فهرست مطالب رعنا ولی زاده کامران

Rana Valizadeh Kamran1, Lamia Vojodi Mehrabani2, Ali Aryan1 & Alireza Tarinejad11Corresponding author: Rana Valizadeh Kamran, [email protected]. Bioremediation is a promising strategy to reduce the concentration of heavy metals that their increase in the soil was the result of the development of industries and factories in the area, threatening the environment and human health. To investigate the effect of the heavy metal chromium and the reduction of its toxic effects by bacteria (at two levels of the absence of bacteria and the presence of bacteria in Hoagland's solution), a factorial experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three replications and the morphological, physiological traits and plant elements were measured in the applied treatments. The results showed that the experimental treatments did not affect plant yield traits, fresh weight, stem length, and leaf length. Leaf width, chlorophyll a, b, and plant phosphorus content decreased under chromium stress and increased with bacterial treatment. Hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, proline, solid soluble substances, phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin, as well as the content of plant elements such as chromium, nitrogen, and potassium, increased due to the chromium treatment. Using bacteria in the culture medium containing chromium, significantly decreased the hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, indicating a reduction in the oxidative stress. The non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants of plats in the bacterial treatments increased, indicating bacteria's role in strengthening the plant's antioxidant system. The chromium content of the plant decreased after the use of bacteria. The results showed the positive effect of using chromium-purifying bacteria in the environment of plant cultivation in reducing the harmful effects of chromium heavy metal stress.

In order to investigate the effect of the biostimulant fertilizer (Companion and Bio-nutrient) and growing medium [soil (control), 75% soil + 25% coco peat and 50% soil + 50% coco peat] on the growth and some physiological traits of Rio Grande tomato, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in the research greenhouse of Shahid Madani University of Azarbaijan. The results showed that plant dry weight, yield, fruit volume, soluble solids content, chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins and titratable acidity were influenced by the interaction effects of experimental treatments. The number of flowers per cluster, number of flower clusters, anthocyanin content and total phenolic content were influenced by the independent effects of biological stimulants. Based on the results, the highest plant dry weight, yield and chlorophyll content were obtained in bio-nutreint fertilizer × 50% coco peat. An increase in fruit volume, soluble solids content and titratable acidity was obtained in 25 and 50% coco peat with both bio-fertilizer applications. Both biofertilizers increased the phenolic and vitamin C content in fruits. The overall results showed that the biostimulant and coco peat medium improved the growth and physiological traits of the plant in this study. The results are an important step in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in tomato production and replacing them with environmentally friendly compounds.

To evaluate the effects of organic fertilizer (control, 30 ton/ha cow manure and 15 ton/ha vermicompost) and foliar treatment (control, 50 mgL-1 Salicylic acid (SA), 2CC/Litter alge extract) on the growth and productivity of two native (Tabriz and Esfahan) pumpkin clone, a factorial experiment as randomized complete block design with 3 replications was conducted during the 2018- 2019 under field condition.

The reults showed that plant heights, leaf area, leaves number, total flower number, fruit number, P and K content were effected by the organic feartilizers, and foliar spray with algal extract. P content was affected by the plant clone and the higher amount was belonged to Tabriz. The freash and dry weight plants, total flower number and fruit number affected by the individual effects of organic fertilizer and interactions of year × plant clone. Plant weight was influenced by organic fertilizer × marmarin and SA spray. The yield was impacted by the interactions of year × clone, year ×fertilizer, clone × fertilizer and the individual effects of organic fertilizer. Soil based organic fertilizer with foliar used marmarin and the organic fertilizer × SA increased chlorophyll a and b content. Chlorophyll a content was affected by the year as well as the second year had the more data. Silisium content was responsive to the sole effects of organic fertilizer interaction of clone × organic fertilizer.

Bovine chymosin enzyme is one of the most commonly used enzymes in the dairy industry. The production of this enzyme from its natural source does not meet the needs of this huge industry. The production of recombinant bovine chymosin in plants can be a good alternative to native enzyme. Insertion and expression of foreign genes in plants can occur in the nucleus and chloroplast organelles. The expression of foreign genes in eukaryotic heterologous hosts can be increased by optimizing its codons as well as translocation of the heterologous protein after expression to encapsulated organs such as chloroplasts. In this study, codons of the bovine prochymosin gene were optimized to be suitable for expression in the nucleus and chloroplasts of tobacco plants. After optimization, the CAI index of this gene for nucleus and chloroplasts was 0.929 and 0.947, respectively. The optimized sequence was cloned in the pUC57 basic vector after artificial synthesis, and was confirmed by sequencing. The function of the synthesized gene was confirmed by expression in E. coli and milk coagulation test. To provide a suitable expression vector for gene transfer to the plant genome, the GFP gene was replaced by the prochymosin gene in the p35S-TP-GFP expression vector. This vector is suitable for gene transfer by gene gun method, and with the presence of chloroplast signal peptide, it causes protein accumulation in chloroplasts. The gene was also replaced with the GUS gene in the pBI121 vector, which is suitable for gene transfer by the Agrobacterium method. The recombinant vectors constructed in this study can be used to effectively transfer and express this industrial enzyme in plants.

In order to provide the nutritional needs of the people and increase productivity in agriculture and gain high crop yields from existing cultivable lands while controlling pests and diseases, has led agricultural experts to use plant breeding methods and as the traditional methods are time consuming, therefore, with the help of genetic engineering, they have sought to transfer genes to plants to increase crop yield by creating resistance to pests and diseases and a variety of abiotic stresses. The engineered plants are called Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or recombinant plants. On the other hand, some believe that man-made transgenic plants may be harmful and problematic for humans, and there are concerns in this regard in society. In many cases, products on the market are considered transgenic without sufficient reason. Obviously, it is possible to use genetic engineering to create transgenic plants with genes that are harmful and dangerous to humans for the purpose of bioterrorism. Therefore, field study and transgenicity of various products available in the market is necessary with the help of biotechnological and precise molecular methods. For this purpose, sampling (more than 100 samples) of different agricultural products from markets, fruit gardens and vegetable fields of different cities of East and West Azerbaijan in Iran was performed. After DNA extraction with CTAB buffer, their quantity and quality were evaluated and their functionality was confirmed by testing on the conserved house-keeping Actin gene. Four genes, a promoter and a terminator, common in plant transformation, were selected and their sequences were obtained from the NCBI and specific primers were designed for them. DNAs were used for PCR on these target genes. Their PCR results showed that the Cry, Hyg and Bar genes and the 35S promoter sequence and the Nos terminator sequence were not present in any of the samples. Among 112 tested samples, NptII gene was detected in 13 samples. This diagnosis alone cannot be a reason for the transgenicity of these samples, because this gene is also present in E. coli, and if a sample is infected or contaminated with it, when DNA is extracted, its genetic material is also extracted and shows positive in PCR test on bacterial DNA. The results of this study showed that, contrary to popular belief, the products on the market are not transgenic and people can consume them safely.

Despite the negative effects of salinity on plants, due to the limited area under cultivation, planting a variety of plants in saline lands is inevitable. Among them, okra is one of the plants that few studies have been done on its response to different levels of salt. Therefore, in order to study the effect of salinity levels on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench), an experiment was designed based on a randomized complete block design with five treatments including concentration of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM sodium chloride in three replications at the greenhouse of the faculty of agriculture, Shahid Madani University of Azarbaijan. The results showed that by increasing salinity levels, potassium to sodium ratio, chlorophyll a, relative water content, plant dry weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, number of seeds per plant, seeds weight per plant and 1000 grains weight have decreased but amount of sodium and proline have increased. During the experiment, the plants under 200 mM treatment have died shortly after salinization, but plants under other treatments survived until the end of the experiment and produced the yield. Maintaining high potassium content, low reduction in chlorophyll content and no noticeable change in relative water content were factors that led to continuance of plant growth, dry matter and fruit production at different salt concentrations. Although in terms of number of fruits per plant, there was no significant difference between salinity levels and the control, but a significant decrease in fruit weight per plant was recorded at high salt concentrations, especially under 150 mM, which can be an important factor affecting economic yield of okra in saline environments with EC higher than 10 ds/m.

In the present study, effect of seed protein extracts of Robinia pseudoacacia, Medicago sativa, Lens culinaris and Vica villosa were studied (in vitro and in vivo) on alpha-amylase activity of boll worm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). Effect of 4 concentrations (14, 13.15, 10.05 and 9.7 μg) of protein extract of the mentioned plants showed the greatest inhibitory effect. The highest inhibition of the enzyme was observed under the influence of all four inhibitors at pH value equal to 9. Zymogram analysis in confirmation of enzyme quantification showed inhibition of alpha-amylase in reducing band thickness. At the highest concentration of alfalfa seed protein extract, 49% enzyme inhibition was observed. In the presence of acacia inhibitor at a concentration of 41 μg / ml, 76% of alpha-amylase activity was reduced. Alpha-amylase was assayed at different concentrations of lentil protein extract and a concentration-dependent inhibitory process was obtained at the highest concentration of 51% enzyme inhibition. Also, four different concentrations of hairy vetch inhibitor were measured with enzymatic extract and in the highest concentration of hairy vetch, 61% of enzyme inhibition was observed. Amylase activity in digestive lumen after the second larval instar in acacia treatment showed significant reduction. Total larval longevity in acacia treatment (49.03±1.12) had significantly longer life time in comparison with other treatments. Thus, the seed extract of R. pseudoacacia had high inhibitory activity for the α-amylase of this pest.

In order to study the effects of seed priming (GA3, KNO3, temperature and soaking) on seed germination and some physiological characteristics (protein content and prolin cantent) and enzymitc activity (catalase, peroxidase, α-amilaze ) of Capparis spinosa and Kelussia odoratissima, two Separate experiment were conducted as completely randomized design. Treatments used in this experiment had significant effects on seed germination percentage, shoot and root length, protein content and α-amylase enzyme content in both plants. The results showed that 1 and 2 mg L-1 GA3 increased root length and 2 mg L-1 GA3 increased shoot length in both plants. 1 and 2 mg L-1 KNO3 had positive effects on protein content. one and 2 mg L-1 KNO3, soaking and keeping at 40c for 30 and 60 days increased protein content in Capparis spinosa. The highest amount of α-amilaze enzyme in Capparis spinosa was obtained from keeping seeds at 60c for 60 days and in Kelussia odoratissima, the highest data was recorded at maintenance at 40c for 90 days and soaking and keeping at 40c for 30, 60 and 90 days. The top quantities of seed germination percentage were obtained from soaking, then maintenance at 40c for 30 days in Kelussia odoratissima and for 30 and 60 days in C. spinosa. In Kelussia odoratissima, the highest data for Catalase enzyme was recorded at 40c and 60c after 90 days. The highest data for Proline content was obtained from 2 mg L-1 GA3 and soaking and keeping at 40cfor 90 days. Finally, our results showed that seed priming with GA3 and soaking, then maintenance at 40c for 30 and 60 days had positive effects on seed germinations in both studied plants.
 

Abstract Background and Objectives Mineral nutrition and post-harvest handling are the major factors affecting secondary metabolites content and composition of plants. Berberis integerrima is one of the most important medicinal plants listed in all pharmacopeias. The bark, fruits and roots of this plant are commonly being used by traditional and modern medicine disciplines. They are well documented for their anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities with berberine as the main active constituent. Also, the shrub has ornamental uses in the landscape and the fruit is used as a food additive. In addition, anthocyanin of the fruit is useful as a natural coloring agent in food industries. There are few studies on the agronomic demands and post-harvest handling of this plant. The experiment was conducted to assay the effects of nano-zinc foliar application and postharvest plant drying temperature on some phytochemical traits of this highly valuable plant.   Materials and Methods The treatments were applied to assay the phytochemicals content variations in roots, fruits and aerial parts of the plant (2 years old) by two separate experiments as factorial based on RBCD. In the first experiment, the effects of nano-zinc foliar spray on the yield, anthocyanin content, Zinc content and TSS at the different mentioned organs were studied. In the second experiment, the effects of diverse post drying temperatures (25, 50 and 750C) on total phenolics content, flanonoids content, hydrolysable tannin and berberin content in Berberis integerrima were assayed.   Results Zn content, TSS content and anthocyanins were affected by the independent effects of foliar spray and plant part. Plant dry weight was impacted by the organ type. Phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids contents were affected by the interactional effects of the foliar spray , the organ type, and the drying temperature. The highest figure for the contents of alkaloids (30 mg g-1DWt) and flavonoids (26.9 mg g-1DWt) were from the root × foliar spray by 6 mgL-1 Nano-Zinc at 250C drying regime. The maximum amount of total phenolics was attained by the aerial parts × foliar spray by 6 mgL-1 Nano-Zinc at 250C and fruits × 3 and 6 mgL-1 foliar spray at 250C. For hydrolysable tannins (1.9%), the root and the aerial parts × 250C showed the largest figure. Discussion The overall results revealed the positive effects of nano-zinc foliar application on the studied gross secondary metabolites content in Berberis integerrima. The post-harvest drying temperature influenced the metabolites content as well, and the optimized temperature in the experiments was 250C.

Different concentrations of Zn and Cd (0, 2 and 4 mg L-1) were tested on the growth and some physiological traits of two spinach cultivars (common seed and Thorny seeds) as factorial based on Completely Randomized Design. The results revealed that the highest plant fresh weight was attained by 2 mg L-1 of Zn treatment. For dry weight, the highest data was belonged to Thorny seeds and the tallest plants were belonged to common seed spinaches. The top catalase content was belonged to 4 mg L-1 Zn with thorny seed. H2O2 content was affected by 2 mg L-1 of Cd in common seed cultivars. The highest Cd content in plant was measured with 4 mg L-1 of Cd at both cultivars. The greatest Zn content was recorded by Thorny seed spinach × leaf sample of 4 mg L-1 Zn and with common seed × leaf sample of 2 mg L-1 Zn.  For K+, the highest data was gained by Thorny seeds spinach × leaf sample of 4 mg L-1 of Zn, Thorny seeds spinach × root sample of 2 mg L-1 Zn and common seed × root sample of 2 and 4 mgL-1 of Zn. For Ca 2+ concentrations, Thorny seeds spinach × leaf sample of controls had the highest content. The highest Mn2+content was recorded by common seeds × leaf sample of 2 and 4 mg L-1 of Zn treatment. The evaluation of the tolerant plants having reasonable growth potential under the excess metal contaminated soils is quite emergent. Since, spinach is a fast growing and multi harvest plants during a year and, there is some reports on the hyper-accumulative behavior of the plant. So, it seems that the plant would be a nice candidate for the phytoremediation ideas and applications.

Two field experiments were conducted as factorial based on randomized complete block design to study the effects of soil covering (black, white, control), location (Sarab and Shabestr, Iran), and Stimplex foliar application levels (0, 2, 4 and 6 ml L-1) on growth and physiological traits of Coriandrum sativum. The highest values for essential oil, flavonoids and nitrogen contents were recorded for black covering at 2 ml L-1 foliar application of Stimplex. For phenolic compounds the highest values were observed with black covering at 2, 4 and 6 ml L-1 of foliar spray. In the city of Sarab, maximum values of root dry weight and essential oil content were obtained with 6 and 2 ml L-1 Stimplex spray, respectively. The best IC50 belonged to the white and black soil covers in Shabestar (1.6 and 1.7 mg ml-1, respectively). Foliar spray had significant effects on the above-ground biomass, plant height, axillary brunch number, umbel number, total soluble solids (TSS), phosphorus and potassium contents. Sarab had higher values than Shabestar for the nitrogen and potassium contents, axillary brunch number and TSS. Black soil cover had positive effects on K (%), P (%), TSS, chlorophyll a, umbel number per plant, plant height, axillary brunch number and above-ground biomass. In total, the results revealed that using black soil cover and foliar application of algal extract (2 ml.L-1) improved the growth and physiological responses of C. sativum plants.

Tagetes erectais an annual plant from the Asteraceae;commonly cultivatedas an ornamental and medicinal plant and has a widespread use in landscape designing.An experiment was conducted as factorial based on randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of salinity (0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5 dSm-1) and zinc sulphate foliar application (0, 100 and 200 mgL-1) on some physiological traits of T. erecta. The results revealed the interaction effects of salinity and Zn foliar application on flower, leaves and stem dry weight, as well as on Zn concentration and ion leakage were significant (P≤1%). The highest flower (0.46 g) and stem (0.54 g) dry weight, as well as the greatest amount for Znconcentration (60.0 µg g-1DWt) belonged to 200 mgL-1 Zn foliar application. Salinity stress significantly influenced the leaves Relative Water Content (RWC) and the highest data for this trait was measured incontrol treatment. Salinity stress had a positive meaningful influence on Na+concentration, ion leakage, proline content and also malondialdehyde content of the plants and the top-recorded quantityof these traits belonged to the highest salinity level i.e. 22.5 dSm-1 NaCl. Salinity stress increased the catalase enzyme activities in 15 and 22.5 dSm-1salinity treatments. In total, Zn foliar application had partial positive effect on the amelioration of salinity effect on the plant

Salinity in the soil and irrigation water is an environmental problem and a major constraint for crop production. Coriandrum sativum as a leafy vegetable is great interest for vegetable producers in the world. However, due to gradual increase in soil and water salinity, especially in Northwest Iran, the production of this vegetable has been faced with many constraints. This experiment was conducted to study the effect of salinity on some morphological and physiological traits of Coriandrum sativum. The factors were arranged as factorial based on randomized complete block design with five NaCl levels (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl) and local ecotypes (Tabriz, Malayer) with three replications. The results revealed that there was interaction of salinity levels with ecotypes in terms of proline content and relative water content. The highest amounts for proline content (77 µg-1 FWt) was recorded for Tabriz clone under 200mM NaCl. The greatest relative water content was obtained by Tabriz clone × NaCl 0 and Malayer × NaCl 0 and 50 mM combinations. The highest dry weight of leaves, K+/Na+ ratio and K+ belonged to the non-salinity condition. Highest amounts of Na+ accumulation, MDA and H2O2 level and ion leakage were attained with 200 mM NaCl level. Soluble sugars content were affected by both salinity and ecotype. The highest content of soluble sugars was achieved by Malayer ecotype. With increasing salinity level, the content of soluble sugars increased and the highest amount of soluble sugars content was recorded at 200 mM NaCl.

  Management of organic fertilizers utilization is of the main components of organic crops production which can greatly affect the yield and quality of plants. Due to the short time course of leafy vegetables production, farmers commonly use nitrogenous chemical fertilizers for the nourishment of plants. The results are huge nitrate accumulation on the edible parts of the vegetables and hence the deteriorating health side effects. So, owing to the necessity of vegetables in the daily diet, resorting to the production methods to reduce the nitrate accumulation and even preserve and add up the nutritious quality of vegetables is of great interest. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of deferent levels of cow, vermicompost and poultry organic fertilizers (0, 10, 20 and 30% in volume) and urea (102, 204 and 306 g Kg/ha) on nitrate accumulation (morning and evening sampling time) and Fe2+, Zn2+ and potassium concentration and total phenolic content as well as on some growth characteristics of spinach as RBCD design with three replications in Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University during 2016. The results revealed that the highest morning nitrate accumulation (2435 mg Kg-1 Fwt) and that of evening (2052 mg Kg-1 Fwt) belonged to 306 kg/ha urea treatment. Leaf length was effected by 20% (3.6 cm) and 30% (8.8 cm) of poultry manure. The highest data for TSS and root fresh and dry weight were attained by 10 and 20% of cow manure. The treatments, 20 and 30% of vermicompost, cow manure and 30% poultry manure increased the leaves fresh and dry weight. All levels of poultry and vermicompost manure had positive effects on potassium content. The highest amounts of Fe2+, Zn2+ and total phenolic content were recorded in 10, 20 and 30% cow manure and vermicompost manure Nitrate accumulation in vegetables is dependent upon several intrinsic and extrinsic factors of which, mineral nutrition is of crucial importance. Considering the positive response of spinach to the application of organic fertilizers, it seems that using these organic fertilizers would greatly decline the chemical fertilizers input as well as reduces the environmental side effects of chemicals and virtually goes to the production of safe organic products under sustainable production systems.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg L-1) of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in vitro on the growth characteristics, enzymatic activity and Pb and Cd compositional content of Spinacia oleracea as CRD with three replications. The seeds were cultivated on MS medium and the traits were measured after 40 days. The results revealed that the highest malondialdehyde, H2O2 and the highest Cd content in leaves and roots were observed with 3 and 4 mg L-1 Cd treatments. The greatest data for catalase and SOD were recorded with four mg L-1 Cd and control plants, respectively. The highest data for the leaves number and width was recorded in control plants not receiving Cd and Pb treatments. The results also showed that with any increase in Pb treatment levels, the amounts of MDA, CAT, SOD and H2O2 were increased, correspondingly. The highest lead content was measured in the leaves and roots of plants treated with 4 mgL-1 of Pb. The results for bio-concentration factor showed that spinach could be considered as an excellent candidate for the phytoremediation of both Cd and Pb.

In this research, in order to study some physiological and molecular traits such as the expression level of Catalase (CAT1) and Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX1) genes in two, CH-Falat and Rio Grande-S, varieties of tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.), an experiment was designed in randomized complete block design. Salinity with the concentration of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM NaCl was applied in hydroponic culture. Plants RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized, then Real–Time PCR was carried out. The results showed that the relative expression of CAT1 has been increased in Rio Grande-S at all levels of salinity and in Falat-CH variety only up to 50 mM NaCl. The relative expression of APX1 has been decreased in Rio Grande-S up to 50 mM of salinity level and has been increased in 75 and 100 mM salinity levels. The relative expression of APX1 in Falat-CH variety has been increased up to 50 mM salinity level. Some physiological traits in salinity treatments were also studied and the results showed that in both varieties, by salinity increase from 0 to 100 mM NaCl, the amount of Na, Prolin, the soluble sugers were increased and the amount of K, and K/Na were decreased. The membrane stability index was decreased in salinity treatments comparing to control. The results of the molecular and physiological analysis showed that Rio Grande S variety in comparison to CH-Falat is more resistant under high level of salinity.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of partial substitution of some organic fertilizers on the growth, yield and some physiological traits (elemental content, as well as phenolics, flavonoids and chlorophyll content of lepidium sativum as RCBD with three replications. Treatments were including control, (common soil) and different levels of vermicompost (10 and 20 %), poultry and cow manure substitution in soil. The results revealed that the highest plant height, root length, leaf widths and stem and root dry weight were observed with 10 and 20% of vermicompost. Chlorophyll a content had highest amount at 20% vermicompoust and chlorophyll b content had the highest amount with 10% vermicompost and cow manure substitution and for total flavonoids, 10 % vermicompost hold the highest data. For the elements, Zn content was affected by the poultry (120-122.7 µg/plant) and cow manure (119.7-123.3 µg/plant) substitution. Mn2(341.8-378.6 µg/plant) and Fe2 (733.3-800 µg/plant)compositional amounts were statistically affected by vermiconpost. K犉 (7.4 mg/plant) were positively responded to cow manure and vermicompost (8.6 mg/plant) both at 20% substitution. The lowest data for Ca2犉 was belonged to control (4.6 mg/plan). 20% poultry and cow manures affected N content of the plant. It seems that organic fertilizers substitution affects the soil characteristics and improves nutrients absorption and hence influences the vegetative growth, elemental content of plants tissue as well as the organic compounds pool. Finally, it is worthy of note that with the suitable management of organic fertilizers utilization we would be able to promote the yield and quality attributes of the plant in favor of nutritional and therapeutic plant properties.

This study was conducted to assay the effects of methanol foliar application (0, 10, 20 and 30% v/v) and bed cover (control, white and black covers) on yield and some physiological traits of marigold as a factorial based on RCBD. The results revealed the significant interaction effects of bed cover and methanol foliar application on chlorophyll a content and plant height. The highest plant height was belonged to black mulch × methanol (except for 30% methanol). The highest chlorophyll a content (2.3 mg g-1 FW) was attained by black mulch × 30% methanol. Chlorophyll b content was influenced by soil cover and the highest chlorophyll b content (1.1 mg g-1 FW) was recorded with black mulch. The flowers and leaves dry weight as well as relative water content and total soluble solids content were affected by the treatments and, the highest data for flower dry weight (116 g) was in 30% foliar spray and black mulch (103.6 g). The highest data for total soluble solids content (120 °Brix) and relative water content (49.7%) were recorded with 30% methanol foliar application and by black soil cover. For root-dry weight (15.3 g) and total phenolics content (95.05 mg GA g-1 Dwt), black mulch was the treatment of choice.

Salinity is one of the major environmental stresses, which has deleterious effect on growth, development and yield of crops. Due to the gradual increase in soil and water salinity in the East Azarbaijan province of Iran, the garden cress cultivation in this region has always been associated with many problems. In order to evaluate the tolerance of this plant to different levels of salinity through some physiological characteristics, the present experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with five treatments consisting of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl concentrations and three replications. The results showed that with enhancement in salinity levels, sodium, proline, soluble sugars and carotenoids content increased but potassium content, potassium to sodium ratio and amounts of chlorophyll a and b declined. Salinity had no significant effect on chlorophyll a+b content, chlorophyll a/b ratio and relative water content. Plants were destroyed at 200 mM concentration after 21 days. Since potassium to sodium ratio was lower than 1 at 100 and 150 mM concentrations, continuing of salinity would has presumably led to the destruction of plants in these treatments

Heavy metal over-dosage is a predominant concern in soil pollution worldwide due to high stability of these elements as well as their their health side-effects on many organisms including humans. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of lead on growth characteristics (germination rate, plant fresh and dry weight, leaf number, leaf length and width) and some physiological traits (leaf and root lead concentration, relative water content and malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, protein, bio-concentration factor and chlorophyll content) of Lepidium sativum as CRD in three replications. Different lead concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mgL-1) were included in MS medium upon which seeds were cultured. The results revealed that lead concentrations from 3-5 mgL-1, led to significant increases in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents. The highest lead concentration was recorded at 5 mgL-1of lead in leaves and roots. The highest amount of Bio-Concentration Factor was recorded at 1 and 3 mgL-1 Pb. The greatest amount of chlorophull a, leaf number and protein content was found in control plants and plants subjected to 1 mgL-1 lead treatment. For chlorophyll b, the lowest content was recorded in 5 mgL-1 lead. Pb concentration up to 2 mgL-1 had no significant effects on germination rate and the length and width of leaves, but any Pb increment from 3 mgL-1 upward, significantly affected the above-mentioned traits. Our studies make it evident that growing cress in Pb-polluted soil should be avoided if the plant is to be used as food. However, if the idea is to take advantage of the hyper-accumulation capacity of a plant in a soil decontamination program, cress would be an excellent candidate.

The present experement was conducted as a factorial experiment based on RCBD with four NaCl levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) levels and two savory native clones (Tabriz and Hamadan) with three replications, to investigate the effects of Nacl salinity on some physiological (essential oils, chlorophyll, proline, soluble sugars, ion leakage, Na and K content) and growth characteristics of savory. The results revealed that there was significant interaction effects between salinity and clone on chlorophyll a content of the plant. The highest chlorophyll a content in both clones was recorded in the control plants. Root dry weight, Na and K content, Kﳖ ratio, soluble sugars and ion lekage were affected by NaCl salinity. The highest amounts of stem and leaf dry weights, essential oils contents, proline and chlorophyll b content, were influenced by both clone and salinity levels. The highest stem dry weight, essential oil and proline contents belonged to Tabriz clone. The highest leaf dry weight and chlorophyll a contents were produced by Hamadan clone. The highest amont for some other traits, like root, stem and leaf dry weights, as well as for K K ratios, were observed in the control treatment. The highest Na accumulation were recorded in 150 mM NaCl treatment. It was also observed that with increasing salinity levels, proline content was concomitantly increased. The hieghest ion leakage, soluble sugars and proline amounts were belonged to 100 and 150 mM salinity levels. Considering the variation patterns for the traits studied, it seems that the salinity levels in both clones routinely affected the growth and physiological characteristics of the plants. It can be concluded that to achieve economical yields of savory and proper physiologyical traits we have to select salt tolerant clones to suit saline environments.

Two separate experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of some pre and post -harvest treatments on growth characteristics of Calendula officinalis. The first experiment as RCBD with three replication studied the effects of organic fertilizers as vermicompost, cow and poultry manure with control plus soil cover (plastic white and black). Organic manure application 髩 had positive effects on flower fresh weight. The greatest amount for chlorophyll b content was recorded in vermicompost black plastic cover. In the second experiment, the effects of nutrition with organic manure 늈 cover and post-harvest flower drying temperature (natural drying in shade condition and oven drying at 40 and 60 0C) as a factorial based on RCBD were evaluated. The highest methanolic extract amount and total anthocyanin content were recorded with vermicompost black cover natural drying. For essential oil content and carotenoids gross amount poultry manure black cover and drying at 60 0C was the preferred treatments. The highest recorded data for total flavonoids was traced in vermicompot and cow manure with white cover at natural drying condition. For total phenolics content, cow manure black cover at 40 0C used for drying was selected as the treatment of choice. Also, vermicompost black mulch and natural drying were nice treatment combinations for the highest total phenolics content. In total, all the treatment applied i.e. organic manures, soil covers and drying methods at varying levels and combinations had suitable effectiveness on the growth characteristics and phytochemicals content of Calendula officinalis.

Pelargonium odoratissimum is a perennial evergreen used as a fragrant ornamental plant. Leaves, green branches and fresh flowers contain essential oils, that have been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal and antioxidant properties. In order to study the effect of foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg L-1) on vegetative growth and some physiological characteristics of Pelargonium odoratissimum L. plants, a pot experiment was carried out during 2015 at the Research Greenhouse of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Iran. Vegetative growth (plant height, fresh and dry weight) was significantly affected by the application of ZnSO4. Foliar application of ZnSO4 promoted plant height especially at 2000 mg L-1. Chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were affected with ZnSO4 treatment as well. The content of essential oil was not significantly influenced with ZnSO4 spray. ZnSO4 application had significant effect on total phenolic and anthocyanins (at 1000 and 2000 mg L-1) and total flavonoids (at 2000 mg L-1) content.

DNA markers are integrally connected to the success of molecular breeding and are fundamentally required by breeders to be able to, a. identify new gene sources in the available biodiversity, b. select parents in order to increase heterosis, c. decrease the number of backcross generations for gene introgression breeding programs, and d. carry out marker-assisted selection (MAS). The present research was conducted to examine the efficiency of anchored and non-anchored ISSR molecular markers for grouping 20 bread wheat cultivars introduced in a cold and moderate area of Iran. The results showed an average polymorphism of 82.69% and 75% for anchored and non-anchored ISSR markers, respectively. This result indicates that the anchored ISSR markers have a higher rate of efficiency compared to non-anchored ISSR markers. Therefore, simultaneous grouping of cultivars with the use of anchored and non-anchored ISSR markers can differentiate the cultivars of cold and moderate regions. When anchored and non-anchored ISSR markers were simultaneously applied for cluster analysis and grouping of the individuals, the pattern of genetic diversity aligned with the pattern of geographical distribution, and the cultivars attributed to identical geographical regions were allocated in one group. Based on applied clustering with two anchored and non-anchored markers, it was concluded that Pishtaz and Mahdavi cultivars had less genetic similarity compared to other cultivars.

Cold is one of the most significant abiotic stresses which restrict crop growth and productivity worldwide. In order to investigate how spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings adapt to short-term periods of low temperature, the present study explored proteomic changes in leaves. Cold stress at 4 °C was applied to barley seedlings for 48 hours; third leaves were harvested and compared with seedlings grown in normal conditions (25° C). The proteomic analysis was conducted by twodimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and the Coomassie blue staining procedure. Fifteen reproducible protein spots showing a significant difference between the control condition and cold stress were identified; 10 of the spots demonstrated an increase in expression while 5 spots showed a decrease under 4 °C cold stress for 48 hours. By applying MALDI-TOF analysis, 7 spots were identified. These responsive proteins were involved in the Calvin cycle, photosynthetic electron transport, light reaction, and signal transduction. The upregulation of proteins involved in the regulation of the chloroplast system, the integrity of chloroplasts, energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and photosynthesis has probably acclimatized the plant to cold stress. These findings indicate that there was greater cold stress affecting photosynthesis in spring barley and it is of crucial importance to maintain the efficiency of photosynthesis under cold stress.