داود امین آزرم

In recent decades, the introduction of high-yielding cultivars under optimal conditions has been the main focus of grain research programs. The identification of wheat cultivars that have acceptable yields on different planting dates has been taken into account.

The present split-plot test was performed with three replications in two cropping years, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. The main factor included three planting dates (October 20, November 20, and December 20 as early, normal, and delayed planting dates), and the sub-factor included six wheat cultivars (Zare with winter growth habits, Heidari, Pishgam, and Alvand with facultative growth habits, and Sirvan and Pishtaz with spring growth habits). The soil was sampled from a depth of 0 to 30 cm before the experiment, and the physical and chemical traits of the soil were determined. Land preparation steps were performed before the experiment. For this purpose, a land area of 1500 m2 was plowed by a reversible plow and then leveled. Fertilizer application was performed based on the soil experiment results as 100 kg.ha-1 of triple superphosphate, 100 kg.ha-1 of potassium sulfate, and 100 kg.ha-1 of urea before planting. The rest of the urea fertilizer (200 kg.ha-1) was applied at the stage of stem emergence and the beginning of anthesis wheat. Iron, zinc, and manganese fertilizers were also used from their sulfate sources at the rate of 0.2%, which were sprayed in two stages at the beginning of stalking and spiking. Each plot was 5 m long and 2 m wide and consisted of 8 planting rows at a distance of 25 cm. A distance of 50 cm was considered between the two sub-plots and 1 m between the two main plots. The required seed for each experimental plot was determined and distributed based on the density of 400 seeds per m2 based on the weight of 1000 seeds of each cultivar. Irrigation was performed immediately after planting. Agricultural care was applied uniformly, including pest, disease, and weed control. In each subplot, 50 cm from the beginning and end of the rows was considered as the margin. All data were subjected to ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS 9.1) and means were compared by using the Duncan test at 5% probability level.

The results showed that delayed planting reduced nutrient uptake and increased the extinction coefficient. Radiation use efficiency on the planting date of December 20 showed a reduction of 27% and 25%, compared to the planting date of October 20 in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, respectively. Also, on December 20, Sirvan and Pishtaz cultivars with spring growth habits showed lower extinction coefficients and higher photosynthesis rates than winter and facultative cultivars. On October 20 and November 20, the highest grain yield was obtained in cultivars with winter and facultative growth habits. On December 20, the grain yield was higher in cultivars with facultative and spring growth habits than in winter cultivars. Late planting of wheat cultivars with winter growth type, which must receive low temperatures for Vernalization, is very risky. Because delaying planting may lead to a sharp decrease in yield. These negative consequences of the delay in planting may have occurred through disruption of absorption of water, nutrients, and absorption of active photosynthetic radiation. Late cultivation shortens the vegetative growth period and the plant enters the reproductive stage prematurely, and then the plant faces a lack of photosynthetic resources. Also, the grain filling period is faced with drought and heat stress at the end of the season and this final stress causes a sharp decrease in yield.

In general, the delayed planting significantly reduced grain yield, especially in cultivars with winter growth habits. Therefore, it is recommended to use intermediate and spring cultivars for delayed cultivation.

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.

Plant nutrition management is an important factor in the success of cultivation of medicinal plants, which leads to the improvement of their quantitative and qualitative yield. Therefore an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications and 8 nutritional treatments during three growing seasons on Satureja. spicigera Jamzad.The treatments were different levels of chemical fertilizers (N50P25K25), different levels of organic fertilizers (Cow Manure30, Cow Manure60 and 5 ton/ha Vermi-compost) and combination of chemical and organic fertilizers (N50P25K25+ Cow Manure30, N50P25K25+ Cow Manure60, N50P25K25+ 5 ton/ha Vermi-compost). These treatments were compared with the control. The aerial parts of plants were harvested at 50% flowering stage and after drying, the essential oil was extracted using water distillation and Clevenger apparatus. Essential compounds were identified using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC / MS). According to the results, the maximum essential oil percentage and oil yeild in S. spicigera was 2.96% and 58.02 kg/ha during the second year. Based on the results of the experimental years, the highest oil yield was observed in the combined treatment of 50 kg/ha nitrogen, 25 kg/ha of phosphorus and 25 kg/ha of potash plus 5 tons per hectare of vermicompost, in the third year. During the experimental years, 13 compounds were observed in S. spicigera that dominant composition were thymol (26.14-56.15%), g-terpinene (12.83-30.95%) and p-cymen (7.24-16.85%) with a total of more than 97%, had the highest amount. According to the results, the qualitative yield of essential oil of plant was less affected by soil fertility treatments, but the quantitative yield of essential oil had a significant increase that indirectly increases the qualitative yield of essential oil. Also, it could be recommended to use vermicompost along with the chemical and biological fertilizers to increase the essential oil yield of Satureja spicigera.

Ziziphora teniur is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The plant is very rich in compounds such as sterols, fatty acids and flavonoids and its active ingredients are used in pharmacy. In spite of the of the perennial species of the plant, a little research has been done on this annual species, Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the reaction of different plant populations to cultivation in one place.

The experiment was conducted during 2017-2019 in Fozveh station of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan. The experiment was on the basis of randomized complete block design with 3 replications Treatments were 3 populations of Ziziphora teniur. Measured traits included: fresh and dry shoot weight, plant height, dry to wet weight ratio, 1000-seed weight, single plant seed weight, percentage and yield of essential oil and essential oil compounds. The percentage of essential oil was measured by water distillation (Clevenger), the amount of essential oil compounds was measured by gas chromatography (GC) and the qualification of essential oil was measured by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data analysis was performed with SAS 9.1 software and the mean of treatments was compared with LSD test (p≤ 0.05).

The results of two years indicated that the studied populations were significantly different in terms of all studied traits. Gamishloo and Damaneh populations had the highest and lowest seed yield and shoot dry yield with average (42 and 566 kg/ha) and (33.6 and 406 kg/ha) respectively. The highest amount of essential oil percentage and oil yield were observed in Kolahghazi population. Experimental years had a significant effect on aerial dry matter yield and essential oil percentage. Results of the interactive effect of genotype*year revealed that Gamishloo population had the highest seed yield and aerial dry yield during 2 years. 19 components were found in 3 populations oil. Polegone observed as the main essential oil component. Its rate was variable from 43% (Gamishloo) to 90% (Damaneh and KolahGhazi).

In general, the results of this study indicated that the studied populations had the sufficient genetic diversity for various traits such as shoot yield, seed yield and essential oil percentage. The existence of this diversity can pave the way for remedial work in the future. This plant can also be introduced as an appropriate source to provide a combination of Polegone used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Lamiaceae is a large plant family with many important genus like Ziziphora. This genus has four species in Iran. Three species including Z. tenuior, Z. persica and Z. capitata are annual and Z. clinopodioides is Perennial. Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. is an aromatic plant that leaves and flowers are frequently used as a traditional herbal medicines for the treatment of colds and cough. In Iran, this plant is mostly used in traditional medicine as a sedative, carminative, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic substance in food. The present work was conducted to investigate the reaction of different plant populations to cultivation in one place.

The experiment was conducted during 2017-2019 in Fozveh station of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan. It was on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were three populations of Z. clinopodioides that were collected from Isfahan province including Makooleh, Sarcheshmeh Golpayegan and Daran regions. Measured traits included: dry shoot weight, plant height, dry to wet weight ratio, 1000-seed weight, essential oil percentage, yield of essential oil and essential oil compounds. The percentage of essential oil was measured in 50% flowering stage by using hydro-distillation using an all-glass clevenger apparatus for 4 h. The amount of essential oil compounds was measured by gas chromatography (GC) and the qualification of essential oil was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The chemical compounds of the essential oil were identified on the basis of GC-MS retention time on fused silica capillary column and by comparison between their retention indices (RIs) with retention indices of published data, Standard Mass Spectral Fragmentation Pattern. Sas 9.1 software package was used for data analyses. Mean and standard deviations of each experiment were calculated and then were subjected to analysis of variance. Duncan test was used to determine mean differences among the treatments at 1% probability. Also, interactions were analyzed by using MSTATC software.

The combined analysis results showed a significant difference for all traits among populations. Sarcheshmeh Golpayegan and Daran populations had the highest (179 and 7011 kg.ha-1) and lowest (70 and 6120 kg.ha-1) seed yield and aerial dry yield respectively. Also the highest amount of oil percentage and oil yield were observed in Sarcheshmeh Golpayegan population. The range of essential oil percentages between populations were from 1.2% (makooleh) to 1.4% (sarcheshmeh). Experimental years had a significant effect on all studied traits except of 1000-seed weight. Populations in the second year had higher performance than the first year. This was especially noticeable in shoot dry weight, seed yield and essential oil yield. Results of genotype*year interaction revealed that Sarcheshmeh Golpayegan population had the highest seed yield and shoot dry weight in the second year. In total, 26 compounds were identified in Z. clinopodioides essential oil populations. Two major identified compounds in essential oil analysis recognized as 1,8 cineole and polegone. In Makoole population Polegone was the main component but Sarcheshmeh Golpayegan and Daran were rich in 1, 8- Cineole.

In general, the results of this study indicated that the studied populations had the sufficient genetic diversity for various traits such as shoot yield, seed yield and essential oil percentage. The existence of this diversity can pave the way for remedial work in the future. This research has shown that Z. clinopodioides has the ability to adapt and cultivate in the field environments. Therefore, it can be used as a new medicinal plant in the country's agricultural system. This plant can also be introduced as an appropriate source to provide a combination of 1, 8- Cineole and Polegone used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

A bread wheat breeding line that led to release of Tallaei cultivar introduced from International Research Center for Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT) to Iran through an international nursery in 2009 and was evaluated in a primary trial in Islam Abad-Gharb research station and due to its favorable characteristics was selected for further evaluation. This line showed grain yield of 6967 and 5370 kgha-1 under normal irrigation and terminal drought conditions, respectively, while mean grain yields of four check cultivars: Parsi, Sivand, Bahar and Pishtaz for those two conditions were 6857 and 3850 kgha-1, respectively, Aforementioned line showed grain yield of 4851 kgha-1 in advanced yield trial of temperate regions breeding program under water deficit conditions compared to 4631 khha-1 of drought tolerant check cultivar "Sirvan" in three locations, hence selected for final evaluation in adaptation trial. Grain yield of this line which was presented as M-91-18 at the adaptation trial was 7563 and 6385 kgha-1 against 8022 and 6200 kgha-1 of Parsi check cultivar under normal and water stress conditions, respectively, during two cropping seasons 2012-13 and 2013-14. This line showed overall mean grain yield, of 9583 and 8042 kgha-1 in normal irrigation and water deficit conditions under extensional farmer fields, respectively. For these two conditions check cultivar Parsi showed 7875 and 6828 kgha-1 records. Grain yield potential of this line was recorded as 10070 and 10670 kgha-1 in Alborz and Kermanshah farmers' fields, respectively. According to the latest evaluations the response of this line to yellow and leaf rusts was moderately resistant under severe artificial infection. Wheat line M-91-18 has considerable earliness and good bread making quality and based on its good agronomic characteristics in 2017 this line was released as Tallaei, for cultivation under normal and terminal moisture stress conditions in temperate agro-climatic regions.

To identify bread wheat genotypes with higher grain yield and stability in saline regions of Iran, 17 elite genotypes along with three salinity tolerant control (Ofogh, Narin and Sistan) were evaluated in five regions including Birjand, Yazd, Zabol, Isfahan and Kerman, during two consecutive cropping seasons (2016-2018) under saline conditions. In all regions, the experiments were performed based on the randomized complete block with four replications. The result of combined analysis of variance indicated that the interactions of year×location×genotype were significant. To dissection of genotype-by-environment interaction (GE) and yield stability of genotypes, AMMI analysis and several parametric and non-parametric statistics were estimated. Based on AMMI2's biplot and stability statistics, G1, G2, G3, G6, G9, G10 and G20 genotypes were identified as the most stable genotypes. The results of correlation analysis showed that among all stability statistics, only ASV had a positive and significant association with grain yield. Taken together, our results revealed that G9 genotype had the highest grain yield (4.60 t. ha–1); hence, this genotype can be recommended as a high-yielding and stable genotype for cultivation in saline-prone regions of Iran.

For wheat crop irrigated with drip tapes, water productivity, optimum tape spacing and soil salinity are issues which are important in terms of agricultural economic and soil sources sustainability. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted on a loamy soil texture to study the effect of drip tape spacing on wheat yield and its components, water productivity and variations in the soil salinity. A randomized complete block design consisting of four treatments; three drip tape spacings (45, 60, and 75 cm; denoted by A, B, and C, respectively), and a basin-irrigated treatment (as the Control; represented by D) was carried out on a loamy soil for two years from 2017 to 2019 in Mahyar area of Isfahan Province. The treatments were replicated three times. The volume of applied water for treatments A, B, and C was identical in each irrigation event, whereas the amount of applied water for treatment D was similar to the farmer method. The result of composite variance analysis revealed that the treatments had a significant effect on grain and biological yield at 99% level of confidence, but they did not have any significant effect on water productivity and harvest index. The average water productivity for treatments A, B, C, and D were 0.72, 0.71, 0.66, and 0.64 kgm-3 respectively. The maximum yield was found for treatment D. During the two years of testing, the soil salinity in the tape treatments was significantly increased, but it did not change in the basin irrigation. Considering that the all three tape irrigation treatments were placed statisticaly in a common group, therefore the 75 cm-tape distance is recommended for loamy soil texture.