainability. The research type was applied and research method was correlative descriptive. The gathering information method was survey. Total population of experts in the study included all agricultural extension experts (N=96) of Agricultural-Jihad Organization of Khuzestan Province. Reliability evidence was examined by 30 copies of questionnaires and based on calculated Cronbach Alpha 0.84.The results revealed that the most important goals of extension system for supporting dimensions and policies of on-farm water sustainability in agriculture were: (1) Food security, (2) Increasing social equality, (3) Increasing crop productivity, (4) Need assessment based on participatory approaches, and (5) Development of systemic thinking. Also, the results revealed that the most methods of extension system for supporting of dimensions and policies of on-farm water sustainability in agriculture were: (1) On farm education, (2) Problem solving methods, (3) Workshop, (4) Facilitator methods, (5) Participatory methods. Food security, increasing social equality, increasing crop productivity, need assessment based on participatory approaches, increasing knowledge, problem solving methods, participatory methods, Facilitator methods, on farm education, result demonstration, well explain for 45% changes (R2=0.45) in dimensions and policies of on-farm water sustainability. Based on the results the regression formula was: Y=13.456+0.327X +0.319X +0.516X +0.417X +0.183X +0.451X +0.319X +0.182X +0.619X +0.451X

Allometric equations describing tree aize-shap relationships for Caucasian alder (Alnus sabcordata C.A.May) in Caspian forests of northern Iran are presented. Diameter at breast height explaned most of the variables such as aboveground stem and branches biomass. In this project at first w measured and selected 4 trees as per our method. Afterwards we cut some pieces of bole and branches of these trees and measured them. Then we generized data to whole of other pieces of bole and branches. Regretion analyses of the dry weights of stem wood stem bark, branches, Total dry weight of bole and branches versus diameter at breast height were used to calculate regression equations. The relationship between diameter at breast height and total aboveground Biomass of tree was Y-0.288 x+6.6137 x – 104.53.Therefore biomass of Caucasian alder in Caspian forests was 44.3 mgha (-1).

The purpose of this study was to examing the relationship between personal and environmental factors with attitudes of agricultural students in Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch toward working in rural areas. The descriptive-correlation research methodology was used in this study. The target population consisted of agricultural students (N=329). The stratified random sampling was used for selection of a sample and with Kerejcie & Morgan table (n=107). Face validity of the questionnaire was established using a panel of experts. Reliability analysis for Alfa Cronbach's value was being reported to be 89 percent. Data was analyzed by using SPSS/win software. The

show that between attitudes of agricultural students towards working in rural areas with age, the number of credit course passed, the motives of selecting agricultural course there are positive relationship. Also, the means comparison indicated that there are meaningful difference between students from the residence, the position of farmland and educational branch.

The main purpose of this study is to examaine educational needs of extension agents in the field of animal husbandry in Fars province. Iran. The study is descriptive-corelational.The subjects of study are extension agent in the filed of animal husbandry of Fars province. The sample of study is 110 extension agents invaved in the filed of animal husbandry of Fars province in 1385 that were selected by random -classify sampling. The instrument for data-gathering was questionnaire that was designed based on different sources, assumptions and study questions. The reliability of the questionnaire was done through interview with professors and students of Ph.D of extension. The validity of the questionnaire was calculated through guided test and cronbach Alpha officient was calculated ά=/85 for the whole questionnaire. For processing information correlation coefficient was used together with descriptive statistics. Based on the results of this study: The first priority is the educational need of familiarity with domesticated animal diseases and vaccination of domesticated animals was the last priority. Assumptions testing showed a meaningful relationship between literacy level, major jobs, background of extension activities, participation in training –extensional courses, and their educational needs. But there was no meaningful relationship between age and educational needs of extension agents of animal husbandry of Fars province.

The purpose of this study, which has been conducted by a descriptive survey method, was to study the attitudes and perceptions of Iranian agricultural extension professionals on the concepts and thoughts of sustainable agriculture in the four dimensions of production efficiency, economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. The target population of this study consisted of faculty members of universities in agricultural extension education, extension head in provinces and extension specialists of deputy of agricultural extension and farming system in the Ministry of Agriculture in Iran. A sample consisting 87 members were selected through simple random sampling. The instrument used for assessing the attitude of respondents on the concepts of sustainable agriculture was a questionnaire by reliability 0.72. Riplies of respondents indicated that the attitude and perceptions of Iranian agricultural extension professionals regarding concepts of sustainable agriculture was at the moderate level (M=78.18, SD=7.23). The social responsibility dimension by mean four out of five (SD=0.52) and the economic viability by mean 2.91out of five (SD=0.56), showing the best and poorest attitude of respondents on the concepts of sustainable agriculture. The results of Kruskal Wallis test revealed that statistically, there were no significant differences in the perceptions of respondents on the concepts of sustainable agriculture in terms of their age, level of education, years of experiences and organizational position.

Lack of information to prepare erosion maps for quantitative and qualitative sediment evaluation is a major need in watershed management in Iran. The goal of this study was to use Modified Pasific South West Inter Agency (MPSIAC) and Erosion Potential Method (EPM) models and apply GIS to minimize the probable errors in evaluation of soil erosion and sedimentation in Ghareh Aghach watershed extends 8962.25 hectares in Semirom province. The field data used in this study was collected in frequent field visits in 2007-08. To achieve variables models, digitalize topographic map in 1:25000 scale, digital evaluation model, slope map, aerial photos of 1:40000 scales, geological, geomorphologic, vegetation cover, pedagogical and land use maps were used. In frequent field visits all the necessary data from MPSIAC and EPM models were collected, checked and improved in 5 Hydrological units (sampling units). Following of finalizing the information layers, all of them were integrated to create the final soil erosion sensitivity map for each Hydrologic unite and vegetation type. The results of MPSIAC model indicated that 60.8% (5444.28 ha) of the total watershed area was classified at class III of erosion category with medium sedimentation and 39.2% (3510.36 ha) was classified at class IV of erosion category with high sedimentation, respectively. Basin erosion was calculated as 71169.5 and 4222294.2 ton/yr by MPSIAC and EPM models, respectively. The result for basin sediment was 29260.42 and 61725.03 ton/yr, respectively. Thereafter, very high erosion class was found for EPM model under study. The results of statistical compare of erosion of MPSIAC and EPM models in hydrologic unit (sampling unit) by real erosion measure show that, there is no significant different between erosion estimate by MPSIAC model and real erosion measure at level of 1% and 5%, but the erosion estimate by EPM model have a significant different at level of 5%. Thereafter, very high erosion class was found for EPM model under study. Due to not fully compatible tables for EPM model and its subjective nature, one can conclude that MPSIAC model may have better performance.

Varamin with the area of over 3000 hectares of tomato plantations is accounted for one of the most important tomato producer region in Iran. During the years 2007 to 2009, a survey was conducted through different tomato fields in Varamin region. A viral disease like symptom of stem necrosis streaks and necrotic spots on fruits were recorded on some tomato plants. Biological properties of suspected viral agents by inoculation to indicator herbaceous plants were studied. Symptomatic tomato leaf, stem and fruit samples were collected and serologically tested by DAS-ELISA and NCM-ELISA methods for the presence of ToMV, TMV and PVX viruses using polyclonal antibodies (Agdia, Inc, U.S.A) (DSMZ, Inc,Germany). TMV was largely detected in all tested indicator plants by NCM-ELISA method. According to the results obtained by DAS-ELISA ToMV, TMV and PVX viruses were detected alone or in mixed infection in the tomato plants showing stem necrotic streak symptoms. Double and triple infections involving different combinations of viruses were found in were observed on 20 and 5/3 % of samples, respectively. Symptoms appeared on inoculated indicator plants were in concordance with what had been reported before for the assayed viruses two weeks after virus inoculation. Symptomatic indicators leaves were serologically tested by NCM-ELISA method for the presence of TMV by means of DSMZ commercial polyclonal antibody (DSMZ,Inc,Germany).Using RT-PCR molecular method and specific primers designed for the coat protein gene, presence of the TMV, ToMV and PVX confirmed for the ELISA positive tested tomato plants. All tested samples were amplified 694bp, 686 and 714 bp fragments for TMV, ToMV and PVX tested samples, respectively. Detection of TMV, ToMV and PVX in doubly infection in samples shows the evidence of Tomato double streak virus in surveyed region. This is the first report of tomato infecting double streak virus disease in Iran, Tehran province.