فهرست مطالب محمدحسین دانشور

The arid and semi-arid region occupies most of south-west Iran, and livestock farming is one of the most important activities in this region. The goals of study were to recognize the effects of different level of Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on morphological characteristics, productivity and forage quality of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. Opuntia is cultivated in both hemispheres and all continents. Its products have always been very popular among the rural populations of arid and semi-arid areas in its native region of Mexico and in the Mediterranean basin, where it was introduced at the beginning of the 16th century. They include fruits and cladodes for human nutrition and cattle feeding. Moreover, its utilization is common in popular medicine (flowers and cladodes), and field management.

  Experiments were conducted in field of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan in the semi-arid of Khuzestan, Iran. The experiment was performed as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications (plot).The objective was to study Nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kgha-1) and Phosphorus (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg ha-1) fertilizations on growth of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. After two years of planting in the field, the plants were harvested and the characteristics of height, number of cladodes, fresh weight, phosphorus, nitrogen, amino acid, soluble carbohydrates, mucilage, fiber, chlorophyll were measured.

The effect of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization on the growth and quality of Opuntia ficus-indica was investigated in this study. Phosphorus fertilization increased the dry matter content and the amino acid composition of the cladodes, which are the flattened stems of the cactus plant. Nitrogen fertilization had a positive and linear effect on the dry matter production and the yield of the plant, measured by the fresh weight of the shoots. However, no significant response to nitrogen fertilization was observed in the carbohydrate content of the cladodes, which remained relatively constant across different levels of nitrogen application. Nitrogen fertilization also increased the nitrogen concentration in the plant tissue, indicating a higher uptake and assimilation of this nutrient. The cladode area index (CAI), which is the ratio of the total cladode area to the ground area, increased with increasing nitrogen levels, reflecting a higher biomass accumulation and canopy development. The results showed that the application of 100 kg N / ha from urea source, which was the intermediate level of nitrogen treatment, resulted in an improvement of the vegetative parts of the plant and an increase in the fresh weight of the shoots, so that it was comparable to the yield obtained from the highest level of nitrogen treatment (200 kg N / ha). The results also showed that the amount of crude protein, amino acids and mucilage in the shoots, which are important indicators of the nutritional and medicinal value of the cactus plant, showed a good response to increased nitrogen consumption. However, phosphorus fertilization was able to affect some traits, especially the amount of amino acids and protein, which are two important properties in forage plants. These results suggest that phosphorus fertilization can enhance the quality of the cactus plant as a feed source for livestock.

In this study, it was found that Opuntia ficus-indica, which is a drought-tolerant and multipurpose cactus plant, had a significant performance even in the control treatment (without fertilization), when it was irrigated five times per year (one time in spring, three times in summer and one time in autumn). However, fertilization was necessary for optimal growth and quality of the plant. Due to the change in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the cactus plant and also the affected properties, it seems that nitrogen fertilization was more effective than phosphorus fertilization in enhancing the productivity and value of the plant. In summary, increasing fertilizing with nitrogen and phosphorus resulted in greater productivity of O. ficus-indica in Khuzestan, a semi-arid region in Iran. Phosphorus fertilization involved less economical risk to the farmer, as it required lower amounts and frequencies of application, but positive responses occurred only when soil phosphorus was increasing. This work stresses the importance of using replicated field trials to look for quantitative differences in yield and fruit quality from visually indistinguishable cactus fruit clones, which may have different genetic and physiological characteristics.

Cucumber fruits have a short shelf life in the post-harvest stage due to high water content, high metabolic activity, and spoilage caused by the growth of microorganisms. In this research, the effects of putrescine (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM) and chitosan (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) on some characteristics of cucumber fruit during storage at 12±1 degrees Celsius during storage (0, 10, and 20 days) and one day at 25 degrees Celsius was investigated. The results showed that chitosan and putrescine significantly prevent weight loss, maintain total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness, total chlorophyll of skin, and ascorbic acid and improve the sensory quality of cucumber fruit during storage. The lowest weight loss and the highest firmness were obtained in the treatment of 1.5% chitosan and 2 mM putrescine at 10 and 20 days of storage. Also, the highest amount of soluble solids, titratable acidity, total chlorophyll, vitamin C, total antioxidant, total phenol, and the lowest amount of pH, and decrease in sensory quality in 10 and 20 storage times related to the treatments of 1.5% chitosan and 2 mM putrescine that showed a significant difference with the control treatment. 1% and 1.5% chitosan coating treatments showed no significant difference in other traits measured during storage, except for weight loss. It seems that pretreatment of putrescine (2 mM) and chitosan coating (1 to 1.5%) can maintain the quality of fruits for a more extended period while increasing the storage life of cucumber.

In the present experiment, the effect of sodium chloride (0, 75 and 150 mM NaCl) and Urea (0, 60 and 120 mg/kg soil) on nitrate reductase activity (NRA) and accumulation of nitrate, total amino acids and some ions in the seedlings of pistachio (P. vera L. cv. ´´Badami Zarand´´) were studied. The results showed that application of 60 mg Urea per kg of soil in 0 and 75 mM sodium chloride treatments significantly increased the NRA in leaves (7.52 and 7.14 µ NO2-, respectively). In the seedlings treated with 75 mM sodium chloride, the total leaf amino acid content (AA) after application of Urea (120 mg/kg soil) increased significantly (22.91 µg. g FW), however, the AA in root of both salinity treatments (75 and 150 mM sodium chloride) was increased after application of 60 mg Urea per kg of soil. Application of 60 mg Urea per kg of soil resulted in a significant increase in the root/leaf ratio of the AA in 75 mM sodium chloride, but in 150 mM sodium chloride treatment, application of 120 mg Urea per kg of soil increased this proportion. Also, application of urea had a significant effect on nitrate accumulation in leaves and roots and root/leaf nitrate in pistachio seedlings that treated with 150 mM NaCl. The effect of sodium chloride or urea on Na+, K+ and Na+ concentration was significant. The results showed that application of urea under salt stress conditions improved some biochemical indices related to nitrogen metabolism in pistachio seedlings.

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis L.) is one of the rangeland species in the many parts of the world, which is cultivated as a medicinal and ornamental plant. Plant tissue culture techniques are an alternative method for the mass production of lavender colons and can overcome the problems caused by reproductive propagation. To determine the effect of different combinations and concentrations of growth regulators, and also explant type in the process of callogenesis, organogenesis, and rooting of lavender, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications. In this research, different responses to growth regulatory compounds were assessed at different stages. The best treatment for callogenesis was cotyledon explants in culture medium containing 0.5 mg/l 2.4-D along with 0.25 mg/l BAP. In indirect organogenesis, the highest number of branches and the rate of organogenesis were obtained in the medium containing 2 mg/l of KIN. Also, the highest number of branches was obtained from using 0.5 mg/l BAP treatment with 0.5 mg/l of KIN along with 0.1 mg/l IBA. The results showed that the best culture medium for rooting was the medium containing 1 mg/l IBA. The highest explants survival rate was related to using perlite and coco peat as a bed of cultivation. The finding of this research introduced an efficient regeneration system for this plant that can be used in rapid vegetative propagation, germplasm maintenance, and molecular modification programs through genetic engineering.

Polianthes tuberosa L. is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants in tropical and subtropical regions that is cultivating in some regions of Iran. Due to the transmission of fungal and bacterial diseases, propagation by bulbs is not affordable. Tissue culture is a good way to produce uniform and disease-free seedling. Therefore, in vitro cultivation of tuberose is a suitable solution to commercial reproduction.

To investigate the best method of micropropagation of Polianthes tuberosa, this study was conducted in three experiments (proliferation, root formation and adaptation). The explants used in this study were lateral buds. Ethyl alcohol (70%) and dilute laundry bleach (5.25% active chlorine), benomyl fungicide and dishwashing liquid were used to eliminate surface contamination of the explants. In the first experiment, the effect of different plant growth regulators and MS medium (MS, ½ MS, ¼ MS) on shoot formation of lateral bud was investigated. Lateral bud explants were cultured in MS medium with various plant growth regulators including KIN (0.25, 0.5, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg / L), BAP (0.25 (0.5, 0.1 and 2.0 mg / l) and then the length and number of shoots were evaluated. After forming shoots in the propagation medium, they were transferred to a new environment to form roots.The root formation experiment included tree levels of  NAA concentrations, (0.5, 0.75 and 1 mg/L) in combination with 0.2 mg/L IBA and control (without growth regulator). Adaptation experiment with 5 Substrate of bed including Peat Moss, Cocopeat, Sand, Peat Moss with Cocopeat (1: 1) and Sand with Cocopeat and Peat Moss (1: 1: 1) was conducted.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between various types of plant growth regulators (PGR) and MS culture media at different concentrations and no branch was produced without the use of PGR. In shoot prolifferation experiment, the maximum number of shoots (4.8) was obtained from lateral bud explants in MS medium with 0.25 mg / l BAP in combination with 0.25 mg / l KIN. The highest length of lateral shoot shoots (3.75 cm) was observed in MS medium with 0.25 mg / l KIN in combination with 0.25 mg / l BAP.The results of root formation experiment showed that the highest number of roots was observed in MS medium containing 0.5 mg / l NAA and 0.2 mg / l IBA and the lowest number of roots in control (without plant growth regulator). Treatment of 0.5 mg / l NAA with 0.2 mg / l IBA had the highest root length (1.22 cm). The lowest root length was also observed in the control (without plant growth regulator). In the adaptation test, no significant difference was observed between treatments in survival rate.

The results of this study showed that the shoot organogenesis is controlled by the cytokinin with MS medium in different concentrations. It should be mentioned that cytokinin had an important role in the synthesis of RNA, stimulation of the production of protein and the activity of some enzymes. Also, the results showed that the use of cytokinin alone has a beneficial effect on shoot organogenesis.

Population growth and increased urban migration in the past decades have led to an increase in population density and size of major cities. Unfortunately, this kind of pollution has mostly gone unnoticed. To prevent these effects and achieve recommended standards, the use of plants as noise barriers in cities is mandatory. Trees offer a range of ecosystem services and remain important in providing human benefits. The aerodynamic effect of trees was identified as a major reason for the change of pollutant distribution in near-road parks, where trees can act as porous barriers and decrease noise pollution. Although not yet fully developed, planting strategies aiming to benefit from the negative effects of vegetation on noise pollution should be encouraged in future park design.

The present study was conducted to investigate the absorption of noise pollution by one of the plants in the landscape of Ahvaz, Dodonaea viscosa L., in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with different distances between the sound source and the green wall (5, 10, and 15 m) and green wall width (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 0 m as control). After receiving the sound by the receiver, the data were transferred to MATLAB (2015) software. Then, the properties of the sound level were measured including minimum, maximum, elongation, skewness, mean, and variance.

The results showed that with increasing the distance from the sound source, the minimum sound intensity decreased and finally, the green wall with one-meter width at 15-meters distance had the minimum intensity (68.4 dB). It was also found that the maximum sound decreased with increasing distance of the sound source from the green wall so that the maximum was related to the distance of 5 meters (91.6 dB) and the lowest was related to the distance of 15 meters (76.3 dB). Also, the analysis of the data showed that in the control and other thicknesses of the green wall, the average sound intensity decreased with increasing distance from the sound source. The highest variance of sound intensity was found in 1 m width green wall and 5 m away from the sound source and the lowest variance of sound intensity was related to the thickness of the control at a distance of 5 meters from the sound source.

Basically, the sound waves are absorbed by the leaves and branches of trees. The higher the density of the tree and the shorter the distance from the sound source to the tree, the greater the reducing effect. With the shorter distance from the green wall, the sound gradually decreases because it creates an angle at the deflection path of the wave and therefore, the wave has to travel a greater distance to the receiver. According to the obtained results, it is suggested for landscape designers to use this shrub as a green wall and sound barrier, pruning it with a width of one meter and also its distance from a sound source close to about 5 meters.

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is an important ornamental-medicinal plant in Iran, that is widely used alone or in combination with other medicinal to produce low-risk drugs for human. In order to mass-production of this plant by tissue culture, four separate factorial experiments were conducted using completely randomized design with three replications (10 samples) at four stages of callus induction, indirect organogenesis, rooting, and acclimatization The results showed that the highest callus weight was observed in the interaction of leaf explant and medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2.0 mg/l). The tallest and highest branching number was related to the callus obtained from leaf explant in medium containing thidiazuron (1.0 mg/l TDZ) and putrescine (100 mg/l PUT), in indirect organogenesis. Tissue culture cuttings had the best rooting in 2.0 mg/l NAA medium. The obtained seedlings planted in pots containing perlite showed better acclimatization. By optimizing callus production from Calendula officinalis explants and propagation by tissue culture method can be an important step towards producing plants with the same quality and free of pathogens.

Crocus flower, which belongs to Iridaceae family, is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants. The propagation of Crocus vernus L. by corm is not commercially affordable due to transmission of fungal and bacterial diseases as well as the long dormancy period which takes 4 to 5 months. Thus, in vitro culture of Crocus vernus is a suitable solution for commercial reproduction. Plant tissue culture technique would be a better alternative for improving quality and production.

In order to micropropagate ornamental saffron, the effect of different culture media on direct organogenesis experiment was conducted in factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with 3 replications in the tissue culture lab of the Department of Horticulture at Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan from 2015 to 2016. The explants used in this experiment were latheral and terminal buds which were evaluated in 10 hormons treatments and control in the Murashige and Skoog medium (MS). To eliminate surface contamination, the explants were first immersed under water for 30 minutes after placing the corms. Next, they were placed in high temperature Benlate fungicide solution (55° C) for 30 minutes. Then, they were put in 70% ethanol (ethyl alcohol) for 30 seconds and 15% Sodium hypochlorite solution for 6 minutes. The explants were finally washed three times with sterile distilled water under the air flow bench. The effects of plant growth regulators including BAP (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/l), TDZ (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 mg/l), Kin (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/l) and 0.1mg/l IBA in direct regeneration were investigated.

The results showed that the kind of plant growth regulators (PGR) and the explant type are very important in regeneration of Crocus vernus so that we can not secure any shoots without PGR. In direct organogenesis experiment, the maximum number of multiple shoots (15.84) was obtained from apical bud explant in MS medium supplemented with 5/0 mg/l TDZ along with 5/0 mg/l BAP, 5/0 mg/l KIN and 1/0 mg/l IBA, after 10 weeks, that had a significant difference with other treatments at 1% Duncan test. We observed 2.o mg/l BAP along with 1/0 mg/l IBA had the greatest effect on the number of corms.

The results showed the shoot regeneration is controlled by the ratio of cytokinin with auxin. It should be mentioned that cytokinin plays a role in the synthesis of RNA, stimulation of the production of protein, and the activity of some enzymes. The results also indicated that the use of cytokinin along with auxin has a beneficial effect on shoot regeneration.

In this study, a rapid and efficient protocol was developed for in vitro plantlet regeneration of Lasora (Cordia myxa L.) using different explants. Seperate experiments, one for shoot regeneration optimization, one for proliferation, and one for induction were conducted in this study. Factorial design 3*7 based on compeletly randomized design was used for shoot regeneration but just compeletly randomized design used for proliferation and induction. The highest frequency of shoot regeneration (4.33) from cotyledon was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 4.0 mg/l kinetin (KIN) and 0.01 mg/l 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The explants started regenerating shoots after 15-21 days in culture. To proliferation the regenerated shoot, the explants were transferred to MS medium containing different concentrations of KIN or BAP with 0.01 mg/l NAA. Shoot multiplication and elongation took place on the same medium. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 1.0 mg/l was most effective for root regeneration. Using the current protocol, it tooks 2 months to regenerate plantlets. The in vitro regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in greenhouse conditions.

Limited data published about the effects of salinity on nitrogen assimilation of fruit trees such as almond. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of sodium chloride (0, 75 and 150 mM NaCl) on nitrate reductase activity, accumulation of nitrate, proline and some ions in the seedlings of two almond rootstocks (Prunus dulcis L.). The results showed that application of 150 mM sodium chloride significantly decreased the total dry weight in the seedling of “Bitter Almond” (2.68 g). In the seedlings of “Sweet Almond” treated with 150 mM sodium chloride, the leaf proline content increased significantly (140 µg. g FW) after 14 days, however, the proline content in leaves of both rootstocks (“Sweet Almond” and “Bitter Almond”) was decreased after application of 150 mM for 21 days (43.66 and 47.8 µg. g FW, respectively). Also, sodium chloride decreased the leaf nitrate reductase activity in leaves of both rootstocks. The interaction of effect sodium chloride and salinity duration on Na+, K+ and Cl- concentration was significant. The results suggested that the changes in nitrate content and nitrate reductase activity in almond rootstocks after NaCl treatment is an important biochemical index during salinity treatment and may be resulted to disruption in nitrogen assimilation in almond seedlings.

Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.), belongs to Fabaceae family, is an ornamental herbaceous plant with fragrant flowers and climber. This plant is as a source of genetic for important traits such as resistance to edaphic stresses. In order to keep genetic sources, plant propagation through tissue culture can be effective. To establish an efficient protocol of shoot regeneration from callus, effects of explant type, culture media and plant growth regulators on callus induction and shoot regeneration of sweet pea were evaluated. The results showed that internode was the best explant for callus induction (0.77 g callus per each explant) and MS was the best medium to induce callus formation with 0.78 g callus per each explant. The highest callus induction (1.9 g callus per each explant) was achieved planting internode on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg.l-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.0 mg.l-1 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) after 25 days of culture. Shoots regenerated at the highest frequency with 5.33 shoots when calli were cultured on MS medium with 1.0 mg.l-1 Thidiazuron (TDZ). This protocol provides a basis for future studies on genetic improvement and could be applied to large-scale multiplication systems for commercial nurseries of Lathyrus odoratus L.

In order to study effects of different levels of nitrogen and plant density on yield and components of Sweet corn (hybrid SC 403), a field experiment was conducted at Ramin University of Agriculture Natural and Resources. Experiment was carried out as factorial design arranged in, randomized completely blocks design with 3 replications. The treatments were three levels of nitrogen (100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1) and three levels of plant density (85000, 70000 and 55000 plants ha-1 ) Grain yield, dry matter yield, wet cob yield, kernel number in row, kernel number row, 1000 grain weight, cob length, cob diameter, harvest index (HI), and grain protein. contents were determined The results showed that effect of nitrogen was significant on all traits. The highest grain and wet cob yield (6.39 and 24.78 t per ha-1 ) and the highest of grain protein percentage (14.16%) was obtained with 200 kg/ha-1 nitrogen. The highest kernel number per row, kernel number per row, 1000 grain weight, cob length, cob diameter and harvest index (HI) were obtained with 200 kgha-1 of nitrogen. The effect of plant density was significant on all traits. The highest grain and wet cob yield (5.96 and 24.81 t ha-1 ) were obtaned with 85000 plant per ha but the highest grain protein percentage was obtained with 55000 plants per ha. The interaction between nitrogen and plant density was significant for grain yield, dry matter yield and cob length.

In the present study, response of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) on nitrate reductase activity, some biochemical characters and ions accumulation to salinity were evaluated. Salinity treatments (0, 75, 150 mM NaCl) and potassium nitrate (0, 10, 15 mM) were imposed and sampling were done 100 days after treatments. Results indicated that sodium chloride at 75 mM plus 10 mM potassium nitrate resulted in the greatest nitrate reductase activity in leaf of salt-stressed plants and sodium chloride at 150 mM plus 10 mM potassium nitrate or sodium chloride at 150 mM resulted in the least nitrate reductase activity, and nitrate reductase activity did not differ in other treatments. Salt-stressed plants treating potassium nitrate (10 or 15 mM) had higher leaf nitrate content than those not treated with potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate significantly increased root nitrate content in salt stressed plants. Total amino acids in leaf decreased with NaCl treatments, but this was not the case for the plants treated with 75mM NaCl without potassium nitare. At each salinity treatment, addition of 10 or 15 mM potassium nitrate reduced total amino acids in roots of pistachio seedlings. The contents of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) were significantly affected by sodium chloride treatments as well as the potassium nitrate treatments. The results suggested that the nitrate uptake and assimilation in leaf or root of pistachio seedlings were significantly affected by continuous applied of potassium nitrate via irrigation.

Passion flower (Passiflora caerulea L.) is a climbing and herbaceous shrub belonging to the family of Passifloraceae. Tissue culture is an important part of biotechnology, which can produce plants free of pathogens and provides mass production. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of two different types of explants (leaf and petiole) in order to obtain shoot multiplication of Passiflora caerulea. Various concentrations of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), 6-furfuryl amino purine (KN) and Thidiazuron (TDZ) in combination with indole butyric acid (IBA) were used as a completely randomized design, in three replications. Results of this experiment showed that the highest regeneration frequency of the petiole explant (100%) and the maximum number of multiple shoots (8.9) was obtained in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP along with 0.1 mg/l IBA. Also in leaf explants, the highest regeneration frequency (86.66%) as well as the maximum number of multiple shoots (8.6) were obtained in the above-mentioned medium. The highest rooting frequency (93.33%) was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IBA. In vitro-raised plantlets were potted and acclimatized under culture room conditions for 25–30 days before transfer to soil conditions, where the established plants showed more than 90 % survival. The described protocol had a high potential for the micropropagation of this valuable germplasm.

The effect of optimal and supra-optimal concentrations (0, 250, 500 and 750 mM) of NaCl on the growth, chlorophyll, soluble carbohydrate and proline content, ion concentrations and antioxidant enzyme defence of Sesuvium portulacastrum was studied. A significant increase in growth and tissue water content was observed in the shoots exposed to 250 mM salt. Minimum damage to the membrane in terms of electrolytic leakage and better osmotic adjustment at 250 mM salt stress was coupled with the higher accumulation of sodium ions and total soluble sugars as against low proline contents. A fine tuning of antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) was also found to be responsible for the optimum growth of shoots. In contrast, sub-optimal (0 mM) and supra-optimal concentrations (500–750 mM) of NaCl significantly affected the growth, water status and increased the electrolytic leakage of the leaves due to the accumulation of toxic concentrations of saline ions. The highest accumulation of proline in addition to antioxidant enzyme activities exhibited higher osmotic adjustment and survival of the shoots under sub- or supra-optimal concentrations of NaCl as a penalty to reduced growth.

In this study, an indirect organogenesis regeneration protocol for Salvia officinalis L. is described. Leaf (0.5 × 0.5 cm) and internode (1 cm in length) explants sections, from 45 day old in vitro germinated plant, were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 12 different combinations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) or 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The best calli induction response was observed when 1 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l BAP combination was applied to the internode explants. Also, results showed an interesting possibility for the stimulation of shoot regeneration (5.66) through internode segments cultured on MS medium containing 50 mg/l putrescine and 0.5 mg/l TDZ. Shoot elongation and rooting were achieved on MS medium with 1mg/l IBA. Excellent acclimatization to greenhouse conditions was observed for all transferred plantlets. By this procedure no morphological differences were observed between the regenerated and mother plants. This protocol may be also utilized to carry out plant regeneration after genetic transformation, in order to develop transformed plants without the presence of chimeric zones.

Ficus religiosa has great mythological, religious, and medicinal importance in the culture of India and Nepal since times immemorial. The present paper was done to evaluate the potential of sodium hypochlorite in controlling the contamination of F. religiosa micro-propagation and seed germination of F. religiosa. In this study, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 18 treatments including six different sodium hypochlorite concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 %) and three soaking time of explants (5, 10 and, 15 min) with three replications was conducted. The seeds were inoculated on one-tenth strength of MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium. The lowest rate of contamination (0%) was obtained in treatments containing 20% Sodium hypochlorite at 10 and 15 min immersion and 25% Sodium hypochlorite at 5, 10 and 15 min immersion. The highest seed germination (63.33%) was observed in treatments including 10% Sodium hypochlorite at 5 and 10 min immersion.

Potmarigold, scientifically known as Calendula officinalis L., has shown great medicinal properties, in addition to its use in landscapes. Because of this and sustainable agricultural development, and in order to explore the effect of different fertilizing methods, an experiment was performed, in which the effects of biological phosphate fertilizer, Barvar-2, and NPK fertilizer, as conventional chemical fertilizers, on the growth characteristics and the amount of phosphorous in plant tissue of Potmarigold were compared with different ratios separately and in combination. This research was conducted in the fields of the Department of Agriculture in Ramin Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Khuzestan, Iran, in cropping season 2012-2013. This factorial experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and 27 experimental plots. The factors included phosphate biofertilizer in 3 levels [zero(a1), seed treatment(a2) and road(a3)] and complete fertilizer, NPK, on 3 levels [ zero(b1), 150(b2) and 300 Kg/hectar(b3)]. Studies have shown the maximum numbers of flowers (161.995) and leaves (717.17) per plant were found in co-application of chemical fertilizer. Also the maximum height were found in the combination of the second level of NPK fertilizer (106.6 cm). But the highest P content of the tissuewere found in control treatment (0.002 mg/gr). The results of this research showed that the combined use of seed treatment of phosphate biofertilizer with the second level of the complete fertilizer, NPK, resulted in the improvement of the measured traits, and can thus be recommended in order to increase productivity.

In order to study the effect of plant growth regulators and nitrogen on the characteristics of Gladiolus hybrida cv. White friendship, an experiment was carried out as a factorial plot in a complete randomized block design with 3 replications, in research field of Department of Horticulture at Ramin Agriculture and Natural resources (Kuzestan) in 2013-2014 and various concentrations of Nitrogen (N), Gibberellin (GA) and Benzyladenine (BA) were applied. The results showed that interaction of N, GA and BA significantly affected on the stem diameter, stem length, florescence length, first floret diameter and first and second floret length but the effects on the floret number, second floret diameter and leaf number were not significant. Maximum stem diameter, stem length and first floret diameter was obtained in treatment with 200 kg ha-1 N, 100 mg l-1 GA and 250 mg l-1 BA. Maximum length of florescence was observed in treatment with 500 mg l-1 GA with 250 mg l-1 BA. The treatments N and BA significantly affected on the flower weight. The maximum flower weight was related to interaction of 200 kg ha-1 N and 250 mg l-1BA. Resulted in the highest flower diameter 500 mg l-1 GA and 250 mg l-1 BA. Interaction of 200 kg ha-1 N with of 500 mg l-1 GA and 250 mg l-1 BA increased the first and second floret length significantly compare to control and other treatmant. The results showed that the interaction of N, Ga and BA was effective on the reproductive characteristics of Gladiolus. Rate and time of application could be recommended plant growth regulators different weather conditions I are need to do more researches.

Iran is home of one of the most delightful and graceful flower of Fritillaria in the world. Its habitation is commonly expanded on the vast areas: growing in beds, borders, backgrounds and rock gardens. Besides, it is also suitable for naturalizing and excellent for cut flowers. Fritillaria imperialis as a medicinal plant has pharmaceutical purpose in which possesses a health beneficial essence that used in production of mucus and cough medicine. In addition, extractions of plant tissues contain certain of properties which affect to reduce blood pressure and blood sugar. Unfortunately, the habitation of this ornamental plant is under threat and majority of its habitation already being to ruin due to human activities and urbanization. The propagation of Fritillaria through offsets (bulblets) is prolonging approach which takes approximately 3-4 years. Whereas, using tissue culture technique for flower production is required less time probably within a few months and economically has a huge advantage due to low cost and a numerous plant production in a short time.
This research was carried out in four experiments: callus formation, bulblet production, root formation and acclimatization. In the present study, a factorial experiment was assigned as completed randomized design (CRD) with three replications. In the first experiment, leaf primordia and scale explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA and IBA in order to produce callus formation. In the second experiment, the calli were cultured on organogenesis medium which were contained MS medium supplement, with kin. and TDZ, after 6 and 12 weeks. In the third experiment, the bulblets were transferred into rooting media, which were contained MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/l). In the fourth experiment, after washing the bulblet whit warm distilled water (40ᵒC) that contain 2.0 mg/l benlate fungicide, they then were planted into the pots containing sterilized perlite, cocopeat and perlite along with cocopeat.
In the first experiment, the results demonstrated that the highest weight of callus (3.29g) was sustained in scale explants on basal MS medium which was supplemented with 0.5mg/l NAA along with 0.5mg/l IBA. In second experiment, the result indicated that the numerous of bulblets were developed on MS medium supplemented with 0.5mg/l TDZ along with 0.5mg/l kin. Which of these, the callus scale were produced on MS medium supplemented with 0.5mg/l NAA. In the third experiment, in order to retain rooting the bulblets, they were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentration of NAA. The result elucidated that the large quantity of roots (7.7) were obtained from leaf primordia on MS medium supplemented with 1.0mg/l NAA. In the fourth experiment, rooted bulblets were washed with warm distilled water for 5-10min, and then they were transferred into pots with perlite, cocopeat and perlite cocopeat.
The results revealed information that the rooted bulblets from scale growing on cocopeat substrate had retained the most diameter (21.64mm) as compared to other treatments. The finding results under this investigation strongly suggested that using micropropagation it is definitely a possible trend to abolish the barriers which caused to deteriorate of Fritillaria imperiallis.

Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) is a long-lived valuable multi-purposed forest tree. The tree is exploited due to its ornamental and medicinal value and is used in religious ceremonies. The propagation rate in natural habitat is low. The current study was conducted to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid, phloroglucinol and activated charcoal in controlling callus browning and shoot multiplication in in vitro culture of Ficus religiosa plantlets using callus from leaf segments. The treatments included various concentrations of ascorbic acid (500 and 1000 mg/l), phloroglucinol (100 and 200 mg/l) and activated charcoal (2 and 4 g/l) added to the basal MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP along with 0.1 mg/l IBA. The culture medium containing 1000 mg/l of ascorbic acid controlled callus browning effectively. In this medium the least number of sub-cultures (2-3) were carried out. The highest regeneration frequency (100%), the maximum number of multiple shoots (5.56) and the highest number of subcultures (11.33) were obtained on basal medium supplemented with 200 mg/l phloroglucinol. Finaly, the results of the current study revealed that production of phenolic compounds of explants was significantly controlled by incorporating higher levels of ascorbic acid and activated charcoal into the culture medium.

Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is an annual flower that is sensitive to cold. Seasonal flowers due to their numerous varieties of colors are very important in the landscape design. In order to mass propagate this species, the techniques of plant tissue culture was applied. In this study, four experiments including seed germination at different concentrations of MS medium in the dark and light conditions, callus induction of hypocotyl, regeneration from callus and root formation in different concentrations of plant growth regulators were carried out in a complete randomized design with 3 replications (10 samples). The results showed that the highest percent of seed germination occurred in full strength of MS medium in the light condition (90.00%). The seed germination was significantly higher in the light compared to the dark condition. Hypocotyl explant in MS medium in combination with 1.0 mg.L-1 NAA + 0.1 mg.L-1 BAP produced the highest bulk of callus (1.86 g). The highest regeneration frequency (93.33 %), themaximum number of multiple shoots (6.33) and the maximum shoot length (1.90 cm) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg.L-1 BAP in combination with 0.3 mg.L-1 IBA. 933.3% of the micro-shoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg.L-1 NAA. In conclusion, the hypocotyl explant could be used to achieve an optimal micropropagation protocol for Tagetes erecta.

Nitrogen is considered as an essential nutrient for plants and could be taken up in large amounts by plants. Nitrogen fertilizers are known to have beneficial effects when added to pistachio and other fruit trees. But the nitrogen assimilation of Pistacia species in response to salinity, including uptake and NO-3 reduction, has not been well understood. In this study, nitrate reductase activity, total amino acids, nitrate, calcium and sodium accumulation were evaluated in seedlings of Pistacia vera L. Badami Zarand̕ in response to sodium chloride (0, 75, 150 mm) and calcium nitrate (0, 10, 15 mm). Results showed that by increasing the level of salinity, nitrate reductase activity in leaves and the concentration of nitrate, total amino acids and calcium (Ca2) were reduced in the leaves and roots of P. Vera seedlings. Calcium nitrate induced a significant increase in both the root and leaf nitrate and total amino acids or nitrate reductase activity in leaf under NaCl stress. Calcium nitrate, also, significantly increased root/ leaf total amino acids ratio and decreased Naﰦ, ratio in the roots. Results showed that salinity affects the nitrate assimilation in P. Vera plants. Also, results suggest an efficient salt protective mechanism in P. Vera seedlings mediated by free total amino acids and calcium ions

Microalgae Dunaliella salina is a single-cell eukaryotic organism which is able to grow in high salt concentration. It has several advantages as a green bioreactor for producing of several pharmaceutical drugs including vaccines, hormones, growth factors, monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant proteins. In present study some gene transformation methods were applied for insertion of foreign genes into the microalgae cells. In the first step and to determine suitable selectable marker, some growth inhibitory compounds, such as kanamycin, hygromaicin, chloramphenicol and phosphinotricine were used. The results indicate the sensitivity of microalgae D. salina to phosphinotricine in concentration of 7 µg/ml. Then, the gene bar, encoding phosphinotricine transferase, was introduced as selectable marker in transformation process. The methods applied in gene transformation include agitation with glass beads, electroporation and gene gun bombardment. The constructs containing the GUS gene applied for optimizing of the transformation process. To evaluate the effect of different promoters, the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S and maize ubiquitine promoters were used for expression of the GUS reporter gen. The expression of GUS reporter gene was evaluated by histochemical staining method. The results obtained here proved efficiency of the glass beads method for successful expression of foreign gene. In stable nuclear transformation methods, the transformed D. salina cells were cultured on media containing phosphinotricine selectable marker. These results proved capability of 35S promoter in transformation using glass beads method. The construct harbouring HBsAg gene was applied for gene transformation into microalga by using biolistic, glass beads agitation and agrobacterium co-cultivation. The transformed cells were moved into selective media. The presence of foreign gene in the transformed cells was analyzed by molecular approaches including PCR and RT-PCR. These results prove capability of biolistic and glass bead approaches for successful gene transformation into D. salina.

Yew plant is major source of Taxol, highly effective anti cancer medicine, and cell culture is one way to increase its production. A factorial experiment using B5 as base medium was designed to obtain a proper hormonal and antioxidant composition in callus induction media for European yew existing in Iran. Four different hormonal mixes including 1) 4.5 mg/l 2,4-D, 1mg/l kinetin and 0.33 mg/l GA3; 2) 2 mg/l NAA, 0.2 mg/l 2,4-D and 0.2 mg/l kin; 3) 2 mg/l 2,4-D, 0.5 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l GA3; and 4) 2 mg/l 2,4-D, 0.5 mg/l NAA and 0.5 mg/l kin as the first factor, and two different antioxidants PVP and ascorbic acid as the second factor were conducted on complete random design with 8 replications during 2 months periods. The percentage of callus induction and total callus weight were measured and the ratio of callus weight increment was calculated. Hormonal compositions and the interaction between 2 factors significantly affected percentage of callus induction during the first period, but no significant effect was observed for antioxidants alone. No significant difference observed between total callus weights during the first period, but significant effects were shown for hormonal mixtures, antioxidants, and their interaction observed during the second period. The ratios of callus weight increment also was significantly different between hormonal mixtures and antioxidants. Therefore, tissue culture process should follow out by two steps with two media; in first 2,4-D have to use to maximize callus induction, but need to permit induced calli to grow sufficiently during thereafter months on medium with NAA instead 2,4-D, to obtain high quality calli. Ascorbic acid has to use in any media as antioxidant.