امیر حسین خوشگفتارمنش

Roses, due to their delicacy and short vase life, require special care; however, the use of calcium can help improve their growth, quality, and longevity. This study was designed and conducted as a completely randomized design to investigate the effect of three calcium sources (distilled water as a control, calcium silicate, and calcium amino chelate) at a concentration of 160 ppm on the growth and quality of Rosa 'Samurai' in a hydroponic system. The results showed that foliar application of calcium silicate and calcium amino chelate improved growth traits, including stem diameter, fresh stem weight, flower diameter, flower count, and leaf area compared to the control. Calcium silicate and calcium amino chelate increased the photosynthesis rate by 36.94% and 30.78%, respectively. The highest anthocyanin content (8.39) was observed in the calcium amino chelate treatment, while the calcium concentrations in leaves and petals increased by 47.91% and 51.67%, respectively, in the calcium silicate treatment compared to the control. Calcium amino chelate also resulted in a 47.86% increase in root calcium concentration and a 3.3-day increase in vase life compared to the control. Additionally, calcium silicate increased iron concentration by 11.34%, manganese by 91.74%, and leaf nitrogen by 5.88%, while calcium amino chelate increased leaf and root copper concentrations by 4% and 25.41%, phosphorus concentration in leaves by 25.90%, and root potassium concentration by 74.84%. These results demonstrate the significant role of calcium, particularly calcium amino chelate, in enhancing nutrient absorption and improving the growth and quality of rose flowers

Very little information is available about the effect of Ni nutrition on nitrogen metabolism in plants in the presence and absence of urea and various amino acids. Consumption of high amounts of urea in rapeseed fields shows the necessity of study the effect of nickel on improving the efficiency of nitrogen metabolism in this condition.The purpose of this nutrient solution culture expriment study was to investigate the effect of nickel in the presence and absence of urea and three types of amino acids including histidine (His), arginine (Arg), and tryptophan (Tri) on growth and metabolism of nitrogen in rapeseed.

This greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement of split plots and three replications in solution culture on rapeseed (Hyola-401 variety). The main plots of the experiment consisted of nutrient solution with urea and urea-free nutrient solution, and subplots consisting of nickel at three levels of zero, 5 and 10 micromoles of nickel sulfate and amino acid at four levels including non-use of amino acid and the use of tryptophan, arginine and histidine amino acids At a concentration of 100 μM. At the end of the experiment, dry weight of the shoots and roots, the concentration and uptake of nickel and some nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, urea and amino acids of the shoots and roots as well as the activity of the urease enzyme in these two parts, was measured.

Regardless of Ni concentration and amino acid treatment, shoot dry weight of plants in the urea-based nutrition solution was significantly lower than those in the urea-free nutrient solution. In the urea-based nutrient solution, application of 5 µM Ni in combination with histidine significantly increased the shoot dry weight. Similar results were observed in the urea-free nutrient solution. In the urea-based nutrient solution, the positive effect of Ni on the shoot growth of the plant increased in the presence of amino acids. The presence of Ni in combination with amino acids increased the leaf activity of urease; although the urease activity in the plants grown in the urea-based nutrint solution was far higher than those grown in the non-urea solution.

The effect of Ni application on nitroent metabolism and plant growth was dependent on the applied level of Ni and the presence or absence of urea and amino acids. Nickel at the 5 µM level positively affected nitrogen metabolism and growth of plants supplied with urea while it had no effect on the plants unsupplied with urea. In the urea-based nutrint solution, the presence of amino acids particularly, His had stimulative effect on the plant root grwoth. Regardless of urea treatment, Ni at the 10 µM Ni level was toxic for rapeseed; although the presence of amino acids led to significant decrease of Ni toxicity effect.

In order to study the effect of zinc (Zn) nutrition on relative tolerance of olive (Olea europea L.) seedlings to salinity, a factorial pot experiment was conducted, based on completely randomized design with three replications, during fall 2013. One-year seedlings of two olive cultivars (‘Frontoio’ and ‘Conservolea’) were planted in 10-litre plastic pots containing sand and perlite (1:1 ratio) and treated with nutrient solutions having different levels of sodium chloride (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM) and Zn (0, 1 and 5 µM zinc sulfate). Results showed that salinity reduced root and leaf dry weight, seedling height, number of leaves, potassium/sodium (K/Na) ratio of roots and leaves, and calcium (Ca) molarity ratio in roots and leaves of both cultivars. With increasing Zn content to 5 µM, all the growth traits of the two cultivars were increased significantly. This trend was observed in the leaf K content and K/Na ratio of roots and leaves as well. Interaction of Zn×cultivar and salinity×cultivar was significant only on root dry weight. The Frontoio cultivar had maximum root dry weight at all salinity levels. The Zn had a positive and significant effect on root and leaf dry weight. Interactions of Zn×salinity and Zn×cultivar were not significant on leaf dry weight. Frontoio cultivar was more tolerant cultivar to salinity according to the maximum root and leaf dry weight, as well as other studied traits. Application of Zn not only raised growth indices, but also increased K absorption, K/Na ratio, and Ca molarity ratio. This role led to improved nutrition conditions and finally increased dry leaf and root weights. In general, Ca molarity ratio is more proper index in comparison with K/Na ratio to determine tolerance to salinity in the olive seedlings

The role of amino acids on root uptake and root-to-shoot translocation of micronutrients is of great importance to improve plant nutrition management. In this nutrient solution culture experiment, the effect of application of 100μM tryptophan, arginine and histidine on the uptake and root-to-shoot translocation of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in rapeseed with three Zn levels (0, 5 and 10μM as zinc sulfate) was investigated. The results showed at the 5μMZn, application of arginine and tryptophan significantly reduced the shoot dry weight compared to the amino acid-free, while at the 5μMZn, the use of histidine resulted in a significant increase in the plant shoot dry weight. The highest plant shoot Zn uptake was found at the 10μMZn plus histidine. Application of 10μMZn in the presence of arginine led to a significant increase of root Zn uptake as compared to the amino acid-free while no such effect was found in the presence of other amino acids. In the presence of amino acids, except arginine, increasing Zn concentration in the nutrient solution to 10μM resulted in lower shoot and root Fe uptake in comparison with amino acid-free. In contrast, at 10μMZn treatment, application of arginine enhanced plant shoot and root Fe uptake. The highest concentration of total amino acids in the plant shoots and roots was related to the free-Zn and free-amino acid treatment. Regardless of the type of amino acid used, the increase in Zn level up to 10μM increased the leaf activity of the catalase and ascorbate peroxidase.

A major concern on the application of sewage sludge in agricultural lands is relatively high cadmium (Cd) concentrations in these wastes which might be toxic to the plant and causes oxidative damage. Much higher Zn concentration in sewage sludge in comparison with cadmium may affect oxidative damage induced by cadmium. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of various concentrations of zinc (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg kg-1 soil) on oxidative damage caused by sewage sludge containing different levels of cadmium (0.75, 1.5 and 3 mg kg-1 of soil) on lettuce. The results showed that increasing the concentration of cadmium, in addition to increasing malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), generally increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX). Declining malondialdehyde concentration by increasing zinc concentration in sewage sludge indicates the role of this element in reducing oxidative damage caused by cadmium toxicity in the plant. Generally, by increasing zinc concentration in the sewage, the activity of SOD, CAT, APX and POX decreased. According to the results, it seems that lower activity of antioxidant enzymes the plant treated with high Zn sewage sludge is at least in part due to reduction of oxidative damage caused by cadmium in the plant.

As a destructive effect of salinity, raising free radicals in root cells and thus leakage of ions is seen. In order to study the zinc effect on some of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase [CAT], Ascorbat Peroxidase [APX]) and decreasing salinity-induced by NaCl, oxidative damages in two cultivars of olive (Olea europea L.)(Frontoio and Conservollea), this pot experiment conducted, in factorial arrange and completely randomized design in three replication. One-year seedling of two olive cultivars treated with nutrition solutions involved different levels of sodium chloride (0, 40, 80, 120 mM) and zinc (0, 1, 5µ molar) of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4. 7H2O ). The results showed that with increasing of salinity levels decreased root and leaf dry weight and plant height, but increased ion leakage of potassium and zinc in root and activity of CAT and APX enzymes in leaf, as well, using Zn, decreased ion leakage of potassium and zinc; whereas root and leaf dry weight, plant height, CAT and APX activity increased. Based on the results, the greater the concentration of sulfhydryl groups in roots in Frontoio variety compared to Conservolea was in acceptance with less leakage of potassium and zinc ions on the Frontoio compared to Conservolea. Therefore the Frontoio variety was more resistant to salinity in comparison with Conservolea.

Nitrate (NO3) is an essential nutrient for growth of plants, but high concentration of nitrate in human diet increases risk of serious illnesses such as gastric cancer and infantile methemoglobinemia. Vegetables constitute the major source of nitrate, providing 80% of the average daily human dietary intake. Unbalanced fertilization and overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers are the main reasons for excess accumulation of nitrate in vegetables.In regard with the recent concerns about contamination of vegetables to nitrate, the present study was conducted to compare nitrate accumulation in edible parts of some predominant crops in Isfahan province in comparision with critical level of nitrate in vegetables.Predominant crops grown in Isfahan including potato (Solanumtuberosum) which is basic vegetable in human diet and cucumber (Cucumissativus) which is basic raw-used vegetable were sampled in cold season (mid-October until end-November), with high probability of nitrate accumulation, from pioneer greenhouses and farms. Nitrate concentration in edible parts of compound sampled plants were measured by diazo method. Interpolation maps of nitrate hazard quotient for children and adults based on per capita consumption of these crops were drawn. Results showed that mean nitrate concentrations in cucumber and potato samples collected from all cities were below permisible level. According to the results obtained from interpolation maps of nitrate and the fact that in all cities THQ for nitrate was below 1 (Maximum 0.051 and O.2 for potato and cucumber, respectively). Therefore, the health quality of the studied crops in terms of nitrate concentrations was acceptable. Although continuous monitoring of crops is essential.

This field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of zinc (Zn) in the form of ZnSO4 and Zn-Lys amino chelate on growth indices and yield of Behbahan onion at the Agriculture Research Station of Behbahan, Iran. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications. Foliar application treatments were: ZnSO4, Zn chelated with lysine (Zn-Lys), and free amino acid of lysine (Lys). A treatment with no foliar application of Zn and amino acid was considered as the control. Foliar application was performed at two stages, once at the early rapid vegetative growth stage and the other at the early bulbing. The results of growth analysis indicated that at all fertilizer treatments, the slow growth period lasted to 125 days after seed germination followed by the rapid growth period. The maximum leaf area index (LAI) (4.19), bulb growth rate (30.49 g m-2 day-1), crop growth rate (39.66 g m-2 day-1) and total and marketable yield of bulb (63.07 and 60.54 t ha-1, respectively) was obtained at the Zn-Lys amino chelate. Among different treatments, the pattern of dry matter accumulation showed that Zn-Lys amino chelate resulted significant increase of plant dry mass (62% over the control treatment), and this trend continued until the end of the growing season. A positive and significant correlation (P

The pattern of dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate are important characteristics affecting optimal crop production. Plant nutrition has a significant impact on plant growth pattern. In this research, the effect of foliar application of Zn in the form of ZnSO4 and synthetic complexes of methionine-Zn (Zn-Met) and lysine-Zn (Zn-Lys) on pattern of dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate, and other growth indicators of onion (Allium cepa L. cv. Primavera) was evaluated. Foliar Zn application at a concentration of 0.5 % was performed at two stages: once at the early rapid vegetative growth stage (at stage of leaf blade growth), and the other at the early bulbing. The results indicated that, at all fertilizer treatments, the slow growth period lasted 128 days after seed germination followed by the rapid growth period. The maximum leaf area index (LAI) (3.44), bulb growth rate (31.30 g m-2 day-1), crop growth rate (40.70 g m-2 day-1), relative growth rate (0.0966 g g-1 day-1) and total biomass was obtained at the Zn-Lys treatment. For this reason, the highest total biomass (14.87 kg m-2) belonged to this treatment. Foliar application of Zn treatments was ineffective on the bulbing time. Among different treatments, the pattern of dry matter accumulation showed that Zn-Lys complex resulted in significant increase of plant dry mass (33% over the control treatment), and this trend continued until the end of the growing season. According to the results, foliar spray of Zn-Lys complex affected the growth pattern of onion and thereby resulted in significant improvement of dry matter accumulation, LAI, bulb growth rate, and crop growth rate. The highest total biomass was also produced in the Zn-Lys treatment. Also, Zn-Met complex significantly increased total biomass and blub quality but zinc sulfate only significantly increased zinc concentration in onion bulb. According to the results of this research, foliar spray of Zn-Lys complex is recommended for improving onion yield and quality in zinc deficient calcareous soils.

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency is common in wheat growing areas of the world particularly in calcareous soils. Soil application of chemical fertilizers is considered as a cost-effective and easy approach to combat micronutrient deficiency. However, due to economic, environmental, and agronomic constrains, efficiency of soil fertilization is low in most calcareous soils. Therefore, finding proper and effective approaches to improve fertilizer use efficiency and/or soil availability of metal nutrients is of great importance. This research was performed to investigate the effect of endophyte fungus Piriformospora indica and Zn-sulfate application on root and shoot dry matter yield and uptake of Fe and Zn by wheat. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized factorial design; each treatment contained three replicates. Two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Durum and Rushan) were exposed to two Zn fertilizer rates (0 and 15 mg/kg ZnSO4.7H2O) and were inoculated with and without P. indica. Results showed that inoculation with P. indica increased root and shoot uptake of Fe (25 and 27%, respectively) and Zn (46 and 26%, respectively). In general, inoculation of roots with P. indica resulted in significant increase of shoot and root dry matter yield and uptake of Fe and Zn by both studied wheat cultivars. Infection of wheat roots with P. indica seems to be an effective and environment-friendly approach to improve Fe and Zn uptake in calcareous soil; although further research is needed to clarify all aspects of this approach.

During last century, waste water of gold mine has accumulated heavy metals such as lead, zinc and cadmium in Zarshuran region soil, and thus has increased epidemic disease in this region drastically. The purpose of this research was to reduce the mobility and bioavailability of zinc, lead and cadmium in rhizosphere of sunflower grown in soil around the mine by inorganic sorbents. A pot experiments was carried out with three levels of raw zeolites (1, 6, 12 wt%), three levels of raw bentonite (1, 6, 12 wt%) and control (without sorbent) in a completely randomized block design with three replications. After cultivation, soil and plant samples were taken and the concentration of lead, cadmium and zinc in their samples were measured. Different levels of bentonite reduced the absorbable concentration of lead and zinc; and also reduced their absorbable concentrations in plant tissue, but had no significant effect on reducing absorbable concentration of cadmium. Transfer factor for all three metals in the roots was more than shoot and reducing the concentration of heavy metals in the plant had no impact on plant growth. According to the study, level of 12 wt% of the raw bentonite was the most suitable sorbent for the stabilization of lead and zinc; and level of 12 wt% for raw zeolite was the best sorbent for stabilization of cadmium.

Silicon (Si) has not been considered as an essential nutrient for plant growth however, it has been shown that supplying crops with adequate Si can improve environmental stress tolerance. On the other hand, exposure to toluene, as a hazardous organic pollutant widely found in the water resources, is an environmental stress for plants growing around many industries. The aim of this nutrient solution culture experiment was to investigate the effect of Si nutrition on alleviating injuries induced by toluene contamination on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The plant seedlings supplied or unsupplied with 1 mM silicon (in the form of Na2SiO3.5H2O) were exposed for 30 days to three levels of toluene (0, 225, 450 mg L-1) in the nutrient solution. The results showed that shoot and root fresh mass, plant height, and root length significantly decreased in the present of toluene contamination. Exposure to toluene significantly decreased relative water content of the leaves, leaf photosynthetic pigments concentration, and Fe and Zn concentration in the shoot and root. Toluene contamination led to elevated peroxidation of root cell membrane. In the present of toluene, addition of Si enhanced water use efficiency, membrane stability, chlorophyll concentration and photosynthetic activity of the leaves. These changes induced by Si may lead to higher accumulation of Fe and Zn in the plant shoot.

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of different commercial nutrient solutions on growth and yield of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii L.) cut flowers in open soilless culture system. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized factorial design with three nutrient solutions (S1: Schreurs, S2: Florist and S3: Research Station for Floriculture and Greenhouse Vegetables, RSFGV) and two gerbera cultivars (Red “Stanza” and Yellow “Double Dutch”). Results showed that minimum days to the first flower bud appearance (38.2 days) and days to the first flower harvest (58.5 days) were obtained from Red cultivar supplied with the S3 nutrient solution. The highest number of leaves (12.3 leaves/plant), stalk length (52.2 cm), stalk fresh weight (38.4 g) and number of flowers (291 stalks/m2.yr) were obtained from Red cultivar supplied with the S3 solution, while maximum vase life (11.4 days) was obtained from Yellow cultivar supplied with the Schreurs nutrient solution. Based on the results, RSFGV nutrient solution (S3) can be recommended as a basic nutrient solution for commercial gerbera cut flower production in hydroponic.

As an essential micronutrients, iron (Fe) has significant effect on activity of antioxidant enzymes and thereby influences the crop tolerance to environmental stresses. On the other hand, environmental stresses, i.e. air pollution might modify Fe nutritional status of plants by affecting the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in Fe concentration and activity of Fe-dependent antioxidant enzymes in leaves of Plantago major L.with distance from two major sources of air pollution in Shiraz city. Oil Refinery of Shiraz (ORS) and urban traffic of Imam Hossein square were selected as two major air pollutant sources in Shiraz city. Plant leaf samples were collected at different distances from the air pollutant sources. The concentrations of Fe, zinc (Zn), chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, and activity of catalase and peroxidase in the leaves were measured. The results showed that Fe concentration in the plant leaves increased with distance from the ORS. Leaf Fe concentration was 34.86% and 44.73 % higher in the plants at the Rokn Abbad (12 km far from the ORS) town and Melli garden (20 km far from the ORS), respectively, in comparison with those plants close to the ORS. Chlorophyll concentration increased with distance from the ORS. Activity of catalase and peroxidase was increased by distance from the ORS. For the second route, traffic of Imam Hossein square, leaf Fe concentration significantly increased with distance from the source of pollution while no regular trend was found for the changes in chlorophyll concentration and catalase and peroxidase activity. Although many factors including soil properties may be effective in this regard, considering the similarities observed in the characteristics of the studied soils, it can be concluded that there was a close relationship between the Fe nutritional status of Plantago major L. and intensity of air pollution.

In order to assess the status of the iron (Fe) chlorosis of plane trees in green space of Isfahan city, the chlorosis intensity of 73 trees in different regions was recorded as (1): low (less than 5% of leaves), (2): moderate (less than 50% of leaves), (3): severe (more than 50% of leaves), and (4): very severe (more than 95% of leaves). The whole leaf (with petiole) samples were taken from the top and bottom of each tree, separately, during 2008 and 2009. Then selected chemical properties of the leaves were analyzed. The results showed that in more than 95 and 71% of the young leaves, Fe concentration was less than the critical deficiency level (202 mg/kg). Concentration of Fe in the older leaves of all plane trees even those with slight symptoms of chlorosis was less than the critical level (382 mg/kg). No significant relationship was found between the leaf zinc concentrations and intensity of iron chlorosis. In more than 92 (in the first year) and 87% (in the second year) of the plane trees, Zn concentration of young leaves and in all trees, Zn concentration of old leaves were less than the critical deficiency concentration (23 mg/Kg). The comparison between concentrations of Cu in the leaves with its critical deficiency level showed that more than 90% of young and old leaves accumulated toxic levels of Cu in both sampling years. In regard with the sufficient range of P, about 79% of the trees in the first year and 53% in the second year accumulated excess levels of this nutrient in their young leaves. This condition was slightly modified for the older leaves so that excessive concentration of phosphorus in mature leaves was not observed in the first year and in the second year, only about 29% of the samples had concentrations higher than critical levels.

Preceding crops as a source of organic matter are an important source of micronutrient and can play an important role in the soil fertility and the micronutrients cycle of soil. In addition to the role of the organic matter in increasing the concentration of micronutrients in soil solution, attention also should be paid to the role of the kind and the quantity of the root’s exudates that are released in response to the incorporation of different plant residues in the rhizosphere. Present research was conducted with the objective of studying the effect of the kind of preceding crops: Trifolium (Trifolium pretense L), Sofflower (Carthamus tinectirus L), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L), Sunflower (Heliantus annus L) and control (fallow) on the chemical forms of copper in the wheat rhizosphere and the bulk soil and Cu uptake by wheat and also investigating the correlation between the fractions of Cu in soil and Cu uptake in wheat.
The present research was conducted as split plot in a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) with 3 replications and 5 treatments, in field conditions. In the beginning, the preceding crops were cultivated in the experimental plots and after ending growth, preceding crops were harvested. Then the wheat was cultivated in the experimental plots. Finally, after harvesting the wheat, soil samples were collected from the two parts of the root zone (the wheat rhizosphere and the bulk soil). The soil samples were air dried ground and passed through a 2-mm sieve and stored for chemical analysis. Soil pH (in the soil saturation extract) and organic matter (Walkley–Black wet digestion) were measured in standard methods (1). The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) was measured by Analyzer (Primacs SLC TOC Analyzer (CS22), Netherlands). The available Cu in soil was extracted by DTPA and determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (2). The fractionation of soil Cu was carried out using the MSEP method (3).
The results showed that the preceding crops significantly decreased soil pH, also significantly increased the DOC and DTPA-extractable Cu.These changes were higher in the Trifolium preceding treatment in the rhizosphere soil. Also, the preceding crops significantly decreased Carbonate -Cuand Residual-Cu fractions in the wheat rhizosphere compared with the bulk soil. The preceding crops (except Trifolium) significantly increased Oxide-Cu fraction. The soil Oxide- Cu fraction was higher in the rhizosphere in comparison with the bulk soil. The preceding crops increased the Organic-Cu in both the wheat rhizosphere and the bulk soil and it was higher in Trifolium treatment. The preceding crops increased Cu uptake by wheat and Organic-Cu positively correlated with Cu uptake by wheat.
The Organic-Cu fraction increased in the rhizosphere compared with the bulk soil, whereas Oxide- Cu, Carbonate–Cu and Residual-Cu fractions decreased. According to the results, the observed increase in the copper concentration of organic fraction in the rhizosphere was due to the decrease in the copper concentration of carbonate, oxide and residual fractions. In fact, the main process is the transmission of copper from carbonate, oxide and residual fractions to another fraction. Also, the results showed that the root exudates of the preceding crops and wheat affected the different forms of copper in the soil solid phase. Furthermore, the results of copper forms correlation analysis with Cu uptake by wheat showed that the Organic-Cu fraction had more important role in supplying copper was needed for wheat. Therefore, the preceding crops increased the copper concentration of organic fraction in the rhizosphere compared with the bulk soil, and these changes are associated with increasing the amount of copper uptake in wheat.

This pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of ordinary and nano forms of zinc oxide on growth and ion content of four wheat cultivars (Niknejad, Iniya, Rowshan and Moghan2) under three salinity levels (0, 75 and 150 mM NaCl). In this experiment, shoot and root dry weight, and concentration of potassium, sodium and zinc in shoots were measured. Results showed that with an increase in salinity level, the shoot and root dry weight and concentration of potassium and zinc in shoot was decreased, but shoot/root dry weight ratio, sodium concentration and sodium/potassium ratio in shoots were increased. Plants provided with nano zinc oxide had higher concentration of zinc, as compared to the ordinary form of zinc oxide. Significant reduction of sodium/potassium ratio in shoots occurred due to plant nutrition of nano zinc oxide. As a result of application of nano zinc oxide, shoot dry weight was increased in Niknejad and Iniya wheat cultivars, but it was decreased in Rowshan and Moghan2 cultivars. The results of this experiment showed that there was significant variation among wheat cultivars in response to the application of nano zinc oxide.

Limited awareness is available on the effect of preceding crop on phytoavailability of zinc (Zn) in soil. This pot experiment examined the effect of four preceding crops including clover, sunflower, safflower, and sorghum residues on shoot and grain Zn uptake by two wheat genotypes differing in Zn deficiency tolerance, Back Cross and Kavir, in a calcareous Zn-deficient soil. Incorporation of all preceding crop residues into the soil significantly increased organic matter content, dissolved organic C (DOC) and Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA) extractable Zn concentration in the soil. Residues of safflower and clover had the greatest effect on increasing soil DOC. Shoot and grain Zn concentrations were increased by incorporating all pre-crop residues into the soil although this increase was greater in safflower and clover treatments. Incorporation of sorghum residues into the soil had a negative effect on shoot and grain dry matter yield of wheat. Incorporation of safflower and clover residues into the soil increased Zn uptake by wheat shoot and grain. There was a positive significant correlation between shoot and grain Zn concentrations with DOC in soil solution. It shows that DOC, produced from crop residue decomposition, has facilitated Zn uptake by roots of wheat plants and particularly its transfer to grains.

Information about the effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on wheat response to stress conditions is very limited and sometime contradictory. This greenhouse research was conducted in a hydroponic culture to investigate the inoculation effects of mycorrizhal-like fungus, P. indica, on enzymatic and non–enzymatic defense mechanisms of wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Niknejad) at two levels of phosphorus (P) supply (deficient and sufficient). The experiment was factorial, based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Sixty days after applying the treatments, plants were harvested and shoot dry weight and concentration of P, iron, zinc and activity of antioxidant enzymes like catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids contents were measured. Results showed that P-deficiency reduced shoot dry weight and concentration of P and iron and increased concentration of zinc in the shoots. Inoculation of wheat roots with P. indica in P-deficiency condition resulted in significant increasing of shoot dry weight and P concentration. Also, chlorophyll a, b contents and concentration of carotenoids in P-deficiency condition was significantly higher than P-sufficiency condition. Inoculation of P. indica to wheat roots decreased chorophyll a, b contents and concentration of carotenoids. Inoculation of P. indica in P-deficiency condition significantly decreased the activity of GPX and significantly increased the activity of CAT and GPX in P-sufficiency condition. In general, inoculation of fungus P. indica to wheat plant could be recommended as an effective method to alleviate deleterious effects of P-deficiency and increase its tolerance to this stress.

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrients deficiencies in plants that causes severe reduction in their growth and yield. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and a decrease in efficiency of detoxification mechanisms may be the major reasons for impairment of various cellular functions in Zn-deficient plants. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of individual and simultaneous inoculation of endophytic fungus, Piriformospora indica, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium, Azotobacter chroococcum, on biochemical properties, antioxidant enzyme activities and growth of wheat plant (Niknejad cultivar) in Zn deficiency and sufficiency conditions. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse of the Soilless Culture Center of Isfahan University of Technology by using the sterile sand-perlite (2:1 v/v) medium, as factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that Zn deficiency decreased shoot dry weight, carotenoid's content, total amount of Zn in shoot and antioxidant enzyme activities in control treatment (plants were not inoculated with fungi and bacteria). Inoculation of individual and simultaneous of P. indica and A. chroococcum resulted in increase of shoot dry weight at Zn deficiency condition. However, the highest shoot dry weight belonged to individual inoculation of A. chroococcum. Inoculated plants with P. indica had the highest total amount of Zn in shoot and concentration of carotenoids at both levels of Zn. Whereas, individual inoculation of A. chroococcum and also in combination with P. indica had only significant effect on increasing the total amount of Zn in shoot at Zn deficiency condition. Inoculation of A. chroococcum alone and also in combination with P. indica resulted in inducing antioxidant enzyme activities of ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase in response to Zn deficiency. Whereas, individual inoculation of P. indica resulted in increasing and decreasing the activities of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase, respectively. In general, inoculation of wheat plant (Niknejad cultivar) with the studied microorganisms in this research, particularly inoculation of A. chroococcum, can serve as a useful method for alleviating deleterious effects of Zn deficiency stress.

Selenium (Se) is a beneficial element for plant but at high concentrations, it is toxic and causes in plant growth retardation. There is limited information about the effects of Se on salinity-induced damages on wheat. Therefore this study was carried out to investigate interaction of salinity and Se on root and shoot dry matter yield, activity of GPX, and concentrations and uptake of selected micronutrients in roots and shoots of wheat. Two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestium cvs. Kavir and Back Cross-Rushan) differing in micronutrient efficiency were treated with four levels of Se (0, 20, 40 and 150 µM) and two salinity levels (0 and 100 mM NaCl). The effect of application of different Se concentrations on the shoot dry matter yield of wheat varied upon crop cultivar and salinity level. Application of Se at 20 µM concentration resulted in increase of shoot dry matter weight of ‘Back Cross-Rushan’ under salinity conditions. Selenium at 40 µM level increased shoot dry matter yield of Kavir cultivar at non-saline conditions. The effect of Se on activity of GPX was dependent on the wheat cultivar and Se level. In general, activity of GPX in roots of both wheat cultivars exposed to salinity stress was increased by application of 20 and 40 µM Se. Also, at saline conditions, application of 20 µM Se increased activity of GPX in shoots of both wheat cultivars. According to the results obtained from the present study, Se nutrition had positive effects on dry matter yield of wheat especially in salinity condition, but this effect depended on crop cultivar and applied Se concentration.

This study was conducted to determine some mineral content concentrations in soils and plants of three elevation classes (1500, 2200 and 3000m) and two phenological stages of flowering and seedling in north facing slopes of Sabalan rangelands. Soil samples from the depth of 20cm and plant samples using 1×1m plots with 10 replications were collected. After sample preparation, the concentrations of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, ion, copper, zinc and magnesium were determined using spectrophotometer and flame photometer. Data was analyzed by SAS9.1 software using a Completely Randomized Design with a Generalized Linear Model procedure. Results showed that elevation had a significant effect on Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn of soil and P, Na, K, Mg and Mn of plants in the study areas (P≤0.05). Growing stages had a significant effect on all elements of plants except Ca (P≤0.05). Moreover, results showed that in three elevation classes the high demand mineral's concentrations were higher at the starting seedling stage in comparison with the flowering stage. In contrast, the low demand mineral's concentrations in three elevation sites were higher in the flowering stage in comparison with seedling stage. Interaction effect of elevation and growing stage was also significant in relation to all elements except Ca (P≤0.05).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread endosymbionts in terrestrial ecosystems and their exudates have important effects on soil properties. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with six AMF treatments including four exotic species inoculums (Funneliformis mosseae، Claroideoglomus claroideum and Rhizophagus irregularis and a mixed isolate of three species)، one mixed native AMF species treatment and a sterilized soil (control) with four salinity levels (1، 5، 10 and 15 dS m-1). AMF increased the soil (EEG) and total (TG) extractable glomalin، and also the hot water (HWC) and diluted acid (DAC) extractable carbohydrates compared to control treatment in all salinity levels. The native AMF species had the greatest effects on EEG، TG، HWC and DAC at 10 and 15 dS m-1. Soil EEG and TG concentrations were higher in the mixed exotic AMF treatment than in each AMF species. The greatest glomalin concentration was related to F. mosseae at 1، 5 and 15 dS m-1 but at 10 dS m-1 the greatest glomalin concentration was related to C. claroideum. The greatest carbohydrate concentration was related to F. mosseae at 1 and 5 dS m-1 but at 15 dS m-1 significant differences were observed among the three AMF species. Our results showed that there is an interaction between salinity and different AMF species، and a combination of them determines the function of AMF.

Recently, attentions have been taken on the investigations regarding the use of nano-sized compounds in different fields including agricultural sector. Due to the importance of evaluating the fate and operation of nano-particles in plant systems, in this survey, responses of 13 wheat genotypes to the effect of nano-iron chelate fertilizer in the Hoagland solution under the conditions of ordinary iron chelate and nano-iron chelate, with concentration of 22.5 mg/L, was studied. This experiment was carried out in Research Greenhouse of Soilless Culture Research Center, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran, in the spring of 2013. Results showed that there were considerable positive and negative variations among wheat genotypes in response to application of nano-sized iron chelate fertilizer. Under the application of iron chelate, among the different measured traits, number of tillers and root/shoot ratio had the highest coefficient of variations, and the lowest values were observed for chlorophyll flourescence and green leaf surface. Under the application of nano-iron chelate, number of tillers and root/shoot ratio had the highest coefficient of variations, and the lowest value was observed for chlorophyll flourescence content. Nano-iron chelate fertilizer caused reduction of average dry matter yield of shoots, leaf area and root volume by 14.1, 9.5 and 8.9 percent, respectively, and increased root/shoot ratio by 13.7% for some wheat varieties, in comparison with the ordinary iron chelate. In response to nano-iron chelate fertilizer, compared to ordinary iron chelate, Line-9-shoory produced the highest total dry matter (14.49% increase) and Star variety had the lowest total dry matter (-51.82%).