سهیل پارسا

Camelthorn is a perennial plant belonging to fabaceae family. Camelthorn tolerance to salinity is very high and it’s a halophyte plant. By using halophyte plants as species with potential for production in saline lands, many outturns can be produced in these areas, one of these products is fodder needed by livestock. Salinity and plant density are factors affecting forage quality. Increased salinity created by sodium chloride leads to an increase in sodium ions in the plant and affects the balance of sodium to potassium ratio and forage quality. Different plant ecotypes and genotypes absorb different amounts of elements in their culture medium. Considering that one of the most important areas for the development of cultivation of this plant is saline lands, which have been excluded from cultivation due to irrigation with saline water for many years with increasing soil salinity, It is necessary to study the nutrients changes in plant organs, which is one of the factors affecting forage quality in field conditions with irrigation with salt water. This study investigates the effect of irrigation water salinity in two ecotypes and different densities on the forage yield accumulation of nutrients in shoot and roots in field conditions in two locations.

The experiment was conducted as a split factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was analyzed in two separate locations. Experimental sites included the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University and the Hojjatabad farm of Peyvande Khavaran agro-industry located in Sarbishe. The experiment was conducted in 1399. Experimental Factors include ecotypes at two levels: Krond and Voshmgir, Irrigation water salinity at 3 levels of 3.5, 7.5 and 12 dS.m-1 and plant density at two levels were 10 and 20 plants per square meter. The main plots were considered as salinity levels and the sub-plots were considered as a combination of density and ecotype levels. Sampling was performed to measurement the nutrients of shoots and roots of camelthorn in mid-October. Shoot sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were measured at the end of the growing season.

The results showed that there is a negative relationship between the salinity and the forage yield. Application of maximum salinity level compare to the control reduced the forage fresh yield from 2825 to 1868 in Birjand and from 2425 to 1931 kg.ha-1 in Sarbishe. The increase salinity caused a significant increase in shoot sodium in Sarbishe from 1.39 to 2.68 percentages and root sodium in Birjand from 0.126 to 0.159 percentages and a significant decrease in root potassium in Sarbishe from 3.94 to 1.78 percentage of the plant dry matter. With the increase of plant density, the magnesium of aerial parts decreased from 0.023 to 0.016 percentages in Birjand and from 0.028 to 0.02 percentages of the plant dry matter in Sarbishe. Also, root magnesium decreased significantly in Birjand (from 0.015 to 0.011%) and root potassium decreased from 5.6 to 4.8 percentages in Sarbishe, but Shoot sodium increased significantly in both places. The effect of ecotype was significant on shoot sodium and magnesium in Birjand, shoot and root potassium and root magnesium in Sarbishe.The Krond ecotype had less potassium in Sarbishe than the Voshmgir ecotype statistically significant, so it had higher forage quality. Forage produced in Sarbishe had less potassium than Birjand, so it was of higher quality.

Although the increase in salinity caused a decrease in the camelthorn forage yield. However, this plant had an acceptable yield in high soil salinity at the end of the season. Therefore, it is possible to produce forage in very salty lands through the cultivation of this plant. Magnesium levels of camelthorn shoot were less than the required level of livestock and supplementary feeding should be considered to meet the need for magnesium and prevent complications of magnesium deficiency in long-term feeding of camelthorn forage. The shoot potassium is higher than the critical level for livestock and in case of long-term feeding; it should be consumed in combination with low-potassium fodder. Also, due to the higher shoot potassium of Voshmgir ecotype in Sarbishe, the use of Krond ecotype is recommended because of the lower potassium level. Shoot potassium level in Sarbishe was lower than Birjand (9 in Sarbishe and 12% in Birjand), so forage produced in Sarbishe was more desirable. The shoot sodium and calcium levels are optimal and there is no need to supplementary nutrition the livestock to provide these elements. Although increased salinity increased shoot sodium, it had no effect on potassium (only root potassium in Sarbishe decreased with increasing salinity), therefore, in salinity conditions, camelthorn can maintain the potassium level of its shoots and this feature is one of the factors affecting the plant's tolerance to salinity. Increasing sodium concentration was associated with decreasing root potassium concentration, indicating competition of sodium with potassium for uptake. Also, higher sodium concentration of shoots than roots can be considered as an effective factor in salinity tolerance by increasing the gradient of osmotic potential from roots to shoots.

The use of new agricultural technologies such as bio-elicitors is a valuable approach to reduce effects of drought stress. The present study investigated the prospects of enhancing yield and some physiological properties in quinoa under different levels of plant water requirement using elicitors, such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salicylic acid (SA) elicitors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate comparative effect of elicitors MeJA and SA foliar application on the yield and yield component of quinoa under drought stress. This experiment was conducted during 2020-21 cropping season as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications at research farm of Zabol University, Iran. The main plots was irrigation regimes at three levels: 100, 75, and 50 percent of crop water requirement and sub-plots of foliar spraying in six levels including: Control (sprayed with distilled water), 70% ethanol, 0.5 mM SA, 0.5 mM MeJA, 1 mM SA and 1 mM MeJA. In this study fertile branches per plant, sterile branches per plant, panicle numbers per m2, seed numbers per panicle, 1000 seeds weight, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll index (SPAD) and seed yield were measured. Determination of irrigation cycle and crop water requirement was based on CROPWAT 8.0 software and Penman-Mantis equation. For plant coefficients used FAO default data. Irrigation planning was determined with 85% efficiency and water volume of each plot calculated using a digital water meter.

The physiological response of the plants in terms of relative water content (RWC) was improved by 100 and 75 percent of crop water requirement conditions. The relative water content of the leaves decreased significantly under the influence of drought stress, although there was no significant difference between the control treatment and the supply of 75% of the water requirement of the plant, by increasing the stress intensity to 50% of the water requirement of the plant, a decrease of 31.6% in the relative water content of the leaves was observed. Additionally, doubling the elicitors concentration increased the yield and non-yield traits. Foliar application of MeJA and SA significantly increased the seed yield and fertile branches and sterile branches per plant, panicle number per m2, seed number per panicle and chlorophyll index treats. The use of 1 mM SA gave the best response after MeJA. Despite providing 50% of the plant's water needs, plants treated with 1 mM methyl jasmonate produced 45% more fertile shoots than plants sprayed with distilled water. Drought stress increased the number of infertile shoots by 77% compared to control plants. Increasing the intensity of drought stress and decreasing water availability decreased the filling rate and ultimately the seed weight. The application of 1 mM concentration of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid increased the chlorophyll index compared to the control. Based on the results of comparing the averages, the highest level of this trait (46.84) was observed in the concentration of 1 mM methyl jasmonate. The positive effect of methyl jasmonate on the chlorophyll concentration of leaves may be due to the increase in the number and size of chloroplasts. The results showed that the interaction of irrigation and foliar application had a significant effect on all traits except 1000 seeds weight, RWC and chlorophyll index. The highest seed yield (2929.3 kg ha-1) was obtained from 100 percent of crop water requirement (4662 m3 ha-1) with 1 mM MeJA treatment.

Our results showed that impaired water supply of quinoa with significant loss of relative water content endangers cellular health and reduced yield. In general, it can be said that, to achieve maximum yield of quinoa it is possible to use 100% of crop water requirement with 1 mM MeJA foliar application.

Drought condition is one of the most important abiotic stresses through the world. In the first place, the best way to prevent the reduction of crop yields in drought conditions is to use natural compounds that play a key role in growth, development and response to environmental stresses. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild.) belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, a plant with high nutritional value and rich in protein as a future crop. Due to the high resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses, global demand for quinoa is currently increasing and its global production is less than market purpose.

This experiment was conducted during 2020-2021 cropping season as split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at research farm of Zabol University (UOZ), IR. Iran. The main plot factor was irrigation regimes at three levels: 1- Irrigation equal to 100% crop water requirement (control), 2- Deficit irrigation equal to 75% crop water requirement (mild stress), 3- Deficit irrigation equal to 50% crop water requirement (severe stress) and six levels of foliar application were assigned to the sub plot: Control (sprayed with distilled water without ethanol), 70% ethanol, 0.5 mM SA, 0.5 mM MeJA, 1 mM SA and 1 mM MeJA. In this study plant height, stem diameter, panicle dry weight, root dry weight, dry matter, seed yield, harvest index, stomatal conductance, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll florescence and water use efficiency were measured. Determination of irrigation interval and crop water requirement was based on CROPWAT 8.0 software and Penman-Mantis equation. For plant coefficients used FAO default data. Irrigation planning was determined with 85% efficiency and water volume of each plot calculated using a digital water meter.

The results revealed that the irrigation 50% crop water requirement (severe stress), regime increased electrolyte leakage, water use efficiency and root dry weigh, whereas it did not significantly affected Fv/Fm, stomatal conductance and harvest index. The highest plant height with mean 144.02 cm was obtained from 100% crop water requirement and 1 mM SA and the lowest with a reduction 71.5% was obtained at 50% crop water requirement and no spraying conditions. Quinoa had 54.3% higher seed yield than control under drought stress conditions owing to unaffected Fv/Fm and stomatal conductance and less electrolyte leakage. Spraying 1 mM MeJA and SA increased chlorophyll fluorescence (22.4%), stomatal conductance (53.4%) and harvest index (38%). In severe drought stress (supply 50% crop water requirement), foliar application significantly increased the water use efficiency (from 0.2 to 1.1 kg m-3). In severe drought stress, increased quinoa seed yield was due to to increase in water use efficiency. According to the results drought stress decreased physiological and seed yield traits, 1 mM MeJA could increase the seed yield (292.93 g m-2) and then partially compensated for the reduction caused by drought stress. Also, seed yield with mean 281.96 g m-2 was in the second rank at 1 mM MeJA application and 75% crop water requirement (mild stress) conditions. Fv/Fm ratio was not significantly affected in drought stress. The highest harvest index was observed in 1 mM MeJA and SA compared to the control. Therefore, for minimizing the effect of drought stress, we could recommend the use of 1 mM MeJA.

The least stress treatment for quinoa economic yield supply was 100% crop water requirement (control) and 1 mM MeJA application. Also the average seed yield (281.96 g m-2) was at the second rank, in 1 mM MeJA and 75% crop water requirement (mild stress) treatment. It seems that stress tolerance mechanisms study and MeJA foliar application is necessary, especially in areas with less water and we need to develop crops that possible to produce high quantity with require low water in farm.

Camelthorn (Alhagi camelorum Fisch.) is a perennial plant with shrub growing form belonging to Fabaceae family, which is native to large area from Mediterranean to Russia. Camelthorn is very high tolerant to salinity and this is one of the halophytic plants. By using halophytic plants, many products can be produced in saline areas, which one of these products is forage needed by livestock. One of the most important areas for the development of camelthorn cultivation is saline lands that have been excluded from cultivation due to irrigation with saline water for many years that increasing soil salinity. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the plant forage quality in field conditions with irrigation by saline water.

The experiment was conducted as split-factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replication in two locations (Farms of the Faculty of Agriculture in the Birjand University and Hojjatabad farm of Peyvand Khavaran Agro- Industry in Sarbishe) at years of 1399. The effect of location was considered fixed. The Experimental factors was included ecotype at two levels (Voshmgir and Korond), Plant density at two levels (10 and 20 plant per square meter) irrigation water salinity at 3 levels (3.5, 7.5 and 12 dS/m). The main plots were included irrigation water salinity levels and the sub-plots were included from a combination of density and ecotype levels. The amounts of crude protein, crude fatty acids, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, neutrals detergent fiber, Metabolizable energy, and digestible dry matter of camelthorn forage were measured at the end of the growing season.

The results showed that by increasing salinity to 7.5 ds/m had not significant effect on the crude protein percentage, but with a further increase in salinity to 12 dS/m the crude protein was decreased (7.2%) significantly compared to control (Figure 2a). The forage fatty acids of Sarbishe were significantly higher (5.3%) than Birjand, which is due to the lower temperature of Sarbisheh region. The crude forage ash content in Birjand was significantly higher (5.3%) than Sarbishe (Figure 1a).With increasing the density from 10 to 20 plants per square meter the forage ash was increased (7.5%) significantly (Table 5). In Birjand, Metabolizable energy was increased (2.2 %) significantly with increasing plant density, but in Sarbishe, increasing density had not effect on this trait (Figure 5a). Irrigation water salinity application in both places and ecotypes studied was not significant effect on the metabolizable energy of camelthorn forage. Voshmgir ecotype in Birjand had significantly (11.4%) more acid detergent fiber than Korond ecotype, but the difference between these ecotypes was not significant in Sarbishe (Table 7). With increasing plant density in Birjand, the value of acid detergent fiber was decreased (7.9%) significantly but the difference between two plant densities was not significant in Sarbishe (Figure 6). At the 12 dS/m irrigation water salinity level, increasing the plant density let to a decrease (14.5%) of neutral detergent fiber, while increasing the plant density at lower irrigation water salinity levels had no effect on this trait (Table 3).

Although increasing the irrigation water salinity led to a significant reduction in camelthorn forage protein, but the amount of protein obtained at 12 dS/m irrigation water salinity (12.29%) was also acceptable. High irrigation water salinity levels in both ecotypes and locations did not lead to a significant reduction in forage metabolizable energy, so it is possible to produce adequate quality forage by cultivation camelthorn with saline water. Korond Ecotype was more suitable for cultivation in Birjand and Voshmgir ecotype was more suitable for cultivation in Sarbishe and produced better forage in these locations. In saline conditions, it is better to cultivate camelthorn with high plant density, because in this case, the amount of forage fiber will decrease and the forage quality will increase.

In order to investigate the application of superabsorbent polymer and potassium sulfate under deficit irrigation condition on quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in the research farm of Birjand University in 2018. Experimental factors include three levels of irrigation (full irrigation, irrigation up to 50% of flowering and irrigation up to 50% of capsule emergence), three levels of potassium fertilizer (non-use, application based on fertilizer recommendation and 1.5 times fertilizer recommendation) and two levels of superabsorbent (Zero and 100 kg.ha-1). With stopping irrigation, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, oil percentage, oil yield and protein percentage decreased but leaf potassium percentage increased. The highest grain yield was under normal irrigation conditions (2342 kg.ha-1) and the lowest was under irrigation conditions at flowering stage (668 kg.ha-1). The interaction effect of irrigation in superabsorbent on grain yield, harvest index, oil percentage and oil yield was significant. Consumption of superabsorbent reduced the negative effects of stress and improved traits. Also, potassium consumption in soil was associated with increased potassium accumulation in leaves. The simultaneous use of superabsorbent and potassium sulfate did not have a significant effect on growth and yield, but the use of potassium fertilizer due to the modification of drought stress and superabsorbent due to its role in reducing the effects of water shortage and improving drought stress tolerance is recommended to maintain yield.

Maize is the third most important agricultural crop in the world in terms of production, That production and demand has increased by 45% in 2020 compared to 1997. Abiotic stresses in many cultivated areas of this plant have a negative impact on its production and these effects are expected to intensify in the near future.Inefficient use of water in agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the most important factors in exacerbating the water crisis and water shortage is a serious limiting factor in agricultural production. The use of technologies to improve water use efficiency in crops is very important for sustainable crop production and food security. Deficit irrigation is a water-saving strategy that is commonly used in arid and semi-arid regions and leads to increased water efficiency. According to studies, Deficit irrigation can save irrigation water, maintain or increase crop production and improve its quality. One of the methods for optimizing water consumption in agriculture is the addition of moisture absorbent such as Zeolite, which by gradually providing absorbed water and nutrients to the soil, play an important role in fertility and preventing water loss. The use of zeolite, especially in sandy soils that exposed to drought stress, can improve growth and final yield by absorbing and controlling moisture release and increasing soil moisture capacity. Because of low rainfall and also limitation of water resources in Birjand region, efficient use of water in agriculture, especially in the production of important cereals such as Miaze, is very important. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of zeolite and deficit irrigation methods for optimal use of water and achieving optimum yield in Maize in this region.

In order to investigate the effect of irrigation and Zeolite on maize, a field experiment was conducted on two planting dates in 2017, factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors including Zeolite in two levels and deficit irrigation in eight levels include: 100% water requirement, 75% water requirement in vegetative stage with: conventional irrigation, Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, nonfixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, and 75% water requirement in total growth with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, 50% water requirement in vegetative stage with: conventional irrigation, Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, nonfixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation.

Traits measured on the second date of planting had the highest value compared to the first date. Deficit Irrigation reduced the total dry weight and grain yield, but the use of zeolite improved these indicators. Total dry weight, number of grains per ear, grain yield, harvest index and water use efficiency had the highest value in irrigation control treatment and decreased with deficit irrigation, so that the lowest value in conventional irrigation treatment The basis of 50% of water requirement in the growing season was observed with 23, 26, 38, 27 and 19% reduction, respectively. Zeolite application had a favorable effect on all traits, but the effectiveness of some traits was different during planting dates, so that the rate of yield increase on the second planting date (37%) was higher than the first date (27%). The highest water use efficiency was obtained on the second planting date and Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation based on 75% of water requirements during the growing season and total growth with 0.7 and 7.6 due to the increase in observation, had the highest Were the amount. Although the yield decreased in deficit irrigation treatments, but due to the increase in harvest index and water use efficiency, excess water due to under-irrigation can be spent on irrigating more lands and increasing production.

One of the important goals of production in areas with water constraints is to increase the yield per unit of water. According to the results, after the control treatment, the highest harvest index was related to 75% water requirement in vegetative stage with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation treatment. Also, based on water use efficiency, to 75% water requirement in vegetative stage with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation and 75% water requirement in total growth with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation treatments were better than other treatments with a superiority of 0.69 and 7.59% compared to the control treatment. Despite saving 19.84% of water consumption in low irrigation treatments, 50% of water requirement in the growing period, but did not get an acceptable result from this treatment (33.74% reduction in yield and 13.79% efficiency). Water consumption). It seems that the relatively severe lack of water during vegetative growth has caused serious damage to the roots of the plant, which in the later stages of growth, despite the optimal irrigation of the plant could not use the water in the root environment well. Regardless of the reduction in yield and considering the water use efficiency that was obtained in 75 water requirements treatments in the form of atmospheres and constant intermediate stacks in the vegetative period and the whole growth period, it seems that these two treatments for Execution in Birjand region should be more appropriate.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the important oil crops that get attentions due to its relatively high oil content and tolerance to drought. Drought is one of the most important causes of crop products reduction and can affect plant phenology, growth and yield depending on the severity, time and stage of plant development. Superabsorbent polymers are suitable materials for increasing soil water retention capacity that can provide better conditions for crop growth, especially under water deficit conditions. The importance of useing chemical fertilizers in addition to their nutritional role, is to support the crop in tolerating environmental stresses such as drought and preventing yield loss which potassium has such role in plant life and survival under stress conditions. Potassium fertilizers, especially potassium sulfate, can play an important role in reducing the negative effects of water stress. Potassium is the third main nutrient for plant growth and plays a special role in the survival of plants under environmental stress and increasing their resistance to drought, high temperatures, cold, disease, salinity, weeds and maintaining osmotic potential.

In order to investigate the effect of superabsorbent polymer, potassium sulfate and water deficit on growth, yield and yield components of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), an experiment was conducted out on factorial arrangment based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Research Field of Agricultural College, at Birjand University in 2018. Experimental factors included three levels of irrigation (full irrigation in the whole growing season, irrigation up to 50% flowering stage and cutoff irrigation until maturity, and irrigation up to 50% capsules appearance and cutoff irrigation until maturity), potassium fertilization at three levels (No potassium application, fertilizing at optimum recommendation using 100 kg.ha-1 potassium fertilizer and fertilizing 50% higher than optimum recommendation using 150 kg.ha-1 potassium fertilizer) and superabsorbent at two levels, including no application and 100 kg.ha-1 application. The studied traits were plant height, number of lateral branches, seeds per capsule, capsule per plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and days to maturity.

Results showed that irrigation levels had a significant effect on measured traits except for number of lateral branches. The highest grain yield (2316.61 kg.ha-1) was obtained under full irrigation conditions and the lowest seed yield (667.89 kg.ha-1) was observed at 50% flowering cutoff irrigation. The effect of superabsorbent on all traits was significant. The results showed that superabsorbent moderated the effects of drought and improved sesame growth indices. Interaction effect of potassium and irrigation on grain yield was also significant. Although, under water deficit conditions, grain yield was significantly reduced, but potassium sulfate application under these conditions partially prevented the yield loss. Due to the role of potassium in the plant, the presence of this element in water deficit conditions can be effective in tolerance and crop yield increment. The highest number of days to maturity (124.77 day) in interaction effect of water deficit and superabsorbent was obtained from full irrigation and 100 kg/ha superabsorbent treatment and the least amount (109.55 day) was obtained from50% flowering cutoff irrigation and non-superabsorbent treatment.The increase in soil moisture caused by the use of soil moisture absorbers can increase the duration of the day to maturity.

The results showed that irrigation levels decreased sesame growth and yield. Water deficit at flowering and encapsulation stages reduced grain yield compared to full irrigation treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to irrigate the crop according to water requirement during these stages. Due to the necessity of conserving available water resources as well as optimum consumption of water, the use of superabsorbent and potassium can be effective in increasing crop yield and drought resistance. Obviously, it is necessary to provide sufficient water requirement in order to achieve higher grain yield. Therefore, it seems that hydrogels reduce the negative effects of drought by absorbing water and making it available for the crop. Potassium application in environments with different levels of drought can be considered as a practical method to reduce drought damage and prevent yield loss.

In order to study on effect of seed dressing on germination, vigour and seedling emergence at glass house of four cotton commercial cultivars, Varamin, Khordad, Kashmar and Khorshid, a research conducted at Birjand University Agriculture Faculty and Seed ant Plant Certification and Registration Institute(SPCR) at Karaj. At first seeds infection rate to pathogens determined and then seeds dressed by Hypochlorite Sodium solution and Vitawax Thiram fungicide and standard germination test conducted as two factor factorial experiment by 12 treatments (4 cotton cultivars × seed dressing by disinfectants and without dressing seeds as control) by completely randomized design and glass house experiment by complete randomizes blocks design with 9 replications. Some seed germination, vigour and seedling emergence in glass house traits were determined. Results revealed, studied seed germination and vigour and seedling emergence traits to dressing were different. Varamin and Kashmar cultivars seeds which dressed by Vitawax Thiram fungicide had more normal seedling percent and stronger seedling vigour and less infection to pathogenic fungi and infected seedling. Nevertheless, Khordad cultivar seeds had less mean germination time and seedling mean emergence time at glass house and more seedling emergence percent. Khordad cultivar seeds which dressed by Vitawax Thiram fungicide had the most seedling emergence index at glass house. Varamin and Kashmar cultivars seeds which dressed by Vitawax Thiram fungicide also had more seedling weight vigour index in glass hose. Therefore, Varamin and Kashmar cultivars were cultivars had more seed germination and stronger vigour and seed dressing by Vitawax Thiram fungicide preferable.

Intercropping is one of the main strategies to obtain more stability in agro-ecosystems. The possibility of yield improvement in intercropping systems depends on various factors such as plant combination, cultivar type, plant density, planting pattern, and contribution of each species. Introducing new crops or forgotten plants to agro-ecosystems are other methods for sustainable crop production. Quinoa as a potential new crop to be introduced to Iran’s farming systems, is well-adapted to different environmental conditions. This plant has high nutritional values and produces acceptable yield to areas affected by environmental stresses like drought and salinity stresses. Millet, as a forgotten crop in Iran’s agro-ecosystems, is a drought-tolerant grain, with appropriate growth and yield in arid and semi-arid regions. This C4 plant has vertical leaf distribution, rapid and short growth period which make it tolerant to adverse environmental conditions compared to other cereals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of quinoa and millet intercropping under arid and semi-arid climate of Birjand, Iran.

A factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in research field of University of Birjand, Iran, in 2018. The experimental factors were planting density at three levels (20, 40, and 60 plants m-2 for both quinoa and millet) and planting ratio at five levels (pure stand of millet (100 %), three rows of millet and one row of quinoa (75%-25%), the equal ratio of millet and quinoa (50%-50%), one row of millet and three rows of quinoa (25%-75%) and monoculture of quinoa (100%). Experimental plots area was 24 m2 (6 m×4 m), with eight planting rows per each. The distances between planting rows in all treatments were 50 cm, while the distances along the single rows were 10, 5, and 3.3 cm for 20, 40, and 60 planting densities, respectively. The grain and biological yields of both plants were determined, finally, various indices including land equivalent ratio (LER), relative yield (RY), competitive ratio index and aggressively index were calculated. Data analyses were done using SAS 9.2 and means were compared by FLSD test at 5% probability level.

The simple and interaction effects of planting density and ratio had a significant effect on grain and biological yield of quinoa and grain yield of millet (P < 0.01). In addition, planting ratio had a significant effect on the biological yield of millet (P < 0.01). Based on data obtained from monoculture system, the optimum plant density to obtain the highest grain yield of millet (4100 kg.ha-1) and quinoa (2340 kg.ha-1), were 60 and 40 plants per m2, respectively. Considering the different ratios of planting, the participation and positive effect of both millet and quinoa plants in an increasing the land equality ratio has been equal. By increasing the density, the advantage of mixed cultivation has been reduced. The best intercropping systems in terms of LER (1.32) were the density of 40 plants per m2 (for both crops), and planting ratio of 25% millet and 75% quinoa, which had 26.98% actual grain yield incensement. In addition, the results of interaction effect showed that this treatment increased the biological yield of quinoa (6935 kg ha-1) by 9.26%, based on anticipated yield. In this density, it seems that the result of optimal use of existing inputs and reduction of internal and external competition in order to achieve maximum yield has been achieved. The results of the relative yield indicated that the millet is better utilized from environmental resources and conditions due to its predominance and competitiveness. In general, the results of evaluating mixed culture indicators based on the principles of assistance and competition were complementary and confirming each other.

The results showed that millet and quinoa had significant effects on each other when intercropped at different planting densities and ratios due to difference of morphological and physiological characteristics. So according to the goals of intercropping recommended the intercropping systems of millet and quinoa for Birjand region.

Abstract Deterioration of seeds is one of the important factors in reducing seeds vigor and limit germination. In order to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid hormone on recovery of seeds, and seedling growth in Varamin cotton seed. The experiment was done randomly three times. The experimental sets consisted of two decline levels (48 and 96 hours) with witness and 2 dense levels of gibberellic acid hormone (500 and 1000 PPM) with witness, and the treatment of gibberellic acid hormone was completed in 3 styles (before deterioration, after deterioration and before and after the deterioration. The results showed that the combination of treatments at 500 PPM without deterioration indicated that plumule length, root length, dry root weight, the amount of seed reserves, efficient use of reservoir seed, seed fraction of the resources consumedhad the best treatment. In the prime applying experiment before deterioration, in 500 PPM density with rate and uniformity of germination, D10, D90, plumlule length, root length, dry root weight, dry plumule weight, usage amount of reserves, effective use of resources, consumption and seed fraction, had the bestresult; and at 1000 PPM level the percentage of germination, demonstrated the highest improvement. Finally, in general we can say that gibberellic acid can recover deteriorated seeds.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an annual crop belonging to poaceae family that compared to other cereals has high yield. After wheat and rice, maize dedicated largest cultivation area in the world. Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic stress that often affects many aspects of plant growth and it’s the main limitation factor for crop production especially in arid and semiarid regions. Low irrigation lead to drought stress, which affects the plant growth and development. Drought stress leads to growth reduction, delayed maturity and crop yield loss. The use of modern irrigation methods to increase water use efficiency could help solve the problem of water resources shortage that needed for agriculture. Partial root zone drying irrigation is one of the innovative techniques that enhance water use efficiency without a significant reduction in throughput product. The part of the plant root watering and the other part remains dry; this part of the roots that remained dry by sending a signal to aboveground respond to dry and causes Stomatal closure and reduction of plant water consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different traditional irrigation and partial root zone drying focuses on physiological characteristics of maize.

In order to evaluate the effect of different traditional irrigation and partial root zone drying on physiological characteristics of corn, an experiment in complete randomized block design with 18 treatments and 3 replication was conducted in Birjand University Agricultural Research Station at 59 degree and 13 minutes of eastern longitudes and 32 degree and 56 minutes altitudes. Irrigation treatment concluding from over irrigation (at 125% water requirement), full irrigation (at 100% water requirement) and combined from traditional low irrigation, low irrigation with fixed furrows and variable furrows after one or two irrigation, that started one month after emergence and continued until the end of vegetative or growth period of plant. low irrigation treatments were applied at 50 and 75% of water requirement. For measuring the volume of irrigation water per plot first net irrigation requirement was measured and then To fine-tune the distribution of water between plots and distribution of water the pumps and water counter were used. Finally, plant height, ear length, leaf area index, Stomatal conductance and relative water content were measured.

The results showed that the effect of irrigation treatment on all treats was significant. The highest averages were observed in irrigation at 125% of water requirement and applying various methods of irrigation lead to reduced plant height, ear length, leaf area index, stomatal conductance and relative water content in all of low irrigation treatments were observed in maize plants, although this different was not statistically significant in some treatments. Although water stress was reduced in maize plants traits, but the difference caused by the stress at the partial root zone drying was less than traditional low irrigation compared to full irrigation. Partial root zone drying also increased the physiological characteristics compared to traditional low irrigation treatments. It has been reported that the use of partial root zone drying in cotton resulted in significant savings in water consumption, earliness and increase the quality of the product, this technique reduces water consumption by 50% and increase water use efficiency by 21 percent compared to conventional irrigation to full irrigation was 43 percent.

According to the results of this study can be recommended partial root zone irrigation at 75 percentages of maize plant water requirement by variable irrigated furrows after twice irrigation as the best treatment for water use reduction in maize seed production. This treatment is appropriate for solving the water crisis.

In order to investigate the effect of priming on the improvement of physiological indices of antioxidant enzymes in soybean seeds, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at the Seed Science and Technology Laboratory of Tehran University in 2017. The factors studied included two levels of deterioration (48 and 72 hours), three levels of salicylic acid (0, 300, 600 μM) and three times the salicylic acid application (before decay, post-fall, before and after deterioration). The traits measured included antioxidant enzymes (glutathione redactase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, membrane peroxidation or malondialdehyde). The results showed that deterioration level increasing, decrease the antioxidant enzymes activity and increase membrane peroxidation and soybean seed priming with salicylic acid hormone restore the decayed seeds and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The highest activity of ascorbate peroxidase activity was observed at 72 hours with the time of salicylic acid application before and after deterioration at a concentration of 300 μm and 6.98. Reduction of malondialdehyde leakage rate when combined with 300 μM concentration of salicylic acid Was observed at 1.45. The results also showed that the priming at the same time improves the chemical properties of the seeds in the deterioration.

Environmental stress is one of the main factors limiting the growth and production of crops in the world. In general, water is one of the most effective factors on a Total Dry Matter (TDM) and water stress on plants can reduce the Crop Growth Rate(CGR), Relative Growth Rate(RGR), Leaf Area Index(LAI) and Total Dry Matter(TDM). One of the most accurate ways to study the responses of plants to environmental condition is evaluation of growth indices. Sanchez-Rodrigo et al (2010) reported that in water stress condition that reduced moisture for plants, manure might help plants to maintain their moisture content, provide water for plant and is effective in reducing the negative effects of water stress. Due to the water stress influences on plant growth, measurement of TDM of medicinal herbs like thyme is of vital importance to evaluate the effect of water stress on plans. The quality of medicinal plants is largely determined by the relevant natural compounds (secondary metabolites) and the quantity and quality of these compounds are determined by environmental factors such as water availability. In general, water reduction in plant tissues reduces the growth of different parts of the plant like the roots and aerial organs of the plant. In this regard, Sharafzadeh and Zare (2011) reported that drought stress reduces dry weight and height of Thymus vulgaris. Given that the large parts of Iran’s lands are situated in the arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore evaluating the effect of drought stress on qualitative and quantitative changes in medicinal plant species of thyme is important.This study aimed at examining the effects of water stress and manure on some the growth indices and TDM of Thymus daenensis and Thymus vulgaris

In order to evaluate the effect of water stress and manure on some of the growth indices and accumulation of total dry matter of Thymus daenensis and Thymus vulgaris an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the Agriculture research field of the University of Birjand, located at latitude 53º: 32N, longitude 13:55ºE and altitude 1480 m above sea level in 2015. Experimental factors were including water stress (100%, 67% and 33% of field capacity), two species of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus daenensis celak) and manure at two levels (30tons.ha-1 and No manure).

The results showed that water stress reduced traits such as LAI, CGR, NAR, SLA, LWR and TDM and only non-significant effect on RGR. In all traits the highest and lowest amount obtained from 100% FC (normal condition) and 33% FC (The highest level of water stress) respectively. The higher LAI, CGR, RGR, NAR, and SLA in the normal condition (100% FC) might be due to better availability to water and food and the result of efforts to expand the plant canopy. TDM decreased 26.56 percent with increasing stress from 100 to 33% field capacity. Manure treatment had a positive impact on growth indices and the highest the and lowest amount of growth indices and TDM obtained from of 30ton.ha-1 manure. So the application of manure to the soil in water shortage conditions is recommended to achieve the highest TDM.

In the current study, the highest TDM obtained from 30 ton ha-1 manure that having a significant difference with the situation where no manure. The TDM and growth indices increased after the soil physical properties were modified and nutrient available for thyme in the manure treatment. In between the two species, Thymus daenensis showed the highest growth indices (With the exception of LWR) compared to the Thymus vulgaris. Therefore, we can say that Thymus daenensis can introduce superior species when exposed to water stress.

Deterioration of seeds is an important factor to reduce seeds vigor and limit germination. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of gibberellic acid hormone on recovery of seeds and improvement of quality and seedling growth in Varamin cotton seed, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized way in three replications. Treatments included: two levels of deterioration (48 and 96 hours) plus control, Gibberellic acid solution with two concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm plus control and the time to apply hormone treatment in three ways (before deterioration, after deterioration, before and after deterioration). The results showed that in non- deterioration treatments, in the concentration of 500 ppm, the peroxidase, carotenoid, and electrical conductivity ratios had the best conditions and at 1000 ppm, catalase and chlorophyll a and b had the best results. In primitive applications before deterioration at a concentration of 500 ppm, the electrical conductivity was the best and at concentration of 1000 ppm, catalase, peroxidase, chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids were at the highest levels. In primer applications after the deterioration, at concentration of 500 ppm, electrical conductivity was in better conditions and had better conditions at 1000 ppm, catalase, peroxidase, chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids. In the priming test before and after deterioration, at a concentration of 500 ppm, electrical conductivity has the best results. At 1000 ppm concentration, catalase, peroxidase, chlorophyll a and b and carotenes had the best value. In general, the use of gibberellic acid has led to retrieve and improved seeds are deteriorated.

Availability of nutrients needed by plants and ambient light are important in the growth and synthesis of active substance of medicinal plants. Various nutritional combinations have been assessed to study their effect on improving field management and production of medicinal plants. Nitrogen is often a limiting nutrient in plant growth in most agricultural soils. Nitrogen is a major component of chlorophyll, proteins, nucleic acid, vitamins and other organic compounds by which plants use sunlight energy to produce sugars from water and carbon dioxide (i.e., photosynthesis). It is also a major component of amino acids, the building units of proteins. Phosphorus is another element which has an important role in nearly every plant process that involves energy transfer. High-energy phosphate, contained in the chemical structures of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and ATP, is the source of energy that drives the variety of chemical reactions within the plant. Nitrogen and phosphorus can be supplied through fertilizers or animal manure. Various studies show that combined use of manure and chemical fertilizers (as N, P and …) have positive effects on soil fertility and growth of plant as well as protecting the environment. Studies also show the effect of adequate nutrients on plant growth parameters, light absorption and biosynthesis in medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic amendments enriched with chemical fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus) on effective traits in light absorption and alcoholic extract of hemp in two consecutive years in Birjand. To study the effect of different levels of animal manure and chemical fertilizers, a split factorial experiment, based on complete randomized blocks design with three replications was conducted at the research Farm of Faculty of agriculture, University of Birjand, during 2013- 2014 growing seasons. Experimental factors include application of animal manure (well-rotted farmyard manure) at a rate of 0, 10, 20 and 30 ton ha-1 to the main plot. The sub plots were received nitrogen at rate of 0, 50 or 100 kg ha-1 (nitrogen in form of Urea) and phosphorus at rate of 0 or 80 kg ha-1 (P2O5 as triple superphosphate). Measured traits were shoot height and diameter, leaf area and leaf number, nitrogen percentage of leaf, canopy light absorption, shoot and leaf dry weights, percentage of extract of leaves and seeds. Nitrogen content of plants was determined by Kjeldahl method and light Absorption was measured by Sun scan. The data were statistically analyzed by SAS software (V. 9.1). Comparison of the means was performed using FLSD test at the 0.05 level of significant. The results showed that canopy light absorption highly correlated with the leaf numbers (0.676**), shoot height (0.621**), nitrogen percentage of leaf (0.543**) and shoot diameter (0.481**) respectively. Application of 30 ton ha-1 of animal manure resulted in less efficiency in increasing shoot height and diameter, leaf area and number and nitrogen percentage of leaf. The absorption of light by plant was higher in treatments with higher nitrogen content in leaf. The study showed that weight of shoot and leaf following treatment increased by animal manure, nitrogen and phosphorus supplements, which subsequently increased final weight of extract from leaves and seeds.
Application of 30 ton ha-1 of animal manure and 100 kg ha-1 of nitrogen resulted in 20.1% and 20.2% increase in content of leaf extract respectively, while application of 100 kg ha-1 of nitrogen resulted in 20% increase in total weight of extracts from seeds. Seed extracts were also highly correlated with the dry weight of leaves. Therefore, the study suggests that adequate nutritional supplement to soil can increase plant growth and final weight of the leaf and seed extracts from plants. Most seed extract estimated in combined treatment of 30 ton ha-1 animal manure and 80 kg ha-1 of phosphorus. The rate of plant growth was lower in the first year compare to the second year, which can be due to higher salinity of soil and animal manure and temperature of germination in the first year.
Overall, the findings of this study showed that application of 30 ton ha-1 of animal manure can provide the plants with adequate level of nitrogen and phosphorus resulting in increased level of extracts of leaf and seed in hemp plant and can reduce the need for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers use

IntroductionHemp is used in the food, drug, and natural fibers. Assessment of various systems of plant nutrition is one of the ways to improve field management and production of medicinal plants. Nitrogen is considered a necessary element in plant nutrition. Nitrogen uptake as ammonium compounds form, serves as starting material for amino acid biosynthesis and additional N-containing compound such as pyrimidine, purine bases, chlorophyll, proteins, nucleic acid, vitamins and other organic compounds, therefore, the higher plants require larger amount of nitrogen. Phosphorus is the second most important nutrient in plants. Studies show that application of animal manure provides different nutrients for plants. Application of animal manure in soil at the optimal level for plant growth provides a opportunities for soil fertility, conservation, sustainability, and protection against degradation but they need time to release their nutrient. Various studies showed that the combined usage the animal manure and chemical fertilizers (like N and P) has positive effects on soil, growth and yield of plant with the aim of protecting the environment. Organic and inorganic fertilizers are effective on soil C/N ratio. Soil C/N ratio is important factor for plant and soil. It is important to study the different stages of plant growth responses to organic and chemical fertilizers for plants production. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of organic amendments enriched with chemical fertilizers of nitrogen and phosphorus and studying changes of soil C/N ratio in vegetative and reproductive stages of hemp.
Materials and MethodsTo study the effect of different levels of animal manure and chemical fertilizers, a split factorial experiment, based on complete randomized blocks design with three replications was conducted at the Research Farm of Faculty of agriculture, University of Birjand, during the growing season 2013-2014. Experimental factors were animal manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 ton ha-1 well-rotted farmyard manure) as the main plot, and factorial application of three levels of N (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha-1 as Urea) with two levels of P (0 and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 as triple superphosphate) as sub-plot. Hemps were planted on rows 60 cm apart, with 30 cm distance between plants within a row, at the depth of 3-4 cm. In during experiment didn’t use any poison and pesticide. Measurements were performed in both vegetative (11th leaf pair) and reproductive (50% of seeds hard) stages. Measured traits included leaf, shoot weight, shoot height and diameter per square meter in sub-plot for female plants of hemp in vegetative and reproductive stages. Seed weight measured in reproductive stage too. Nitrogen of soil was determined by Kjeldahl method and soil carbon was measured by Walleky & Black method. Finally, all variables were analyzed by SAS software ver 9.1. The means were compared using LSD test at the 0.05 probability level.
Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the measured traits were not affected by animal manure in the vegetative stage, but nitrogen fertilizer had significant effect on growth traits in this growth stage. Using manure and nitrogen fertilizers increased height and shoot diameter, leaf and shoot dry weight in reproductive stage. Biological and seed yield increased with increasing of nitrogen levels in different treatments of 0, 10 and 20 ton ha-1 animal manure. Combined usage of 30 ton ha-1 animal manure and 100 kg N ha-1 decreased biological and seed yields. Combined usage of 30 ton ha-1 animal manure and 50 kg N ha-1 and 20 ton ha-1 animal manure and 100 kg N ha-1 increased biological and seed yields. Harvest index decreased with increasing rate of animal manure and nitrogen fertilizers. So harvest index decreased 18.20 and 13.07 % in treatments of 30 ton ha-1 animal manure and 100 kg N ha-1 respectively, due to increasing the growth of hemp. Leaf allocation increased with increasing animal manure and nitrogen fertilizer levels. Phosphorus increased seed yield (13%), shoot dry weight (42.6%) and leaf dry weight (15.21%) in the reproductive stage. Soil C/N ratio decreased with increasing growth of hemp. In reproductive stage, using animal manure decreased C/N ratio due to release of nitrogen to the soil.
ConclusionsCombined usage of manure and chemical fertilizer were more effective than manure alone. Animal manure and nitrogen fertilizer were effective on soil C/N ratio. Results indicated that combined use of animal manure and chemical fertilizers must be done carefully and use of appropriate amounts of animal manure and chemical fertilizer can be effective in reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.

One of the negative effects of drought stress, reducing availability and absorption of nutrients for the plant(omidi, 2012). Manure increase soil fertility and improves the growth and yield(Fallah et al., 2007). This study conducted to evaluate some morphological and physiological characteristics of two species of thyme plant under drought stress and manure.
Experiment was at the field of the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran with located at latitude 53º: 32N, longitude 13:55ºE and altitude 1480 m above sea level in 2015.In order to evaluate the effects of different levels of drought stress and manure on Thymus vulgaris and Thymus danensis, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a RCBD with 3 replications in 2015.Treatments were combination of three water stress levels 100% FC, 67% FC and 33% FC, manure at two levels: the no manure and consume 30 t.ha-1, and two species of Thymus vulgaris and Thymus daenensis.
Measurements of Leaf pigments (Chlorophyll a and b, Carotenoid and concentrations): 0.1g samples were taken from the collected leaves. Subsequently each sample was extracted by 80% acetone and put in the centrifuges with rotation speed of 6000 per minute for 10 minute. Absorbance using a spectrophotometer at wavelengths of 470, 647, 663 nm was measured. Pigments were determined according to Lichthenthaler (1987).
Measurements of Anthocyanin: 0.1g samples were taken from the collected leaves Subsequently each sample was extracted by methanol and put in the test tube in dark place for 24 hours then put in the centrifuges with rotation speed of 4000 per minute for 10 minute. Absorbance using a spectrophotometer at wavelengths of 550 nm was measured. Pigments were determined according to Wanger(1979).
Measurements of Yield and yield components: For this purpose, three plants were harvested from crop lines. After drying the samples in an oven at 72 ° C for 48 hours the dry weight of stem, leaf, flower and total dry weight of each sample was measured.
Statistical analyses were carried out by ANOVA, with a multiple range test (LSD) for subsequent pairwise comparisons. Data were analyzed using of SAS to compare the difference between the treatments.
Leaf pigments: The highest Ch a, b obtained from of Thymus danensis. Carotenoid content increased under drought stress. The highest and lowest Carotenoid content obtained from of 33% Fc(The highest level of drought) and 100% Fc(normal condition) respectively. Among species, Thymus vulgaris showed the highest and Thymus danensis showed lowest Carotenoid content respectively. Manure while reducing the effects of drought stress and Cha, b increased under 30ton.ha-1 manure but manure reduced the amount of carotenoids.
Anthocyanin: Anthocyanin content was increased under drought stress levels. The highest and lowest Anthocyanin contents were obtained from of 33% Fc(The highest level of drought) and 100% Fc(normal condition) respectively. Among species, Thymus vulgaris showed the highest and Thymus danensis showed lowest Carotenoid content respectively. Also the highest and lowest Anthocyanin content obtained from of no manure and 30ton.ha-1 manure respectively.
Leaf and shoot dry weight: Leaf and shoot dry weight decreased under drought stress. The highest and lowest Leaf and shoot dry weight obtained from of 100% Fc(normal condition) and 33% Fc(The highest level of drought) respectively. Thymus danensis showed the highest and Thymus vulgaris showed lowest Leaf and shoot dry weight respectively. Among manure treatment, 30ton.ha-1 manure showed the highest Leaf and shoot dry weight.
Leaf dry weight to shoot: The highest and lowest Leaf dry weight to shoot obtained from of 100% Fc(normal condition) and 33% Fc(The highest level of drought) respectively. Leaf dry weight to shoot increased drought 30ton.ha-1 manure and the highest Leaf dry weight to shoot obtained from of 30ton.ha-1 manure.
Flower dry weight: The highest and lowest Flower dry weight obtained from of 100%Fc and Thymus danensis and 33%Fc and Thymus vulgaris respectively. Manure reduced the effects of drought stress and the highest and lowest Flower dry weight obtained from of Thymus danensis and 30ton.ha-1 manure and Thymus vulgaris and no manure respectively.
Total Dry Matter: The highest and lowest total dry Matter obtained from of 100%Fc and Thymus danensis and 33%Fc and Thymus vulgaris respectively. Interaction of manure in species showed that the highest and lowest total dry matter obtained from of Thymus danensis and 30ton.ha-1 manure and Thymus vulgaris and no manure respectively.
The main goal of this study was the selection of species that contain higher yield. Where in this study the Thymus vulgaris demonstrate the highest pigment and the highest yield compared to the Thymus vulgaris Therefore, According to these results we can say Thymus daenensis can grow successfully in arid and semi-arid. Also application of manure on food and water resource management and drought stress conditions in order to achieve the desired yield is recommended.

Introduction : Hemp is a dioecious and annual plant. The most important use to this plant is in the food, drug, and natural fibers. Proper fertilizer management for a medicinal plant species is important for increasing its yield and maintaining the quality of active principles. Sustainable farming is on the basis of natural fertilizer application with the aim of decreasing chemical fertilizers. Various studies show that application of animal manure with chemical fertilizers (as N, P and …) have positive effects on soil structure, microbial population, soil fertility, growth and yield of plant with the aim of protecting the environment. Therefore, the present study was under taken to evaluate the effect of organic amendments enriched with chemical fertilizers of nitrogen and phosphorus on yield and extract of hemp.
To study the effect of different levels of animal manure and chemical fertilizers, a split factorial experiment, based on complete randomized blocks design with three replications was conducted at the research Farm of Faculty of agriculture, University of Birjand, during the growing season 2014-2015. Experimental factors were animal manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 t. ha-1well rotted farmyard manure) as the main plot, and factorial application of three levels of N (0, 50 and 100 kg N ha-1 as Urea) with two levels of P (0 and 80 kg P2O5 ha-1 as triple and P was superphosphate) as sub-plot. Animal manure, P and half of the N fertilizer were applied before planting and the other half of N were applied by top dressing. Hemp were planted 5 may on rows 60 cm apart, with 30 cm distance between each hemp on row, at the depth of 3-4 cm. Measured traits included leaf, stem and seed weights, stem height and diameter, 1000 seed weight, and leaves extract percentage per square meter in sub-plot for female plants of hemp. Also percentage of female plants calculated per sub-plot. Finally, all variables were analyzed by SAS software (V. 9.1). Comparison of the averages attributes was performed using FLSD test at the 0.05 level of significant.
The results showed that the percentage of female plants did not affected by animal manure and chemical fertilizers. Stem height and diameter, leaf and stem weights and extract percentage were increased with increasing rate of animal manure, nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. Phosphorus application caused a 11.2% increase in thousand grains weight. The highest stem and leaf yields were 2541.8 and 7001.6 kg ha-1 respectively, which were obtained by using 20 t. ha-1 animal manure with 100 kg N 80 kg P ha-1. An increased stem yield was also obtained by applying 30 t ha-1 animal manure with 50 kg N 80 kg P ha-1. Integrated using of 20 t. ha-1 animal manure with 100 kg N 80 kg P ha-1, and 30 t. ha-1 animal manure with 50 kg N 80 kg P ha-1 were appeared as the favorable fertilizing treatments for hemp.
It is suggested that combined usage of the animal manure and chemical fertilizers have more positive effects on growth and yield of hemp in compare with the use of fertilizers or animal manure lonely. Also hemp nutrition should be done according to the aim of producing.

This research was aimed to evaluate the effects of drought and manure on some physiological characteristics and yield of Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus daenensis Celak.The study was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during crop years of 2015 and 2016 at the agriculture research farm of University of Birjand, Iran. Experimental factors were including: water stress at three levels (100%, 67% and 33% of field capacity), manure at two levels (30 tons.ha-1 and no manure), and two thyme species (Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus daenensis Celak). Water stress reduced stomatal conductance, relative water content (RWC), Chl a, b and quantitative and qualitative yield; however, carotenoids content was increased under water stress. Although the quantity and quality yield of the study species decreased under water stress condition, manure application at 30 tons per ha led to the increased quantity and quality yield of both species. Thymus daenensis had more relative water content and quantity and quality yield (oil) in both crop years as compared with T. vulgaris. According to the results, T. daenensis can grow successfully in arid and semi-arid regions and could be recommended. There was a significant difference between two crop years; in the 2nd year, the quantity and quality yield (essential oil yield) of both study species increased.

Cumin is an annual, herbaceous and aromatic plant that belongs to Apiaceae family. Leaf shape and short shrubs, color and surface coating of plant organs, are all indicative of adaptation of Cumin to areas with dry climate. Seed priming is one of the most effective methods to improve seed germination and seedling establishment, especially in unfavorable environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gibberellic acid on germination and seedling growth characteristics of cumin under salinity and drought stress conditions.

Factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in the seed laboratory of University of Birjand in April 2016. Experimental factors were included salinity (sodium chloride) and drought (using polyethylene glycol) in three levels with the same potentials (zero, -0.75,-1.5 MPa) and seed priming using gibberellic acid (GA3) at three levels: zero, 50 and 100 ppm. The seeds are disinfected with sodium hypochlorite 10% for 30 seconds and then washed several times with distilled water and contamination effects were not observed during the test. Then 20 similar seeds were placed in Petri-dishes with 9 cm diameter and 5/1 cm height with filter paper, incubated in 15 °C temperature. Natural seedlings with whole root, plumule and leaves and also normal color and size, were separated from abnormal seedlings, according to International Seed Testing Association and various characteristics such as germination percentage, germination rate, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, seedling length, shoot length, root length, length and weight vigor index, were measured.

The results showed that have significant effect the main and interaction effects of salinity and gibberellic acid, except seedling dry weight on the germination characteristics like percentage and rate of germination, vigor index, shoot and root length (P≤0.01). Most seedling length, corresponding to the first salinity level and second gibberellic acid level, with 1.5% increase, compared to control and the lowest level was related to the third level of salinity and the first level of gibberellic acid was a reduction of 100%, compared to the Control. The highest root length was achieved at the first level of salinity and the second level of gibberellic acid that increasing 6.3 percent compared to the control and the lowest value of mentioned trait was observed in the first level of gibberellic acid in the third level of salinity with the reduction of 100%, compared to the control. The interaction between drought and gibberellic acid had no significant effect on seed vigor, root and shoot length, but the main effect of drought and gibberellic acid was significant on fresh and dry weight, rate and percentage of germination (P≤0.05 ) .Maximum rate of germination in dry condition was related to the first level of drought and the second level of gibberellic acid. It seems that gibberellic acid was synthesized in embryonic axis during the germination process, directly affect the speed of germination and heterotrophic growth of seedlings by stimulating the production of hydrolytic enzymes and degradation the storage nutrients. Also the most germination percent was at the drought and gibberellic, While the Second drought and gibberellic acid levels by reducing 1.6% as compared to control had lowest percentage of germination. Maximum root length, on level two drought and a gibberellic acid decreased 7.7 percent as compared to Control. The most of plant dry weight of level dryness first and third, gibberellic acid and lowest Second level dryness and second gibberellic acid showed 90 percent reduction compared to control. Group comparisons showed that between the two studied stresses With the equal gibberellic acid levels, inhibitory and negative effects of salinity on evaluated traits were more strongly than drought, which this issue is related to special effects of salinity in disrupting the balance of nutrients in the growth medium and particularly toxicity of ions.

Development of autumn sowing of sugar beet is viewed as an important strategy for supplying required sugar nationwide. In order to investigate the effects of varieties and sowing date on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of sugar beet, an experiment was conducted in a form of split plot based on the Randomized Complete Block design in crop year 2014-15 in a research farm of Agricultural and Natural Resources Center in Khorasan Razavi province with four replications. The major factor included sowing data; the minor factor included. The studied characteristics contains number of roots, bolting percent, root yield, gross sugar yield, white sugar yield, sugar percent, alkalinity, sodium, potassium, and nitrogen. Analysis of variance indicated that interactive effect of variety and sowing date on bolting percent, root yield, gross sugar yield, root number, white sugar yield, and sugar was significant. The highest root yield in the first sowing date was related to Merak and Monatono; the lowest root yield was related to Sharif and Monatono in the second sowing date. Also, the highest gross sugar yield and white sugar was obtained for Merak in the first sowing date. In addition, it was found that the first sowing date was superior to the second. Due to the multiplicity and diversity of the autumn cultivars and their favorable adaptation to cultivation in different Beet cultivation regions of the country, it seems that the development of the autumn sowing beet, while supply the country sugar requirements, causes significant savings in water consumption.

Endosperm storage proteins are important factors affecting wheat grain quality, so that high molecular weight glutenin subunits play a key role in the gluten formation and structure and are closely related to wheat quality. To investigate the allelic variation at the loci coding high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) among 25 bread wheat genotypes of, nine allele-specific primer pairs (Glu-A1, Glu-B1, Glu-D1) were used. Results showed that at the Glu-A1 locus, three allele (AxNull, Ax1 and Ax2*) were identified. The highest frequency belonged to allele Ax2* (56%). At the Glu-B1 locus, six alleles were detected, totally. The allelic combination of Bx7CDܯ was 32% in frequency which showed the highest frequency. At the Glu-D1 locus, two alleles were detected. At this locus, allelic combination of Dx2­༭ had the highest frequency of 82% among the detected alleles. The Pfluger scoring system was utilized to score Glutenin composition. The studied genotypes showed different allelic combinations with a different level of quality score. Most of genotypes were ranked as good to excellent bread-making quality. Cluster analysis grouped all high quality cultivars in a separate cluster. The variations identified in this study can be a valuable resource of allelic diversity for breeding programs to improve the quality of wheat.

Improvement of bread quality in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) depends on a thorough understanding of the genetic basis of important quality traits. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the genetic basis of wheat grain quality traits including kernel length, kernel width, 1000-kernel weight, grain protein content, Zeleni No, bread volume, moisture content, grain hardness, water absorption and SDS sedimentation volume, and to determine the relationship between the phenotypic data with the genotypic data of four SSR markers using marker-trait association approach. A total of 46 polymorphic alleles with an average of 7.66 alleles per locus were amplified. Polymorphic information content (PIC) of the markers ranged from 0.26 to 0.82, where the first locus for wmc41 (wmc41-1) showed the lowest and the second locus of gwm608 (gwm608-2) indicated the highest PIC. Based on stepwise regression analysis, different markers were entered to the model for kernel length, 1000-kernel weight, bread volume, grain hardness and SDS sedimentation volume. However, for grain protein content, kernel width, Zeleni No., moisture content and water absorption no any marker alleles were detected. For kernel length two marker alleles (gwm608-b5 and gwm644-b4), for bread volume two marker alleles (wmc41-b5 and gwm644-a1), for grain hardness two marker alleles (wmc41-b4 and wmc41-b2) were entered to the model. For 1000-kernel weight and SDS sedimentation volume only one marker alleles of gwm608-b3 and gwm608-b2 for each were respectively detected, which in general, explained from 22% to 37% of the phenotypic variations. The results showed that those markers with high polymorphic content and high genetic variation play a pivotal role in separation and distinction of genotypes.

Galbanum is a medicinal plant belonging to apiaceae family. Gum extracted from the root has many medical and industrial applications. Because of indiscriminate exploitations from natural pastures, this valuable medicinal plant that is endangered. Gum extracted from the storage root of galbanum is the most important pastoral products of Iran that exported to European countries in high volume (Eslami Manoochehri, 1994). Many medicinal plants have low germination and growth rate because of ecological computability to environmental conditions and low germination indices in these plants have caused these plants more vulnerable to extinction than other plants (Kandari et al., 2008). Priming is one of the seed improvement techniques that enhance the germination uniformity, germination rate, seed dormancy breaking, stronger seedlings growth of primed seeds especially under stress condition and increase competitive ability against weeds. Nutrient priming is a common technique in this field that used as a beneficial seed treatment. Therefore, seeds are treated with solutions containing nutrient such as phosphorus and zinc (Asgedom et al., 2005). Improve the micronutrient in plant caused to increase the yield and seed micronutrient content (Johnson et al., 2005). This study examines the effect of nutrient priming to improve seed germination and seedling establishment in Galbanum.

This study venture out the effect of nutrient priming to reduce germination problems. The experiment was conducted in Research Laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University in 2010 years. For this purpose, a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted with 3 replications. The experimental factors were include three levels of prime material (Zinc Sulphate, Magnesium Sulphate and Manganese Sulphate), prime concentration at three levels (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2%) and prime duration at two levels (12 and 24 hours). Early, the seeds were disinfected by 1 percentage of sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes. Then replaced at 4 degree centigrade for 5 weeks until seed dormancy was removed. After removing the seed dormancy, the seeds were treated with desired treatments. Then, twenty seeds from treated and control replaced in 9 centimeters diameter Petri dishes. The seeds replaced on two layer filter paper within Petri dishes. The Petri dishes were transferred to germinator with 12 degree centigrade temperature and 12 hours light cycle (light and dark). Finally, the germination indices consist of germination rate and percentage, Seed vigor, radicle and plumule length and dry weight were measured.

The results showed that the effect of nutrient priming materials on vigor, radicle length and dry weight (P> 0.01) and plumule length and dry weight (P> 0.05) was significant (Table 1). The treatment with zinc sulfate showed the most vigor. The highest radicle and plumule length was observed in the zinc and magnesium sulphate priming treatments but there was no statistically significant difference in plumule length between magnesium and zinc treatments. Seed treatment with any of the tested materials increased radicle and plumule dry weight compared to control (Table 2). Imran et al (Imran et al., 2008) reported that the nutrient priming of soybean seeds with zinc sulphate, magnesium sulphate and boric acid improves seed germination indices and increase the seed micronutrients content. Also Mirshekari (Mirshekari, 2013) reported that the Marigold seed vigor increased by seed priming with zinc and magnesium micronutrients. Effect of solution concentration on the germination percentage and rate, seed vigor, radicle length and dry weight (P> 0.01) was significant (Table 1). The results showed that all of the traits and characteristics showed the highest average at 0.05 percent concentration and with increasing concentrations to 0.1 and 0.2 percent of priming solutions, the average of all traits were decreased (Table 3). In this regard, Arif et al (2007) reported that increasing the concentration of 0.05 to 0.075 percent in zinc priming solution was reduced the chickpea emergence and biomass. Also reduce germination and seedling length affected by high concentrations of three elements boron, molybdenum and zinc in chickpea, lentil and cowpea have been reported (Johnson et al., 2005) which may be due to toxic effects of high absorbing elements (Bradford, 1995). The results showed that the increase of nutrient priming duration from 12 to 24 hours caused to improve all traits and germination indices in Galbanum (Table 4). Effect of priming duration on germination various between different species, for example increasing the priming duration lead to reduction Aquilegia Canadensis germination while increased Aquilegia caerula germination (Finnerty et al., 1992). In general, the results showed that nutrient priming with zinc sulphate 0.05 percent and 24 hours have been the better results on Galbanum germination and seedling growth.

Galbanum is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to apiaceae family. Gum extracted from its root there are many industrial and medical applications. Because of physiological dormancy the galbanum seeds have a little germination. Physiological dormancy is common type of primary dormancy in the apiaceae family (Bewley and Black, 1994). To breaking the physiological dormancy depending on the plant species, seeds should be exposed to cold, heat, treated with Gibberllic acid or other chemicals (Bewley and Black, 1994). The effect of cytokinines on the release of seed dormancy has been proven (Sharifi and Pooresmael, 2006). To context for domestication of this plant, conservation of genetic resources and the development of medical and industrial experts, this study carryout to find the appropriate treatments for  galbanum seed dormancy breaking. 

This study was conducted to optimize the methods of galbanum seed dormancy breaking. For this purpose, were used two separate experiments. The first experiment was conducted by a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three factor and replications. This experiment factors were consisted of moist chilling duration (0, 2, 3 and 4 weeks), Gibberllic acid concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm) and type of the breaking dormancy media (sand and filter paper). The second experiment was conducted with similar plan of first experiment. This experiment factors were consisted of moist chilling duration (0, 2, 3 and 4 weeks), benzyl amino pourine concentrations (0, 0.25 and0.35 mg/L) and type of the breaking dormancy media (sand and filter paper). The seeds disinfected by using of 1 percentage sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes. To apply moist chilling treatment, the seeds replaced within sterile filter paper layers or wet sand media as well as daily watering. Then transferred to refrigerator by 4 degree centigrade temperature.  All samples after the treatments were transferred to a growth chamber with a constant temperature 12 degree centigrade. In each experiment, 20 seeds replaced on the Petri dishes with diameter of 9 cm were used. Germination percentage and rate were measured in this study.

The results showed that moist chilling was essential factor to breaking the galbanum seed dormancy. Moist chilling combined with hormones also improves the germination rate and percentage. In this regard, Zangoie et al reported that the use of Gibberllic acid combined with moist chilling was significantly increased the germination rate of Dorema ammoniacum than the single moist chilling treatment (Zangoie et al., 2013). Also Yamauchi et al (Yamauchi et al., 2004) reported that 4 degree centigrade was increased the gene expression and Gibberllic acid production on the radical and aleuronic layer, thus the combination of moist chilling and hormonal treatments can improve the germination of seeds (Yamauchi et al., 2004).  Between two used hormones, the Gibberllic acid along with moist chilling showed that better seed germination compared to benzyl amino pourine along with moist chilling. Also it was found that use of sand media would have advantages for seed dormancy breaking compare with filter paper media. Stratification in moist sand as a very effective method to seed dormancy breaking on the some species such as Leymus arenariu (Greipsson, 2001).  Sand composed from mineral particles that not allows for rapid decomposition in an attack by micro-organisms during stratification period. On the other hand, appropriate moisture condition in sand media due to gravity water drainage from sand resulted in moisture adjustment to the extent of field capacity, that causes adequate moisture was exist around the seeds (Nasiri, 2008). This study showed that stratification was essential agent to remove galbanum seed dormancy. Application of Gibberllic acid with moist chilling on seed germination was effective than Benzyl Amino pourine with moist chilling. It was also found that the use of moist sand media for galbanum seed dormancy breaking was better than filter paper media.