حسین زینلی

In order to select the most promising thyme genotypes in terms of aerial dry matter (DM) yield and essential oil compounds, seeds of 11 genotypes of Thymus daenensis along with garden thyme (Th. vulgare as control) were sown in 13 research farms in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Khorasan Razavi, Zanjan, Qom, Markazi, Hamadan, Golestan, Yazd, Semnan, Ardabil and Tehran (Absard) and evaluated during (2009-2012). The results showed that genotype 60, with an average value of 1703 kg/h, had a higher DM yield but no significant difference from the control. However, it had higher essential oil (1.81%), which was 74% more than that for control (1.04%). It produced 31.82 kg/h, essential oil yields. 19.16 kg/h), which was 74%, and that was 66% higher than that for control (19.16 kg/h). In the second phase (2018-2022), the seeds of the four top genotypes 49 (Daran), 60 (Shazand), 68 (Feridunshahr), and 72 (Khomein) along with were evaluated in 6 research farms in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Razavi Khorasan, Hamedan, Semnan and Tehran (Homand Absard). Results showed that genotype 60 produced higher DM yield (2039 kg/h), essential oil (2.02%), and thymol (70.1%), which were 73% and 26% higher than that for control (Th. vulgaris), respectively. It was concluded that genotype 60 was the best genotype of Th. daenensis for breeding improved thyme varieties, and it was named as Raihah variety.

In order to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid and zinc sulfate on quality and quantity characters of green cumin (Cuminum cyminum) under different irrigation regimes, a field study was conducted at Fatholmobin Agro industry, Kashan, Iran. A split factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The main plots considered irrigation regimes (irrigation after 70, 100 and 130 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan), and sub-plots considered two level of salicylic acid application (control and 1 mM) and three levels of zinc sulfate (control, 30 and 60 Kg.ha-1) as factorial. The results showed that with the increase in the irrigation interval, the yield and yield components decreased and the percentage of cumin essential oil increased. The grain yield in irrigation after 70, 100 and 130 mm cumulative evaporation treatments was 2659, 19525 and 1009 kg/ha, respectively. The application of salicylic acid and zinc sulfate both under control conditions and moisture stress led to an increase in yield and yield components. Although by delay in irrigation from 70 to 100  mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan, the grain yield decreased by 6%, with the combined application of 60 kg/ha of zinc sulfate and salicylic acid while reducing the effects of drought, the essential oil yield increased by 6.5 kg/ha. It was concluded that by irrigation the cumin after 100 mm cumulative pan evaporation with combined use of 60Kg.ha-1 zinc sulfate and 1 mM salicylic acid, water could be saved by 21.5% while increasing the yield of essential oil, the yield of seeds may decrease slightly under these conditions.

Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) is one of the most widespread weeds in the world, and regarding the amount of damage caused to crops, it is the third dominant dicotyledonous weed in the world. It is recommended to reduce the use of chemical herbicides through the replacement of non-chemical methods in sustainable agricultural management, and the use of plants' allelopathic effects is one of these methods. On the other hand, plants in different growth stages have different allelopathy sensitivity.

To evaluate the allelopathic effect of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh) on Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) growth stages, an experiment was carried out as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the greenhouse of Kashan Barij Essential Company, Iran. Treatments included aqueous and alcoholic extracts of eucalyptus (50, 75, and 100 %), controlled (0.002 concentration of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, Ethanol 70%, distilled water), and three growth stages (five-leaf stage, seven-leaf stage, and stem elongation). The studied traits were measured in all three growth stages one week after treatments. To measure traits, ten plants were randomly selected from each pot. The studied traits included leaf length and width, total leaf wet weight, total leaf dry weight, stem wet weight, stem dry weight, stem length, root length, root wet weight, root dry weight, total plant weight, and shoot/root ratio. A ruler was used to determine the length and width of the leaf, the length of the root, and the length of the stem. Analysis of the variance of the data was done by MSTAC software. If the experimental factor was significant, the LSD test was used to compare the means.

Leaf width, total leaf fresh weight, total leaf dry weight, stem fresh and dry weight, stem length, root length, root fresh and dry weight, total plant weight, and shoot/root ratio were affected by the growth stage where the extracts were used. The effect of the concentration of aqueous and ethanol extracts of eucalyptus on leaf length and width, total leaf fresh weight, total leaf dry weight, stem fresh weight, stem dry weight, stem length, root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, total dry plant weight, and shoot/root ratio was significant. Spraying at the stem and 5-leaf stages had the highest and lowest leaf width, stem length, and root dry weight, respectively. The extract application at the stem elongation and five-leaf stage had the highest and lowest leaf width, stem length, and root dry weight, respectively. The application of distilled water in the stem elongation phase produced the maximum leaf length (3.06 cm), total fresh and dry weight of plant leaf (1.00 and 0.2764 gr), stem fresh and dry weight (1.35 and 0.393 gr), and total fresh and dry plant weight (2.80 and 0.801 gr), respectively. The application of 75% concentration of eucalyptus ethanol extract at the 5-leaf stage produced the lowest total fresh and dry weight of plant leaf (0.188 and 0.0521 gr), stem fresh and dry weight (0.303 and 0.046 gr) and total fresh and dry plant weight (0.633 and 0.1157 gr), respectively.

The aqueous and alcoholic extracts significantly decreased Pigweed growth indices, and its inhibitory effect was not significantly different in most traits with 2-4-D herbicide. The inhibitory effect of alcoholic extract on pigweed growth was greater than aqueous extract. Given that almost all eucalyptus extracts, either alcoholic or aqueous, significantly reduced Pigweed growth, it may be possible to reduce the pressure of this weed on crops by combining and using them as a bio-herbicide.

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is one of the most important ancient fodder plants with special adaptability andSainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is one of the most important ancient fodder plants with special adaptability and quality that is cultivated in many parts of Iran. A field experiment in form of complete block design with three replications was conducted in Research Station of Agricultural and Natural Resources Research of Isfahan province during 2013- 2015. Twenty native populations from various regions of Iran were tested. Morphological characteristics, yield and fodder quality of plants was measured. According to results, there was less than 10 days difference among populations from planting to flowering stage. The phenological stages (beginning of spring growth, flowering time) in the second year began earlier than that of the first year. Maximum leaf number (127) and leaf/stem ratio (2.5) were obtained in Oshnavieh and 2759, respectively. PLC produced the highest dry matter content (31.27%) and dry forage yield (3179.3 kg ha-1) among populations. Populations also differed in terms of fodder quality. Most populations had adequate yield and quality potential for livestock feeding. Regarding variation in different traits among populations, each population can be used for different goals such as breeding programs, soil conservation and production of high dry matter yield. In generally, 3001 and 13535 populations (tolerant to powdery mildew disease) with acceptable forage yield and quality can be recommended in Isfahan climatic conditions. .

Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae), is a tropical plant with knotted rhizomes.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of using mineral and biological fertilizers based on algae on the quantitative and qualitative traits of the ginger plant and to choose the best cultivation medium.

The experimental treatments included cultivation media in four levels and fertilizers in three levels. Hydrodistilled essential oil of the Z. officinale was analyzed by GC and GC-MS.

The largest amount of biological yield and yield per hectare was observed in the cultivation medium of vermicompost: perlite (70: 30) without fertilizers. The maximum harvest index with an average of 0.9 was estimated in the cultivation media of manure: soil (70: 30) combined with biofertilizer, vermicompost: perlite (70: 30) combined with biofertilizer, and manure: perlite (70: 30) combined with biofertilizer, respectively. The cultivation medium of animal manure: perlite (70: 30) combined with NPK chemical fertilizer produced the largest amount of essential oil. The highest proportion of geranial was observed in the cultivation medium of vermicompost: perlite (70: 30) combined with biofertilizer. The highest percentage of α-zingiberene was observed in the cultivation medium of vermicompost: perlite (70: 30) combined with NPK chemical fertilizer. The highest percentage of neral was obtained in the main treatments of animal manure: soil (70: 30) combined with biofertilizer.

The use of chemical and biological fertilizers combined with organic cultivation media was fruitful and productive to meet the nutritional needs for the production of effective substances in ginger.

European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) a semi-parasitic plant that often grows on forest trees and shrubs, is used in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer due to its valuable active ingredients. The quantity and quality of active ingredients in parasitic and semi-parasitic plants in addition to genetic and environmental factors, are also affected by the host tree. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with the aim of investigating the phytochemical diversity of 20 populations of mistletoe on different hosts by collecting samples from different regions of Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Alborz provinces in the summer of 2017. The extracts were obtained by reflux method with 70% ethanol. The content of syringic acid, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, protein, and antioxidant activity were measured by a spectrophotometer and HPLC methods in the leaves of plants in different populations. The results showed that the amount of chemical composition of mistletoe populations was affected by environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and altitude, and the type of host tree. These populations were classified into 3 distinct groups. The mistletoe collected from Gilan and Alborz provinces did not have much phytochemical diversity. Populations of Guilan province had the highest mean of total flavonoids, protein, and antioxidant activity. The mistletoe collected from Mazandaran and Golestan provinces had more phytochemical diversity. It seems that in addition to environmental conditions, the host tree type was also responsible for creating the phytochemical diversity of European mistletoe in these provinces.

The success of plant breeders depends on the genetic diversity amount in plants and their wild relatives. Awareness of genetic distance and similarity makes it possible to organize hereditary reserves, effective sampling of genotypes, and better use of diversity. This research was carried out to study the genetic diversity of six basil populations (Ocimum basilicum L.) and to evaluate their biochemical response to low irrigation and two densities in the greenhouse of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Isfahan, Iran using a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications. Basil populations as Afghan (green), Ghaemieh (violet), Qahjavaristan (green), Ardestan (green), Mobarakeh (green), and Mahyar (violet)) were sown in two densities of 6.6 and 20 plants/m2 in row distance at 50 cm with plant distance of 30 cm (equal to 6.6 plants/m2) and 10 cm (equal to 20 plants/m2). Drip irrigation was performed using evaporation pan in the form of three treatments of 60, 80 and 100% of field capacity (FC). In addition, 12 pairs of AFLP primers were used to study genetic diversity. According to the results obtained in all the irrigation conditions, the Afghan population showed the highest percentage of essential oil. Among the populations, the highest amounts of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were belonged to the Qahjavaristan with the values of 0.62, 0.44 and 0.53 µmol.m-1/FW, respectively. The highest amounts of chlorophyll a and b (1.49 and 0.76 mg/g FW) were belonged to the Mobarakeh. Regarding dehydration stress, it was found that the application of 80 and 60%FC led to an increase of 4% and 19% of catalase, 6% and 22% of peroxidase and 5% and 20% of superoxide dismutase, respectively. In general, the Afghan population showed the highest stress-tolerance level. Based on the analysis of AFLP results, each primer produced an average of 10.51 polymorphism bands, and primer 11 had the highest band production among the primers. Based on the genetic similarity matrix, the highest genetic similarity between Mobarakeh and Ardestan populations was at the rate of 0.99. The lowest genetic similarity (0.71) was related to Ardestan and Mahyar populations. Totally, populations with the least genetic similarity (Ardestan and Mahyar) could be used as parents in breeding programs, which leads to progeny with higher genetic diversity. The Afghan population can also be considered as parent in stress-resistant breeding programs.

Multipurpose use of rangelands is one of the new challenges facing rangeland users, according to which grazing pressure in rangelands can be reduced and an important step can be taken to increase the welfare and empowerment of rangelands, preserve ecosystems and improve ecosystem services related to them. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the potential of rangelands in the semi-steppe region, for the use of medicinal plants and forage production, in 12 habitats of the country (including: Arshad Chamanof Sahand, Shiveh Soor of Marghavar of Urmia, DoshKharat of Golestankooh, Derakhtak of Friedan, Aliabad Moshiri of Koohrang, Freeze heights of Binalood, Khoraklat of Razavi Khorsan, Joladak of Alamut, Sar Ali Abad of Gorgan, Rineh of Larijan, Otaghsara of Larijan and Kaboudcheshmeh of Savadkuh) were performed. For this purpose, after measuring the vegetation and estimating the production of medicinal plants; based on ecological, economic and social criteria and indicators; the suitability of each habitat for the use of medicinal plants was determined. Then, by comparing the suitability class of habitats for the use of medicinal plants and their suitability class for livestock grazing, a decision was made regarding the priority of the type of rangeland use. Overall; 17% of habitats, by all criteria, are unsuitable for the use of medicinal plants. 33% have good suitable, 25% have medium suitable and 25% have low suitable. The results suggest that not all rangeland habitats are suitable for the use of medicinal plants, and not all of them are suitable for the use of medicinal plants. This issue should be considered in the policies related to the harvest of medicinal plants from the rangelands, and the use of medicinal plants should be allowed, taking into account the suitability of the rangeland. In rangelands with potential for medicinal plants, it is possible to reduce the number of livestock and grazing livestock in accordance with ecological principles; he used medicinal plants along with livestock. This, in addition to compensating for the economic problems caused by reducing the number of livestock, will also restore vegetation and enhance the richness of medicinal plants.

To investigate the effect of zinc and iron foliar application on the morph-physiological and biochemical traits of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) under salinity, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications in Esfahan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Iran. The factors included NaCl at 3 levels of 0, 4 and 8 dS/m, zinc sulfate at 3 levels of 0, 1.5 and 3 ppm and iron sulfate at 3 levels of 0, 1.5 and 3 ppm. The sodium and potassium content was measured using a flame photometer. The iron and zinc content was measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The mucilage was dried to determine its weight and total phenol was measured using a spectrophotometer. With increasing salinity, the amount of potassium, zinc and iron significantly (P ≤0.01) decreased but the sodium content increased. With increasing the zinc concentration in saline and control conditions, the potassium amount significantly (P ≤0.01) increased. Foliar application of zinc and iron significantly (P ≤0.01) increased the zinc and iron amount in the leaves. Although flowers fresh weight was reduced under saline condition compared to non-stress conditions, the zinc and iron spraying mitigated the effects of stress. Also, mucilage content was increased by 49 and 20% under 8 and 4 dS/m salinity, respectively, in comparison with non-stress conditions. The iron and zinc spraying significantly (P ≤0.01)increased the amount of mucilage. With increasing salinity, the phenol content significantly (P ≤0.01) increased and the highest content of phenol (65.2 mg / ml) was observed in the salinity of 8 dS/m3 + 3ppm of iron sulfate + 0 ppm of zinc sulfate. Generally, spraying of iron and zinc sulfate in saline conditions not only improved the nutritional status of marshmallow, but also increased the flowers yield and mucilage.

Rye cereal Secale is one of the most important crops in Iran and belongs to the family Poaceae Understanding the Rye genetic diversity is essential for breeding programs of this plant. In this study, AFLP molecular markers were used to determine genetic diversity among 39 populations of Rye (from different regions of Iran, the United States and Russia). Thirteen primers were used, which could create 188 detectable and repeatable bands and 94% of primers showed polymorphism (177 bands) among different populations. The highest PIC was for the ECC 3N 4S 1 starter pair and the highest MI was for the ECC 3N 4S 5 starter pair. To determine the similarity between populations, the Dissse similarity coefficients were used. Maximum similarity (0.971) between the two populations Montanum of Park Jhan nama and Cereal of Fereydoun Shahr, and the minimum similarity (0.386) between Sermont of Arak and Sermont of the United States was observed. The cluster analysis was performed using the UPGMA algorithm based on the similarity matrix. Cluster analysis classified different populations of Rye in five main groups, which relevant to the grouping of principal components analysis. The results of this study showed noticeable genetic diversity among Rye populations of Iran, besides the results of the analysis of molecular variance show that intra-species diversity is higher than inter-species diversity, the average Shannon (I) index in rye species was 0.48, which indicates a relatively good diversity within species.

Autoimmune inflammation of the central nervous system followed by myelin destruction, oxidative stress, and reduced neuroprotective factors play key roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). S-allyl cysteine (SAC), an active ingredient in the aged garlic extract, has known anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of S-allyl cysteine and related mechanisms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, a validated animal model of MS).

C57BL/6 mice were divided into the following three groups, with each group comprising of ten animals: Group 1: Control, Group 2: EAE induction, and Group 3: EAE induction and daily administration of SAC (EAE+SAC). The EAE induction was performed using the Hooke kit. It should be noted that daily gavage of SAC was carried out and clinical score (severity of tail and limbs paralysis) was assessed daily. The inflammation of the lumbar spinal cord was measured through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) level in spinal cord and serum; Interleukin17(IL-17, Inflammatory factors) level in spinal cord; Activity-dependent neuroprotector homeobox (ADNP), and Microtubule-associated Proteins 1A/1B Light Chain 3A (MAP1LC3A, neuroprotective factors) were measured using ELISA. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance.

The daily administration of SAC significantly reduced the score of clinical paralysis on days 13 to 18 following EAE induction (from P>0.05 to P<0.01). It also significantly reduced spinal cord inflammation (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNFα in serum and spinal cord, and IL-17 in the spinal cord (P<0.05). On the other hand, daily administration of SAC elevated the reduced spinal cord levels of ADNP and MAP1LC3A (P<0.05).

Daily oral administration of SAC improved MS symptoms through the reduction of spinal inflammation and inflammatory factors, and elevation of neuroprotective factors. In addition, SAC can be utilized in the prevention and treatment of MS due to its herbal origin.

In this study, 16 ecotypes of different species of Thymus were evaluated for morphological and flower related traits (plant height, canopy diameter, leaf length and width, plant dry weight, 1000 grain weight, number of day to flowering, flower length, flag and pistil length, number of flag and pollen viability) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications at the Research Center of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Isfahan. Analysis of variance showed significant difference between studied species for these traits. Mean comparison showed that the highest amount of dry weight was  belonged to  Thymus kotschyanus species from west Azerbaijan. Therefore, this genotype can be offered, if the purpose of breeding program is increasing of plant dry weight. Study of correlation between traits showed that dry weight had a significant negative relationship with 1000 grain weight and pollen viability percentage. Stepwise regression analysis showed that flower length, number of flags, large canopy diameter, percentage of pollen viability, flag length and 1000 grain weight justified variation of plant dry weight, and therefore these traits are the most important component of plant yield. Cluster analysis on the studied species could divide them into 4 distinct groups. The results showed that these groups did not follow geographical distribution.

Abstract. This investigation carried out in order to study the effects of irrigation times and phosphorous fertilizer on yield and yield components on Nigella sativa in split plot design with three replications based on randomized complete block designed at Sepahan Nama research farm in Jellan Abad of Isfahan. The main factor was irrigation time with three levels including 50, 100 and 150 mm evaporation from flash tank of A class. The sub plot was different phosphorous fertilizer levels including control, 75 and 150 kg/ ha P (triple super phosphate fertilizer). Measured traits were including number of capsule per plant, number of seed per capsule, seed weight to capsule, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, seed yield per meter squares and plant height. Variance analysis showed that all traits had significant differences for different levels of irrigation time, phosphorous fertilizer and interaction them. Result described which the highest biological, seed yield per plant and area obtained at 100 mm evaporation and 150 kg/ h P and the lowest these traits was obtained at 150 mm evaporation from flash tank and 150 kg/ha P. Result showed to production of suitable yield must be attended to irrigation parameters and consumption of phosphorous fertilizer. Also result described which more and less use of irrigation is not suitable for high production of seed yield.

In order to study the effects of some environmental factors on quality and quantity of fennel essential oil, an experiment was conducted at 3 stations of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan during 2012- 2013 and 4 superior fennel genotypes (including: Lorestan, Hamedan, P11- 820065 and 11486) were studied basis of randomized complete block design with three replications. Base on the results the interaction of place* genotype was significant for all traits. a-pinene, fenchone, camphor and (z)- anethol in forien genotypes and p-cymene, limonene, estragole and (e)-anethol in native genotypes were the highest. The maximum essential oil belongs to P11-820065 with 4.21 percentage. The highest essential oil yield (165.2 Kg/hec) was observed in P11-820065 located in Golpayeghan and the lowest in Hamedan genotype (60.4 Kg/hec) of Kashan. (E)-anethol yield of hamedan Genotype in Golpayeghan station had a significant different with Kashan station. The minimum amount of (e)-anethol was observed in 11486 (41/1 %) located in Kashan. There was a negative significant correlation between e- anethol and soil total N. Also a negative significant correlation was observed between oil percentage and oil yield with soil salinity. On the other hand phencone and soil salinity had a positive significant correlation. There was no significant correlation between essential oil and environmental factors in Golpayegan station.

Sainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia Scop.) is one of the most important forage legumes cultivated as high quality forage. Fifty three species have been identified in this genus in Iran. A field experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design to compare yield and forage quality of 20 populations of sainfoin in Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, Iran during 2013 – 2014. Populations were evaluated at three cutting dates (29 April, 20 July and 26 October, 2014). Dry matter yield and forage quality indices such as crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and ash content were determined. Results showed that populations were different in the majority of traits. Means of interaction effects indicated that the maximum and minimum dry matter yield were 5612.7 kg ha-1 at the third cutting and 118.5 kg ha-1 at the first cutting in 8199 and 9263, respectively. According to the results of quality analysis in the majority of populations, maximum DMD, CP and WSC were obtained at the third cutting and maximum ADF and NDF were obtained at the first cutting. In terms of forage yield some populations, such as 8199, 3800, Oshnavieh, 9147, 8799 and Isfahan camposit were superior to other populations. High digestibility populations (2759, 19402, PLC, 12542, 3001 and Oshnavieh) and high protein populations (8199, 15353, 2759, 3062, 15364 and 19402) had the best forage quality among populations. Regarding quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage, these populations could be considered as desired parents for developing synthetic varieties.

 The aim of this study was to investigate the best planting time and method of A. podolobus</em>. The experiment was conducted as a split plot design based on a completely randomized block design with three replications at Hana Semirom station, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center during 2013 to 2015. Main factor was sowing date (fall and spring) and sub plot was sowing method (linear seeding and crescent shaped bounds). The results showed a significant effect of planting time, planting method, and its interactions on the percentage of establishment. The percentage of establishment of fall cultivation was 14.28% and spring planting was 27.78%. The lowest percentage of establishment was observed with 6.35% in sowing method and the highest with 35.71% in crescent banquet method. The interaction of this trait showed that the lowest percentage of establishment was observed in spring cultivation treatment and seeding method (4.76%) and the highest percentage was observed in crescent and spring cultivation methods (47.61%). The results indicated that crescent-shaped bounds were more appropriate in both spring and fall cultivation. Forage yield was strongly affected by the planting season and in fall and spring cultivation and were 7 and 15.6 grams per plant, respectively. Forage yield was 9.5 g in seeding method and 13.16 g in crescent bounds. The range of changes in this trait ranged from 6 g in fall cultivation and seeding method to 18.33 g per plant in spring cultivation and crescent bounds method. In general, the results showed that for planting this species in semi-steppe areas, spring planting in the form of crescent bounds and non-coating seeds is suitable for maximum establishment.

Astragalus hamosus L. is an annual, herbaceous belonged to Leguminosae family. Understanding the pattern of plant species diversity is important in breeding programs and leads to awareness of evolutionary processes. This study was conducted on protein diversity of the ecotypes of this plant species. According to the protein variation analysis of A.hamosus, the polymorphism index content (PIC) was calculated as 0.49. Cluster dendrogram was drawn using Dice similarity coefficient and UPGMA method. The ecotypes were classified into three subgroups with cophenetic correlation coefficient 0.88. Out of the 13 ecotypes, 11 were grouped together with relatively high similarity. Kermanshah ecotype no1 was significantly separated from other ecotypes. According to the results of the expression of seven peptides studied in 13 ecotypes, the highest and lowest cumulative expression levels belonged to peptides6 and 7 with 24195 and 4328 units by PhoretixPro software, respectively. Based on biplot analysis, the highest expression of peptides in all different ecotypes was related to peptide 4 of Kermanshah ecotype 2. Peptide 7 was not expressed in any other ecotypes, even at very low levels. It was concluded that a new protein was added to the protein profile of A. hamosus in the Kermanshah ecotype with the emergence of this peptide.

 In order to evaluate genetic variation and relationship among 20 genotypes of sainfoin, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 3 replications in Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan, during 2015-2016. Results of variance analysis showed significant differences among the genotypes for all traits, in exception of number of nodes, lateral branches, leaflets and leaf width. PLC population had the highest forage yield (3179 kg/h). 9147 population was the second population for forage yield (2965 kg/h). Correlation coefficients showed that forage yield had a positive correlation with total stems, number of lateral branches, nodes, leaves and leaf and stem dry weight. Using principal component analysis, the first three components accounted for 72% of the total variation. Number of lateral branches, nodes, leaf, leaf and stem dry weight and wet and dry forage yield were the most important traits in the first component. Stem height, leaf width, leaf and stem percentages and leaf/stem in the second component and leaflets, total stems, lateral stem height and dry matter percentage in the third component were important. Genotypes were classified into 4 groups with distinct variations for forage yield.

In order to study the effect of irrigation water salinity on the quantity and quality of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) oil, and seed production, a field experiment was conducted in a split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental treatments included fennel genotype at four levels (German P11-820065, European 11486, and two indigenous genotypes including Lorestan and Hamedan) and water salinity at three levels (2 (control), 5, and 8 dS/m). The results showed that the effect of salinity was significant on all traits except α-pinene, myrcene, and essential oil percentage. Genotypes showed no significant difference in anethole, α-phellandrene, γ-terpinene, percentage, and essential oil yield. The interaction of salinity× genotype had a significant effect on all traits. Genotype P11-820065 had the highest essential oil percentage (3.90%) and yield (91.41 kg ha-1), and seed dry yield (2359.7 kg ha-1) between genotypes at control salinity level. With increasing salinity level, the seed and essential oil yield in non-indigenous genotypes decreased by a slope more than that of indigenous genotypes. Moreover, the content of anethole as the most important essential oil component of fennel increased to 5 dS/m salinity and then decreased. Based on the results of this study, under irrigation water salinity conditions, indigenous genotypes had higher economic efficiency due to their higher resistance to salinity stress. Water salinity affected only the content of essential oil components, but had no effect on its composition.

Purple coneflower(Echinacea purpurea L.) is a perennial medicine plant that belongs to Asteraceae family. It is using as immune system stimulant in medicinal industries. This study was done to evaluating root yield, aerial yield and chlorogenic acid yield under different levels of N fertilizer and plant density. The experiment was conducted at Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan in a split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replication, during 2009- 2010. The N fertilizer (0, 75, 150, 225kg/ha) was as main factor and different densities (11, 17 and 33 plant per m2) were sub factors. Based on the results the interaction of N levels × different densities × year were significant for aerial dry weight, root dry weight, aerial and root dry yield per hectare and chlorogenic acid yield per hectare. The highest dry weight of aerial and root plant (67.6 and 57.7, respectively) were observed at 225kg/ha N fertilizer and 11 plant per m2 densities. The aerial and root dry yield per hectare (19127 and 6342kg/ha, respectively) and chlorogenic acid yield in aerial and root plant (293.2 and 63.4gr/ha, respectively) were obtained in 225kg/ha N fertilizer and 33 plant per m2 densities. A significant positive correlation was observed between aerial dry yield per hectare with root dry yield and chlorogenic acid yield of plant.

In order to study forage yield, seed yield and its components in two species of Stipa, 16 genotypes of S. barbata and 10 genotypes of S. hohenackeriana were collected from natural habitats in Esfahan province and evaluated with a completely randomized design with three replications in farm condition. Based on the results, there was a significant difference between two species for most of the important traits such as forage yield and seed yield. Rahmat Abad Khansar population of S.hohenackeriana and Polkale population of S. barbata showed higher forage yield (3333 and 3129 kg/ha, respectively). The first five components determined 73% of total variation. The first component named as yield factor, the second and the third factors as vegetative factors, the forth component as yield component factor and the fifth factor as dry weight/wet weight. Cluster analysis classified populations into two groups with distinct variations for seed yield and forage yield.

This study was to investigate the effects of urea and phosphate on madder in saline conditions at research farm of Isfahan Agricultural Research Center located in the city Rodasht was done. A factorial experiment with three replications and two factors in a randomized block design was designed. The first factor was urea with 4 levels of zero, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha and the second factor was Triple Super Phosphate fertilizer with 4 levels of zero, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha. Vegetative growth characteristics such as plant height, leaf dry weight, leaf area, panicle length and weight of 1000 fruit, shoot and root yield were measured. Analysis of variance in the third year, showed the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer on plant growth characteristics of madder else the leaf area, panicle length and 1000 fruits weight was statistically significant. The highest yield of shoots was obtained due to application of 150 kg/ha urea and 150 kg/ ha triple super phosphate. The highest yield of roots was obtained due to application of 100 kg/ha urea and 100 kg/ ha triple super phosphate.

This investigation was carried out to study the karyotype diversity of five garlic (Allium Sativum L.) varieties in Isfahan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Karyotype of mitotic cells in metaphase of root apical meristem in germinated seeds was studied. The base number of chromosomes was x = 8 and all populations were diploid. Experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with five replicates and mean comparison with Duncan's multiple range test (at 5%) among the five varieties of garlic. Based on Stebbins two-way table the Isfahan and Jiroft populations in class 3B and Bam, Kerman and Hamedan populations were located in class 2B. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for the total chromosome length, long and short arm length and the relative length of the shortest chromosome (p

To evaluate the flower performance and its components in terms of morphological traits, 10 genotypes of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.), have been cultivated in randomized complete blocks with three replications in a research field in Golpayegan city and studied in 2013. The results of means comparisons showed that for yield per plant, Yazd2 and Khuzestan genotypes had the highest and lowest value, respectively. Esfahan4 genotype was the superior for oil yield/hec. Significant correlations were observed between the characteristics. Positive and significant correlation between plant height and number of flowers with yield per plant were the most important. The results showed significant differences among genotypes for all evaluated traits, but for the qualities of essential oils and petals of the flower weight ratio. In cluster Analysis, the studied genotypes were divided into four groups.