امیر هوشنگ جلالی

Atousa cultivar is results of a cross-pollination of Caesar cultivar (as female parent) and promising colone 397009 from the International Potato Center (CIP) (as male parent) and various quantitative and qualitative evaluations during 12 years. To release Atousa variety, single plant selection, visual assessment, preliminary and advanced yield trials, adaptability test, study on resistance to fungi, bacteria and viruses was carried out in different places such as Karaj, Ardabil, Hamadan, Esfahan and Mashhad (Jolgehrokh). Although, Atousa cultivar had superiority to the Agria in terms of yield, but scatter Bi-plot analysis with respect to average yield and relative coefficient of excellence showed that its relative coefficient of excellence was almost the same as that of the Agria. The yield of Atousa cultivar under on-farm studies in Ardabil and Hamadan regions was 25.86% and 2.3% higher than that of Agria (control cultivar), respectively. Atousa cultivar is highly resistant to PVY that is very important and harmful virus around the world. The reaction of Atousa to Alternaria alternata was semi-resistant and it was semi tolerant to Rhizoctonia solani AG-3 and Rhizoctonia solani AG-4. The tuber dry matter of Atousa is 1.4% more than Agria and is excellent for frying and processing purposes. Atousa as a new potato cultivar is suitable for spring cultivation in the cold and moderately cold temperate regions of Iran.

To study the adaptability and yield stability of 19 selected potato clones along with four cultivars, Agria, Marfona, Savalan and Khavaran a field experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications in five locations; Karaj, Ardabil, Hamadan, Esfahan and Mashhad, in 2015 and 2016. GGE Biplot based on environment scaling showed that Isfahan, Ardabil and Hamadan, respectively, were closer to the ideal location and KSG23, KSG82, KSG31, KSG64 and KSG300 clones with mean tuber yield of 30.71, 29.76, 29.38, 27 and 26.68 kg plot-1 (nine square meters), respectively, were more suitable for being grown in ideal areas. The relative superiority coefficient of KSG23, KSG302, KSG81 and KSG107 clones were 2.87, 6.98, 7.81 and 12.49, respectively, and they had relatively good tuber yield stability. The relative superiority coefficient of KSG31, KSG82 and KSG64 clones were 18.07, 15.76 and 13.67, respectively, and almost similar to the Agria control (17.22) and they were superior to the Agria (control) for tuber yield. AMMI analysis revealed that the genotypes reacted differently in different environments and the sum of squares of the genotype × environment interaction was 4.8 times larger than that of the genotypes. KSG81, KSG64, KSG300 and KSG107 clones, and cv. Agria (control) had reasonable tuber yield stability. Based on the adaptability and tuber yield stability, KSG302, KSG82 and KSG31 clones were identified suitable for spring planting in different regions of Iran, KSG23 and KSG57 for Khorasan, KSG64 and KSG48 for Hamadan and Ardabil, respectively, KSG81 for Isfahan and Ardabil.

AbstractDifferent types of basil have attracted the attention of experts due to their antioxidant properties and supply of vitamins. To select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. The effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area.IntroductionBasil (Ocimum basilicum L., 2n = 2x = 48) as a member of the Lamiaceae family has annual and perennial varieties and more than 60 species are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Fresh food, medicinal, cosmetic and spice uses for this plant are mentioned and the amount of its essential oil varies from 0.1 to 0.45% depending on the variety, weather conditions and soil. In the comparison of 12 purple and green basil genotypes in Isfahan and Mazandaran provinces, the yield of the second harvest was higher in all genotypes, and in addition, the genotypes in the two regions showed completely different reactions, so that the (Mazandaran 2) genotype in Isfahan region was the lowest (11 t.ha-1) and It produced the highest yield (29.6 t.ha-1) in Mazandaran. Comparing some characteristics of purple and green basil in hydroponic conditions in Ahvaz, it was found that purple basil was superior to green basil in terms of chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the compatibility and selection of the advanced purple basil population in Isfahan province.Materials and MethodsTo select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. In order to prepare a suitable substrate, land preparation including plowing and two disks perpendicular to each other was done. Chemical fertilizers of urea (150 kg.ha-1), triple superphosphate (100 kg.ha-1) and potassium sulfate (70 kg.ha-1) were used based on the soil test. All the phosphorus and potash needed at the time of planting and nitrogen in divided form, 75 kg in each field at the time of plant activity, 75 kg were given as top dressing fertilizer one month later. To measure the yield, 50 cm from the sides of the plots were considered as margins and the rest of the plot was used to measure the yield. The performance of different harvests was recorded separately for each variety. To measure the final leaf area, eight plants were selected from the middle of each plot before harvesting, and finally, the total average for the total plots was calculated for each genotype. Composite variance analysis of traits was performed with SAS software version 2.9 and the averages were compared with Duncan's multiple range test.Results and DiscussionThe effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area.ConclusionThe presence of indigenous masses of crops are considered among the blessings of God in our country. Purple basil is one of the plants that has significant genetic diversity in the country. Results The present study showed that Dastgerd purple basil population along with Ghaemshahr purple basil population and Isfahan purple basil population were significantly superior to the genotypes used in this research with 22177, 18418 and 18397 kg of fresh yield, respectively. The acceptable performance of these genotypes and their compatibility with the weather conditions that have led to the production of four crops during the growing season can support the consumer market well.

Cucumis sativus L. (2n=2x=14) originates from the south of the Himalayan mountains and has at least 3000 years of history of cultivation in India. According to the latest statistics published by the Ministry of Agriculture, about 75% of greenhouse production belongs to greenhouse cucumbers. This plant, with a cultivated area of 7539 ha-1 and a production amounting to 1923865 t year-1, is considered one of the most important vegetable and summer greenhouse products in the country. Cucumber varieties should have characteristics such as high yield, quality of taste, shelf life and resistance to diseases. Based on this, modified cultivars and imported cultivars must pass compatibility tests in order to be able to enter commercial fields. Recent research in Japan shows that by creating suitable conditions for various factors in the greenhouse (light distribution, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, irrigation, nutrition and pruning), the yield of greenhouse cucumbers can be up to 40 kg m-2 year-1 year. The difference between different varieties of cucumber is primarily due to characteristics such as the number of fruits per plant, fruit size (fruit length and length-to-diameter ratio) and fruit surface characteristics (the presence of grooves, surface smoothness, and fruit color). The number of cucumbers per plant is one of the most important yield components. The study of 9 varieties of cucumbers in greenhouse conditions showed that the range of changes in the number of cucumbers per plant varied from 19 to 54.3, and Khasib variety had the highest yield with the production of 14.9 kg of fresh weight per square meter.

In order to compare the yield, yield components and some morpho-physiological characteristics of greenhouse cucumber hybrids produced in the country, a research was conducted in 2022 under greenhouse conditions in Varamin city. In this research, 11 greenhouse cucumber hybrids along with 4 regional control cultivars were evaluated in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The initial tillage including plowing, disc and soil disinfection was done through sunning the soil. The width of the seed planting bed was considered to be 70 cm in order to provide the possibility of two-row cultivation. The width of the corridors was considered to be 80 cm in order to provide proper ventilation and access of workers to the bushes for operations and harvest during the period. The drip irrigation system was chosen so that one tape strip could be used for each row of crops. The plant needed fertilizer during the growth period and was determined based on the soil test and provided to the plant through the irrigation system. Fruit yield for different harvests (once every 10 harvests) and total fresh fruit yield based on the total area of the plot (after removing the margins) and traits such as plant height (meters), internode length (cm), leaf length (cm), Leaf width (cm), petiole length (cm), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (mm), number of fruits per plant and fruit weight per plant (grams) based on the selection of 10 plants per plot was taken. The fruit shape index was obtained from the ratio of the length to the diameter of the fruit. For the experimental hybrids, after harvest fruit color was determined by grouping (light green to green), (green), (green to dark green) and dark green.

Based on the obtained results, the hybrid (IR4) with a total fresh fruit yield of 11.49 kg m-2 had a significantly higher performance than other hybrids, but there is not a significant difference between this hybrid and the hybrid (IR5) with a fruit weight of 10.61 kg m-2. 10 harvested stages for two hybrids (IR4) and (IR5) constituted 24.6 and 22.9% of the total yield, respectively. The hybrids (IR11) and (IR6) had the longest and shortest fruit length with 16.60 cm and 11.12 cm, respectively. The fruit shape index (the ratio of fruit length to diameter) in hybrid (IR11) had the highest value (6.35). The hybrids (IR4) and (IR5) that produced the highest yields per hectare had the highest number of fruits plant-1 with 108.72 and 84.22 cucumbers plant-1, respectively. The presence of this number of fruits is one of the important factors for producing high yields in these two hybrids, and the number of fruits in the rest of the hybrids is often in the range of 50 to 70 cucumbers per plant. Although in some studies the number of 135 fruits plant-1 is also mentioned for greenhouse cucumbers, but in most cases this number is less than 50. The color of the fruit is also an important quality attribute that is very important in the cucumber market. This trait varies from light green to dark green. Hybrid (IR9) dark green, hybrids (IR2), (IR6), (IR13) (IR15) dark green to green, hybrids (IR1), (IR3), (IR4), (IR5), (IR12) and (IR14) was green and hybrids (IR7), (IR8), (IR10) and (IR11) had light green to green color. The superior performance of two experimental hybrids and the equal performance of 7 other experimental hybrids (out of 11 studied hybrids) compared to the control hybrids can be a good promise for the production of greenhouse cucumber hybrid varieties by domestic companies.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an annual and herbaceous plant, with a vertical, round, narrow and branched stem, with a height of approximately 30-60 cm. This plant belongs to the Apiaceae family. This family is known for having plants with aromatic taste. Iran and some countries along the Mediterranean Sea are known as the primary origin for the cumin plant. In addition to Iran, cumin is cultivated in many countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Morocco, India, Syria, Mexico and Chile. About 300,000 tons of cumin seeds are produced in the world annually, of which China and Asian countries produce 70% and consume 90%. Short growing season (100 to 120 days), low water requirement and the possibility of rained cultivation, non-interference between cultivation and harvesting with other crops and no price fluctuation and proper economic justification are among the factors that interest farmers in cultivating this plant. In different regions, yields of 350 to more than 1000 kg of seeds are obtained from this plant, and 3350 cubic meters of pure water are needed for production.

This research was conducted in 2015 to 2017. The first year of the study included the collection and analysis of long-term climatic data of the region, and the second year included the implementation phase of the research. Analyzing meteorological data on the scale of decades and the cases of temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine hours, relative humidity and evaporation from the pan were considered as criteria and by preparing the gradient equations, the rate of reference evaporation and transpiration was calculated. The required statistical information was obtained from 28 synoptic meteorological and climatology stations in Isfahan and some neighboring provinces. In the studies related to soil, apparent specific gravity and volumetric moisture content (field capacity and wilting point), soil salinity, soil texture and agricultural ability class of land in cultivation areas were considered. Soil-related information was used to calculate the soil evaporation coefficient (Ke), which describes the evaporation component in the trait (ETc). In fact, Ke is the basis for calculating the coefficient of reduction of evaporation from the surface layer (Kr) and the fraction of soil wet and exposed to air (few), and for its calculation, the presence of information related to soil characteristics is necessary. To calculate the soil characteristics, in addition to sampling from the fields in the research, the database of 1600 soil profiles in the soil and water research department of Isfahan province was also used.

The results showed that 18 cities in Isfahan province had cumin cultivation potential, which had a significant difference in terms of pure water requirement per hectare (5% level) and water consumption at different phenological stages (1% statistical level). In terms of water requirement per hectare, the cities of Isfahan province can be divided into three groups. Average water requirement per hectare in the first group (the cities of Golpayegan, Lenjan, Tiran and Karvan, Shahin and Shahr and Mime), the second group (the cities of Isfahan, Khomeini Shahr, Falavarjan, Shahreza, Kashan, Najaf Abad, Natanz), Mobarake, Dehaghan and Borkhar), and the third group (Aran and Bidgol, Ardestan, Khoor and Biabanak and Nain) were equal to 3000, 3240 and 3770 m-3 ha-1, respectively. The water requirement of the growth development stage in the cities of the third group was equal to 2029 m-3 ha-1, which was significantly different from the cities of the first and second groups (p < 1% level). According to the results, cumin might be a suitable plant for crop rotations in Isfahan province due to its low water requirement and tolerance to moisture stress.

The water requirement for cultivating cumin in various regions of the province is notably lower compared to many common crops, such as wheat, barley, and safflower. In 10 out of the 18 cities included in the study, significant water savings of up to 3,240 cubic meters per hectare can be achieved by optimizing water transfer efficiency. For cumin cultivation, this water conservation can even reach 3,000 cubic meters in cities with cooler climates. Surprisingly, in the hot areas of Isfahan province, including Ardestan, Nain, Khoor, Biabanak, Aran, and Bidgol, it is feasible to grow cumin with a water consumption of just 3,770 cubic meters per hectare.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the most important crops in Iran during the 2018-2019 crop year, occupied more than 5,864,000 ha of the country's agricultural lands, of which 1,932,000 ha were irrigated. Wheat cultivation in various regions of the world is impacted by a variety of abiotic stresses, among which drought stress (particularly after the pollination stage) is regarded as one of the most significant factors. In the majority of regions of Iran, there is typically sufficient moisture and suitable temperature for wheat growth in autumn and winter, but high temperatures and a lack of water are typical in spring, coinciding with wheat reproduction. Approximately 50% of the world's grain-growing lands are zinc-deficient. Considering the importance of grains in providing the daily calories required by humans, the zinc deficiency in these lands results in a zinc-deficient diet.

The present study was conducted at the Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station in Isfahan to determine the effect of drought stress in the pollination stage, with and without zinc spraying, in the two cropping years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. For the study, a split plot experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replications was employed. The primary factor consisted of three irrigation levels (full irrigation, and stop irrigation at the pollination stage with and without zinc foliar application), while the secondary factor was comprised of 11 wheat genotypes (two lines and 9 cultivars). In both years, the test site was chosen in areas of the station that had been fallow the year before. The land preparation process included plowing, discing, and leveling. Using a furrower, furrows with a stack distance of 60 cm were created during the final phase of land preparation. In accordance with the soil analysis, 100 kg ha-1 of potassium fertilizer (in the form of potassium sulfate) and 100 kg ha-1 of phosphorus fertilizer (in the form of triple superphosphate) were applied. Before planting, stemming, and before the emergence of spikes, 280 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer (in the form of urea) was applied in equal proportions at three separate stages. This study measured the number of days to physiological maturity, the duration of the grain filling period, grain yield, number of spikes per unit area, number of seeds per spike, weight of 1,000 seeds, and zinc element efficiency. SAS were used to perform statistical analsysis, while Excel and Word were utilized to create graphs and tables. The means of the studied characteristics were statistically compared using Duncan's multi-range test at the 1% and 5% probability levels.

The interaction of stress and genotype on the number of days to physiological maturity, grain yield, and 1000-grain weight (at 1% level), as well as the effect of moisture stress on spike length at 1% level were significant. In three genotypes of Pishtaz, Backcross Roshan, and Alvand, zinc foliar application increased yield by 11.7%, 14.8%, and 15%, respectively, compared to moisture stress conditions without zinc consumption. Compared to the control treatment, the grain filling period was 33 and 30.6% shorter in the water stress treatment without zinc consumption and with zinc consumption, respectively. Among genotypes, zinc consumption efficiency ranged from 86.95% to 95.03%. This study revealed that under drought stress, foliar application of zinc can mitigate the negative effects of stress, but the response of various cultivars varies in this regard.

According to the findings of this study, zinc foliar spraying can enhance plant performance and mitigate unfavorable conditions caused by moisture stress. Nevertheless, genotypes react differently in this field. In this regard, genotypes such as Pishtaz, Backcross Roshan, and Alvand performed better. The increase in spike length and number of seeds per spike in response to zinc foliar application under stressful conditions were the primary causes of the yield enhancement. In drought-stressed conditions, zinc foliar application also contributed to an increase in seed yield due to a higher 1000-seed weight. Additionally, it should be noted that the effects of drought stress are closely related to ambient temperature and heat stress, and that additional experiments considering the combination of these two factors can yield more accurate results.

In order to compare the effect of sowing date on plant growth, development stages and forage yield of three Astragalus cyclophyllon G. Beek ecotypes, a study was conducted in 2010-2011 cropping years in Hanna station, Semirom county, Iran. Three Astragalus ecotypes were originated from Hanna, Golpayegan and Chadegan in Isfahan province, Iran. Seeds were sown in spring and autumn sowing dates using split plot design based on completely randomized blocks in three replications. The results showed that the effect of year was not significant, but the ecotype by sowing date interaction effect was significant on yield and yield components (P<0.01). The required temperature units such as Growth Degree Days (GDD) for spring and autumn sowing dates were 2848°C and 2793°C, respectively. The effect of sowing date on emergence percent and forage yield was significant (p<0.05). Regardless of the ecotype type, the percentage of seed germination and forage yield in autumn sowing were 51 and 60% higher than spring sowing date, respectively. The dry weight of Hanna ecotype in autumn cultivation was 1280 kg ha-1, which was 55.8% and 58% higher than Golpayegan and Chadegan ecotypes, respectively. The reason for the increased yield in Hanna ecotype was of a higher ratio of its leaves. It was concluded that cultivation of Hanna ecotypes due to its higher forage production was recommended for cultivation in dryland farming and also to prevent its extinction in the study region.

In this experiment, an advanced population obtained by crossing and periodic self-selection in the two populations of cantaloupe (Samsouri and Yellow Beetle Melon), with three cantaloupe (Samsouri, Zamche and Shahabadi) and Muskmelon Yellow Beetle cultivars, in three province of Tehran, Isfahan and Golestan for quantitative and qualitative evaluation were compared. The area was moldboard-plowed and disked before planting. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each plot was planted two lines at intervals of 3 m and a length of 15 meters and planting depth was 2-3 cm. Irrigation was conducted based depletion of 50 percent of moisture in rooting depth. Cantaloupe and muskmelon seeds populations used in the experiment were prepared of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. Number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight, fruit skin thickness were measured by randomly selecting 10 fruits from each plot. The fresh yield was determined by harvesting surface equivalent to five square meters of each plot. Fruit sugar content was also measured randomly on 10 fruits from each plot by a refractometer. The firmness and shelf life of the fruits were evaluated based on the degree of spoilage of 20 fruits in two 6-day and 9-day periods under normal conditions. Percentage of rotten fruit was recorded in each period. The data were subjected to combined analysis of variance by SAS and means Fisher’s Protected LSD (5%) was used for mean separation.The effect of year on experimental traits was not statistically significant, but the effect of area on yield traits, number of fruits and percentage of fruit brix was significant at 1% level. The effect of genotype on all experimental traits was also significant at 1% level (except for fruit brix at 5%). Yield was significantly higher in Varamin and Isfahan than in Gorgan. The amount of this increase in Varamin and Isfahan compared to Gorgan was 41.6% and 34.2%, respectively. One of the main reasons for this increase was the higher number of fruits per plant. Differences in yield of cantaloupe genotypes in different regions may sometimes range from 10 to 76 t ha-1. Yield and number of fruits per plant of hybrid population were 16.20 t ha-1 and 2.34 number, respectively, which was not significantly different from Semsuri cantaloupe, but was significantly higher than other experimental populations. The fruit weight of hybrid populations (1.09 kg) was similar to Semsuri cantaloupe but was less than that of Muskmelon yellow beetle (1.83 kg) and Jaju populations (1.95 kg). In the United States, Brix 9 is considered good and Brix 11 is very good for cantaloupes but Brix is less than 10 for less attractive customers. The diameter of the ovarian cavity in the hybrid population was 6.76 cm, which was 32, 14.7 and 36% smaller than the populations of Shahabadi, Muskmelon yellow beetle and Jaju, respectively. In terms of fruit diameter, hybrid populations with 30.85 mm fruit diameter had a higher diameter than Semsuri population (28.78 mm) and a smaller diameter than Shahabadi population (37.94 mm). Percentage of fruit waste produced after 6 and 9 days was 3.3% and 10.5%, respectively, which was significantly lower than Semsuri and Shahabadi and Jaju melons but similar to beetle muskmelons. The hybrid population was similar with Semsuri population in number to fruit per plant, but in terms of percentage of Brix (fruit sugar) is closer to beetle Muskmelon, and most important after fruit harvesting shelf-life was similar to beetle Muskmelon and much higher than to semsuri.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an annual and autotetraploid plant of the Solanaceae family that uses its underground tuber. In 2019, among West Asian countries, Turkey and Azerbaijan had a higher level of potato cultivation than Iran.  Nitrogen consumption management in potato cultivation is one of the factors affecting the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the tuber yield produced. Some researchers consider potato yield it consists of three components the number of stems per square meter, the number of tubers per stem, and the weight of tubers per plant. One of the problems with the overuse of nitrogen fertilizers is the accumulation of nitrate in the tubers. The amount of nitrate allowed depends on the diet of the person. Some studies show that from 93 mg per day of nitrate consumed per day for an adult, 33% to potatoes, 21% to green leafy vegetables, 15% to other vegetables, 8.5% to beverages, 4.2% to Meat products account for 2.1% to various grains, 1.6% to bread and 5.1% to other items.

The present study conducted in 2018-2019 in Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station of Isfahan. The effect of N application and nitrogen splitting on the tuber yield and nitrate accumulation of potato tubers in this study investigated. For this purpose, the split plots tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications in which three nitrogen levels (90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1) of the main plots and two nitrogen splitting methods (three and four stages) formed the sub-plots. At harvest time, two meters of the middle rows of each plot used to estimate the yield. Tubers with less than 35 mm in diameter considered non-marketable yield. To measure tuber nitrate, the prepared samples placed in paper bags and sent to the laboratory of Soil and Water Research Department of Isfahan Agricultural Research Center. After washing, the samples grated and after drying in an oven (temperature 65 °C) and grinding in a shaker (shaker), the amount of nitrate determined by spectrophotometry. All soil and plant tests performed in the laboratory. SAS software used to analyze the data and Duncan's multiple range test (at 5% probability level) used to compare the means.

The effect of nitrogen interaction and its splitting on total yield and efficiency of nitrogen utilization at the level of one per cent and on the characteristics of marketable yield, non-marketable yield, tuber nitrate, number and weight of tubers at the level of five per cent was significant. With the consumption of 180 and 270 kg N ha-1 by the four-step splitting method, the non-marketable yield was equal to 11.2 and 14.43% of the total tuber yield, respectively. With the consumption of 270 kg N ha-1 and three stages of nitrogen splitting, the amount of nitrate in the tuber reached 197 mg kg-1 of fresh weight of the tuber. In both three- and four-stage nitrogen splitting methods, nitrogen application efficiency reduced to one third by consuming 270 kg N  ha-1 compared to 90 kg N ha-1 treatment. Therefore, the use of nitrogen fertilizers in excess of the recommended amounts can, in addition to economic losses, be associated with a decrease in fertilizer use efficiency and an increase in tuber nitrate beyond the allowable limit.

The results showed that nitrogen splitting is a correct management approach when it recommended based on the amount of nitrogen consumption (in this study 180 kg ha-1). The use of excess nitrogen, even in splitting, not only did not increase economic yield but in some treatments (three-stage splitting of 270 kg N ha-1) was associated with an increase in tuber nitrate beyond the allowable limit (170 mg kg-1 tuber fresh weight). In the amount of nitrogen application more than the recommended fertilizer, in both methods of nitrogen splitting, the efficiency of fertilizer application decreased. So that in the treatment of 270 kg N ha-1 compared to the treatment of 90 kg N ha-1, the efficiency of fertilizer application reached one third.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a diploid plant (2n= 24). Eggplant cultivated as perennial in the tropics regions and grown as an annual in temperate areas According to the statistics of FAO, the area under eggplant cultivation in Iran were about to 21.3 thousand hectares, with an average yield of 31.4 tons per hectare. Eggplants grow into large plants that causes too much plant canopy, so pruning the plant is a good way to reduce the number of branches, leaves and to increase fruit set. Normally, pruning is not done on the eggplant plant and only 2 plants per square meter could be grown in the field and also greenhouse conditions. However, pruning operations should be performed in greenhouse conditions and plants might be kept with 2 to 4 branches. A study was conducted to evaluate the best method of eggplant pruning in greenhouse conditions in the Netherlands and the plants were pruned into one or two branches. Plants were pruned again from the second branch in different cases including the first, third, sixth and ninth nodes. The results showed that severe pruning had a positive effect on plant conditions and fruitset was better in heavily pruned plants.

This experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 in greenhouse conditions in Varamin city. This area located 40 km from Tehran with an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, an area of approximately 1500 square kilometers, longitude 50 degrees and 51 minutes, latitude 19 degrees and 35 minutes and the amount of first and second-degree agricultural lands 75 thousand Hectares. The average long-term annual rainfall is 120 mm, and the prevailing wind direction is southeast to northwest. The combined analysis based on a randomized complete block design experiment with three replications conducted and the treatments included three methods of plant pruning (two-branch, three-branch and four-branch). The seeds of Bellen variety planted in culture trays containing enriched peat moss and placed in an environment with a temperature of approximately 27 °C and relative humidity of 80%. After germination of seeds, the ambient temperature decreased to 24 °C during the day and 18 °C during the night. After the seedlings reached 3-4 leaves, they transferred to the main greenhouse. Pruning and guiding the plant on the scaffolding began with the first flower appearing on the meristem axis. All the male branches removed before the mentioned flower and the sub-branches branching from the main axis were allowed to grow above the first flower position. After data collection, data analyzed by SAS software and the means compared by Duncan test.

The effect of year on yield and yield components of eggplant were not statistically significant (Duncan 5%). Effect of pruning treatments on yield components, number of fruits in the first cut and early maturity index at 5% level and on total yield, the total number of fruits and number of fruits per plant were also statistically significant at 1% level. Two-branch and four-branch pruning treatments were statistically superior to three-branch pruning treatments, but considering the yield in the first four harvests, two-branch pruning treatment with the production of 5.33 t  ha-1, compared to two three-pruning treatments and four branches showed a significant increase. Earliness index of plants that pruning in two, three and four plant branches were 12.21, 9.5 and 8.83%, respectively. The total yield in three pruning treatments of two, three and four branches were 44.45, 46.67 and 49.87 t ha-1, respectively. The results showed that branch pruning had positive effects on eggplant yield and based on the purpose of the research, including early crop production or higher total performance, the type of pruning will be different. Examination of the correlation coefficients of the traits measured in the experiment also showed that the relationship between pruning (branch removal) and yield in both totals (0.69*) and the first four harvests (0.80**) was significant. The correlation between the number of branches and eggplant yield has reported in some other studies nevertheless in some studies has not the different relationship between performance and number of plant branches. In reviewing the performance and diversity of morphological traits of some local varieties of Iranian eggplant relationship between fruit yield and number of fruits per plant were positive and significant.

Fort the purposes of this study, data were collected using a questionnaire on crop rotations in Isfahan Province alongside field observations and commonly used indices. It was found that the rotations common in all the three cold, temperate, and warm climatic zones identified in the province were often short-termed with two or three crops grown. The temperate zone, however, is characterized by 30 dominant types of rotation. Land use efficiencies of 43-98%, 60-95%, and 50-81% were recorded for the temperate, warm and cold zones, respectively. Production efficiency in the rotations was found to have declined to levels below 40 kg per rotation day depending on the type of crop grown, cultivation of small grains such as wheat and barley or certain oilseeds such as rapeseed and safflower, and fallow periods allowed between rotations. The presence of high-yield forage crops (such as fodder corn), especially when combined with tuberous crops (such as sugar beet) and summer crops (such as watermelon and honeydew melon), was found to increase the production efficiency of the rotations (sometimes to more than 200 kg day-1 in the temperate zone). Water productivity in crop rotations across the three zones rarely ever exceeded 6 kg m-3. Crop diversification in the rotations, therefore, seems to be the most urgent measure that should be taken in the three climatic zones. Finally, more extensive cultivation of tuberous crops in the temperate and warm zones as well as wider growth of pulses in the cold zones seem not only to be feasible but also economically rewarding.

Anousha cultivar is results of a cross-pollination of Agria and promising colon 397009, and various field and laboratory experiments during 12 years in the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute Karaj, Iran. To release Anousha variety, single plant selection, visual assessment, preliminary and advanced yield trials, adaptability test, study on resistance to fungi, bacteria and viruses was carried out in different places such as Karaj, Ardabil, Hamadan, Esfahan and Mashhad (Jolgehrokh). Although, Anousha cultivar had superiority to the Agria in terms of yield, but scatter Bi-plot analysis with respect to average yield and relative coefficient of excellence showed that its relative coefficient of excellence was almost the same as that of the Agria. The yield of Anousha cultivar in an on-farm study in Hamadan and Ardabil areas was 12.9% and 12.4% higher than that of Agria (check cultivar), respectively. Anousha cultivar is highly resistant to PVY and PVX that are very important and harmful viruses around the world. The reaction of Anousha to Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani (race AG-3), Rhizoctonia solani (race AG-4) and Rhizoctonia solani (potato black scurf) is semi sensitive, semi tolerant, tolerant and semi tolerant, respectively. The tuber dry matter of Anousha is 2% more than Agria and is excellent for frying and processing purposes. Anousha as a new potato cultivar is suitable for spring cultivation in the cold and moderately cold regions of Iran.

In this study, 33 pototao genotypes including 31 advanced potato clones obtained from breeding programs with two commercial cultivars Agria (suitable for French-fries) and Caesar (suitable for fresh eating) as controls were evaluated for agronomic traits, yield stability and quality properties using randomized complete block design with three replications in 2015-2018 in five experimental filed stioans; Karaj, Ardabil, Mashhad, Isfahan and Hamadan in Iran. Clones were propagated at Ardebil agricultural and natural resources research station in 2015 to supply required potato tubers for planting in five locations. During growth and after harvest, tuber plant-1 and tuber weight plant-1, plant height, main stem plant-1, tuber shape, depth of the eyes, tuber skin and flesh colour, duration of growth, deformed tubers, tuber growth cracks, tuber hollow heart, inner ring rot of tuber, change of raw tuber flesh colour and tuber dry matter percentage were measured in Ardabil and Hamadan, and total and marketable tuber yield in five locations; Ardabil, Hamadan, Karaj, Mashhad and Isfahan. Combined analysis of variance showed that genotype, year, location, location × year, year × genotype, location × genotype and location × year × genotype significantly affected total and marketable tuber yield. Clones no. 1 (1675), 5 (1375), 8 (5675) and 26 (1027) had the highest tuber yield, respectively. Based on the results of GGE bi-plot model, high yielding clones; no. 1 (1675) and no. 8 (5675) had high yield stability and medium-early maturity, and clones; no. 5 (1375) and no. 26 (1027) had average yield stability and medium-late maturity. Clones no. 5 (1375), no. 8 (5675) and no. 26 (1027) had high tuber dry matter percentage, light yellow flesh and skin colour, without deformed tubers, without tuber hollow heart, without tuber growth cracks, good coverage, low change in flesh colour of raw tuber, low and shallow eye depth. Finally, clones 1675, 1375, 5675 and 1027 were selected as promising clones with high tuber yield and yield stability. In 2021, clone 1675 released as new cultivar with the name of Takta and clone 1027 released with the name of Rona, and are commercially available to potaoto growers in Iran.

The phenomenon of reduced potato yield have increased in recent years under adverse conditions, such as water stress. The effects of water stress on yield and yield component of three potato cultivars have been evaluated in this study during 2019 growing season. This investigation has been arranged as split-plot experiment, based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Rozveh Agricultural Research Station (Chadegan, Isfahan, Iran). The main-plots are assigned to irrigation levels (75% and 100% field capacity) and sub-plots to potato cultivars (Marfona, Agria, and Atousa). To ensure the initial establishment of the plant and prevent severe crop failure, one additional irrigation has been performed at the establishment stage, with two supplementary irrigations performed at the tuber initiation stage for all plots. There has been a significant interaction between irrigation level and cultivars for tuber yields (α<%1) as well as other traits (α<%5). In water stress conditions, yield and water use efficiency of Atousa, new cultivar, are more than the other cultivars. Marketable yield of Atousa cultivar is about 40% higher than Marfona and Agria cultivars. The new cultivar produces 6.53 kg of tubers per cubic meter of water, while water use efficiency for Marfona and Agria is only 4.82 and 5.02 kg m-3, respectively. In conclusion, it is suggested that Atusa cultivar in both water stress and in normal conditions is more suitable for cultivation in the study area than in Marfona and Agria cultivars.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) as a drought sensitive crop is one of the main sources of human nutrition in different countries and it is cultivated almost all over the world. It is predicted that among the 25 studied countries, the decline in potato yield in Iran between 2040 and 2069 will be 13.3% for drought-adapted cultivars and 48.3% for non-drought-adapted cultivars. Annually 164.4 thousand hectares of agricultural lands in Iran are allocated to potato cultivation with a yield of 32.4 t ha-1. Nowadays, plant biology is experiencing great advances in studies related to the complex behavior of higher plants, and stress memory is one of these progresses. Stress memory involves the accumulation of signaling proteins or transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms in plants that leads to an improvement in the stress response when plants are exposed to a subsequent stress event. “Stress memory” in plants is also an essential feature of “intelligent” behavior and can be investigated at different levels.

In order to investigate the effect of drought stress on yield and yield components of four potato cultivars, a study was conducted in 2020 in Rozveh Agricultural Research Station, Chadegan city. Half of the required seed tubers were obtained from the previous year's experiment. The treatments were laid out in a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots included two irrigation treatments (100% and 75% of the field capacity) and sub-plots included four potato cultivars (Agria, Marfona, Atousa, and Anousha). Each plot consisted of four rows with four m length and 75 cm × 25 cm of plant density. At harvest time, two meters of the middle rows of each plot were used to estimate yield and yield components. Stress tolerance index and water use efficiency were investigated in this study. SAS software (version 9.1) was used to analyze the data and Duncan's multi-domain comparison method (5%) was used to compare the means.

The effect of irrigation treatment on total yield, marketable and non-marketable yield, and on water use efficiency was statistically significant at the level of 1% and 5%, respectively. The effects of interaction between irrigation treatment and cultivar on total yield was significant at 5% probability level, and on non-marketable yield, marketable yield, and water use efficiency were significant at 1% probability level. The total yield in 8 experimental treatments under full irrigation conditions ranged from 30 to 39 t ha-1. In full irrigation conditions, Agria was the only cultivar that produced a significantly higher yield than other cultivars. Among the non-resistant cultivars, Atousa and Anousha cultivars experienced a greater yield decline of 40% and 39%, respectively, than Agria and Marfona cultivars. In drought stress conditions, two resistant cultivars, Atousa and Anousha, had the highest yield compared to other cultivars and the lowest yield compared to adequate water supply conditions (only 8.5% yield loss). Drought-resistant Atousa and Anousha cultivars with water use efficiency of 7.1 and 7.6 kg m-3, respectively, compared to the non-stress condition (6.1 and 6.2 kg m-3, respectively) had significant superiority.

The results indicated that not only drought tolerance is different in different potato cultivars but also stress memory is different in different cultivars. The use of tubers that have been exposed to drought stress (drought tolerant) during previous growth stages can affect plant behavior in the current growth. According to the results, it seems that in some cultivars, "stress memory" can be used to moderate the effects of stress in subsequent cultures.

In recent years, canola cultivation in Iran has been considered as oil production, and in 2014-2015, it has been allocated to 7.7% of the cultivation area of industrial products of the country. The yield of canola oil and seeds depends on the availability of sufficient water resources during the growth period. In the Mediterranean, with the cultivation of canola autumn, the high- temperature occurs in the stages of formation and growth of seeds in the spring can increase the water requirement of this plant and irrigation management at this time is important in increasing plant yield. Due to the weather conditions of each area, type of variety and soil conditions may vary the need for canola. In one study in Hamedan water use efficiency of canola in two ways drip and furrow irrigation were calculated as 1.09 and 0.63 kg m-3, respectively. The present study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the net water requirement of canola plant in different cities of Isfahan province into different climatic zones and considering the phonological stages.

In order to estimate the net water requirement of canola under two different climates (arid-cold winter with temperatures above freezing point - hot summer A-C-W) and (Semi-arid-cold winter with a temperature equal to or less than zero-hot summer SA-K-W) in Isfahan province, a research was conducted in 2014-2015 using a completely randomized, unbalanced design. The study was carried out in different cities of Isfahan province, which have canola cultivation. The required statistical information was obtained from 28 stations of synoptic and climatologic meteorology in Isfahan province and some neighboring provinces. Soil data was used to calculate the soil evaporation coefficient (Ke), which describes the evaporation component in the trait (ETc). In order to calculate the soil properties, in addition to the sampling of existing fields, a database of 1600 soil profiles in the Soil and Water Research Department of Isfahan province was also used. The plant growth stages were considered based on FAO’s 56 irrigation and drainage journal. For analyzing data in each climate, a completely randomized, unbalanced design (with inequality repeat) was used, and the meanings were compared with Duncan’s multiple range test (at 5% level).

There was a significant difference (α=1%) between the different cities in terms of total water consumption and the net water requirement of different phenological growth stages. In the SA-K-W climate, the net water requirement for each hectare of canola cultivated in the cities of Fereydoun Shahr, Friedan, Golpayegan, Khansari, Semirom, Tiran and Karvan, Shahreza, Chadegan, Dehaghan, and Boein va Mian Dasht was 3936, 4069, 4258, 4011, 3991, 4147, 3964, 3961, 4035 and 4055 m-3, respectively. In the SA-K-W climate (with ten cities), the net water requirement of canola was estimated at 4,000 m-3 ha-1. The difference between the highest and the least water requirement in this climate were 322 m-3 ha-1 and related to cities of Frieden and Fereydoun City, respectively. In the climate of A-C-W (12 cities), canola net water requirement was 892 m-3 ha-1 more than the net water requirement of this crop in the SA-K-W climate. On average, the initial, developmental, and (middle and final) net water requirements of the canola in the A-C-W climate were 540, 2150, and 2200 m-3 ha-1, respectively. The net irrigation requirement estimated for each ha-1 of canola cultivation in Isfahan, Ardestan, Khomeini Shahr, Falavarjan, Kashan, Lenjanat, Naein, Najaf Abad, Natanz, Shahin Shahr, Mobarakeh, and Borkhar cities was 4747. 4807. 4797, 5,105, 4885, 4908, 4750, 4785, 4974, 4971, 4879 and 5097 m-3, respectively.

Based on the results of the 10 cities in the SA-K-W climate, canola production per hectare requires an average of 4,000 cubic meters of net water per hectare. In the A-C-W climate of 12 cities, the average net water requirement per hectare was 4892 m-3. The difference in water requirement between this climate and the climate of SA-K-W was related to the middle and late stages of canola growth.

In order to study the germination and seedling growth characteristics of three cantaloupe populations (Semsuri Varamin, Magase Neishabur and Green tile of Mashhad) at different salinity levels (3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 dS m-1 ), a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in 2012 at Varamin Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center. Results showed that three cantaloupe populations were significantly different in germination characteristics (radicle and plumule length, germination rate and fresh weight), as well as seedling growth (plant height, leaf area and fresh weight). The effect of salinity treatments on germination and seedling growth was significant, but the effect of salinity treatment and populations interactions was not significant. In germination stage, salinity tolerance index of Varamin (86%) had significant superiority to the other populations. In 3 to 11 dS m-1 salinity, fresh seedling weight decreased proportionally to salinity level by 7%. With increasing salinity levels, seedling leaf area decreased linearly. According to the results, increasing salinity more than 3 dS m-1 reduced germination rate and seedling weight of cantaloupe and therefore salinity of irrigation water should not be exceed 3 dS m-1 for proper establishment and acceptable emergence.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the oldest pulses crops in the world and one of the seven Neolithic founder crops in the Fertile Crescent of the Near East. Chickpea cultivars are grown mainly in the Mediterranean area, the Near East, Central Asia and America. In Iran, chickpea seeds are usually consumed in the form of mature, dry seed after cooking and processing in different ways. A total pulse crop cultivation area in Iran is nearly 770000 hectares and 61% of this amount is earmarked for chickpea. The chickpea is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, and 83.9% of the total constituent carbohydrates makeup from starch. Supplemental irrigation can be practiced to achieve the best yield with the least quantity of water available during reproductive periods. The effects of supplemental irrigation in chickpea showed that supplemental irrigation would improve chickpea growth and increase yield especially under dryland conditions (<500 mm).

This field experiment was conducted at the Rozve Experiment Station, at Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center (32°50´ N, 50°34´ E), Esfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 17 Km north of Eastern of Chadegan  in one cropping season (2014) on a sandy loam soil (EC=3.78 dS m-1, pH=7.7 and OM=0.55%). In rotation before the chickpea, wheat was cultivated. The experiment was conducted as a split plot arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Two methods of planting included of rainfed and one supplemental irrigation were considered as the main plot and three new varieties of peas (Hashem, Azad, and Arman) and local control varieties were subplots. Before planting the seeds of all varieties (prepared by the Department of Dryland Research Sara Rud) were sterilized with fungicides benomyl 2 per 1000. The weed control was done manually in the spring. Based on soil test results, there was no need for phosphate and potassium fertilizers. Water productivity (based on irrigation (WPI) + rainfall (R) were computed as: WPI (kgm−3) = Grain yield (kg ha−1)/Irrigation water applied +Rainfall (m3). The data were subjected to analysis of variance by SAS and means Fisher’s Protected LSD (5%) was used for mean comparison.

Based on this study, two methods of planting in terms of yield, yield components, and water use efficiency were significantly different. Plant height ranges changed from 28.2 cm in Azad (rainfed) to 40.6 cm in Arman (supplementary irrigation). Although plant height in all three experimental varieties in cultivation methods with supplementary irrigation was higher than rainfed conditions, but in both methods of cultivation, plant height in Arman cultivar significantly increased compared to the other two varieties. However, the effect of water stress on plant height depends on the stage of water stress. Plants grown with supplemental irrigation has more height than plants grown under dryland conditions. Azad varieties in rainfed and supplemental irrigation with 605.7 and 899.8 kg ha-1 respectively, had significantly higher yield than other cultivars (P≤5%). Inadequate supply of assimilates required for the development of seeds and embryos, is the reason for the decline in grain yield under dryland conditions. Number of pods per plant, is one of the most important yield components of chickpea. In this study, the number of pods under rainfed conditions was reduced 19, 15.5 and 17.6 percent in Azad cultivars, Hashem and Arman, respectively in comparison with supplemental irrigation. Regardless of the variety, harvest index under rain fed conditions showed a significant increase compared with supplemental irrigation and Azad cultivar with harvest index equal to 34.5, had the highest harvest index. Three varieties of Azad, Hashem, and Arman, for every millimeter of supplemental irrigation produced 5.88, 4.86 and 5.44 Kg extra yield (relative to rainfed conditions), respectively.

Based on the results of this study, chickpea cultivation especially with use of supplemental irrigation can improve grain yield than dryland conditions. Among the cultivars used in this experiment Azad cultivar both in rainfed and supplemental irrigation can be recommended.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an indeterminate plant that growth and harvesting of multistage fibers along with the seed is possible in one crop season. Cotton, however, is a salt tolerant plant, but salinity, especially in dry and semi-arid regions of the world, can lead to a loss of production of this plant. Reduction of cotton yield due to use of saline irrigation water in surface irrigation methods was reported at 0, 10, 25 and 50% in salinity levels of 5.1, 6.4 and 8.4 and 12 dS m-1 respectively. Salinity stress can affect the growth of germination and plant growth, and reduce the amount of photosynthetic active radiation absorbed by the plant and consequently photosynthesis and yield. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation water salinity on vegetative growth and yield of two cultivars and six cotton mutants produced in the nuclear power research institute.

This research was carried out in 2013 using split plot experiment in randomized complete block design with four replications at Rudasht salinity and drainage research station in Isfahan. Irrigation water treatments at three levels (4, 8 and 12 dS m-1) consisted of main plots and two varieties of Varamin and Shayan along with six mutants of cotton were sub plots. Saline water is supplied from drainage water with a salinity of 25 dS m-1 from the Rodasht saline research station, which was mixed at the site of the project with river water (maximum 2 dS m-1) in the place of special reservoirs and transferred to the sweets after delivery. It has been transmitted to the experimental plots by pipelines. The measured traits during the study were: the amount of light received in the middle and the bottom of the plant's canopy using a light meter at 7 am and 13 pm, the number of bolls per plant, lint percentage (fiber weight to seed weight ratio), harvest index and yield. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS software and means were compared by Duncan's multiple range test.

The effect of salinity treatments on number of bolls per plant and yield was significant at 5% level, but the effect of salinity interaction and genotype on yield and yield components were not statistically significant. Based on the results obtained in the morning, the amount of light received in the floor of canopy in treatments of 12, 8 and 4 dS m-1 were 329, 317 and 303 foot candle and at noon were 358, 348 and 310 foot candle, respectively. Shayan cultivar with the yield of 2852 kg ha-1 had the highest yield, but there was no significant difference between the yield of this cultivar and the other mutants used. One of the negative effects of salinity stress is the reduction of plant leaf area due to the reduction of plant cell pressure potential and the result of this process is the reduction of absorption of active photosynthesis radiation. In this case, the amount of light received to the canopy cover of the plant increases. Therefore, measurements of light in the floor of canopy can be considered as a measure of vegetation growth. In general, Varamin varieties and mutants such as LM1676 and LM1321 are among the genotypes with higher foliage than the other genotypes with less light in the center and floor of canopy. Therefore, less light in the floor of canopy (more foliage) does not necessarily mean more economic yield. The number of bolls per plant in salinity treatments of 4, 8 and 12 dS m-1 was 6.92, 6.75 and 4.49, respectively.

According to the results, most cotton mutants used in this study have good potential and can be considered as promising mutants to introduce new cultivars, especially in cases where available water sources are not of appropriate quality. Given that these mutants are produced by gamma rays, it seems that the use of this method can be considered as an appropriate approach in expediting the introduction of new cultivars of cottons. Key words: Bolls per plant, Canopy, Lint percent

A fundamental objective of the agricultural sector is efficient use of water and soil resources. To achieve these objectives, the possibility for Entezari cultivation of two chickpea cultivars with supplemental irrigation in the growing season was investigated in 2016‒2017 under the farming conditions in Fereydunshahr, Isfahan Province. Water use efficiency and the factors affecting certain soil qualitative characteristics were explored and yield comparisons were made. The Azad cultivar recorded a yield 1.8 times higher than that of the native cultivar. Under Entezari cultivation, the Azad and local mass cultivars recorded water use efficiencies of 1.11 and 0.61 kg m-3, respectively. In terms of irrigation + effective rainfall, these water use efficiencies would be 0.24 and 0.13 kg m-3 for Azad and the local mass cultivars, respectively. Based on the scores recorded under rotations, ground cover, soil compaction, and soil structure scored ‒2, ‒1, and 1.5, respectively, in the autumn chickpea cultivation in rotation with cereals; these were more positive than the corresponding ones (i.e., ‒3, ‒1.5 and 1, respectively) obtained for the spring cultivation of chickpea indicating the superiority of rotations with autumn cultivation of chickpea. These advantages bear witness to the possibility for autumn cultivation of such improved chickpea cultivars as Azad in the study area to achieve enhanced water use efficiency (i.e., effective rainfall and supplemental irrigation), reduced soil degradation, and improved soil quality.