فریدون نورقلی پور

The most soils of Khuzestan province are calcareous with different degrees of salinity, however, they play a significant role in the country agricultural production. One of the new methods to deal with environmental stresses is the use of plant growth stimulants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of application of growth stimulants on wheat yield components in saline soil, environmental and climatic conditions of Khuzestan province. Experiment was performed in three replications as randomized complete block design with soil salinity of 8 dS m-1 and water salinity of 3-4 dS m-1 under seven different treatments consisting of control, free amino acid, seaweed, seed treatment, humic acid, fulvic acid and combination in 2018 for two years. The use of seaweed, humic acid and amino acid caused a significant increase 30, 25 and 24 % of grain yield as compared to control treatment (p ≤0.05). The results of economic analysis showed a significant advantage of the humic acid application in increasing wheat yield (profit to cost ratio = 13.38). Application of plant growth stimulants on the macro and micro nutrients concentration in wheat leaves was not significant in almost all stages of plant growth compared to the control (p ≤0.05). In addition, the application of growth stimulants in calcareous soils of Khuzestan due to high soil buffering capacity did not have a significant effect on soil salinity, pH and sodium uptake ratio. Therefore, it is recommended that in wheat fields of Khuzestan province with saline and calcareous soils, in addition to basic fertilizers, humic acid be used as foliar application in two growth stages of tillering and booting to increase stress plant resistance and improve crop yield.

In order to investigate the response of safflower cultivars to different levels of soil P for its optimum use, this study was carried out in Darab, Isfahan, Dezful, and Kerman regions as a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design in three replications in two cropping seasons (2015-2016). The first factor was cultivar (Padideh and Goldasht cultivars for Isfahan and Darab and Goldasht and Soffe for Kerman and Dezful) and the second factor was different rates of triple super phosphate (TSP) including zero, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg.ha-1. The soil available phosphorus in Isfahan was 10.2, Darab 11, Kerman 7 and Dezful 7.18 mg kg-1. Based on the results, the effect of cultivar on safflower seed yield in Isfahan and Dezful was significant (p<0.01) and (p<0.05), respectively, but in Darab and Kerman, the difference between the two cultivars was not significant. The effect of TSP rate on grain yield in all four regions was significant (p<0.01).  The interaction effect effects of cultivar-phosphorus on the grain yield was significant only in Isfahan region (p<0.05). In Isfahan and Dezful, the highest yield was obtained from the Goldasht at the rate of 50 kg.ha-1, significantly different than the control. In Kerman, the highest seed yield was obtained from Goldasht and at 150 kg ha-1 TSP, significantly different than other treatments. With the application of TSP in Darab, Dezful and Isfahan, 20%, 78%, and 28%, increase in grain yield was observed compared to the control, respectively. The best benefit-to-cost ratio in Darab and Kerman regions was obtained from Goldasht for 100 and 150 kg.ha-1 TSP, respectively, while in Dezful and Isfahan it was obtained for 150 kg ha-1 TSP in Soffeh and Padideh, respectively. In general, for safflower in warm regions with soil available P of 10 mg kg-1, 50 kg.ha-1 TSP and for areas with soil available P of 7 mg.kg-1, 150 kg ha-1 TSP can be recommended.

Stresses reduce plant yield and production. Growth stimulants can help increase plant yield and resistance to abiotic stresses. For this purpose, the effect of several types of plant growth stimulants on yield and yield components of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) was studied. The experimental design was split-factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The study was conducted during 2019-21 in Arak Agricultural Research Station. The main variable was planting date (September and October) and the subplots were growth stimulant treatments including amino acid, fulvic acid, seaweed extract, humic acid, their composition, and the control treatment. The results showed that the effect of growth stimulants was significant on grain yield, phosphorus concentration, number of seeds per pod, leaf area, and potassium concentration. Experimental findings showed that the use of growth stimulants in the form of seed coating and foliar spraying at the six-leaf stage and the end of the rosette can be recommended in conditions similar to this study. Soil application of humic acid was effective in germination and six-leaf stages. September planting date was more appropriate than October. Application of growth stimulants on seed yield had a positive and similar effect in September planting, but was more effective in October planting when the plants were exposed to cold stress.

A national project was carried out in 10 provinces in order to compare the fertilization method of farmers with the integrated method of soil fertility recommendation for canola plants. The experiment included 54 farms in the provinces of Golestan, Mazandaran, Khuzestan (Dezful), Khuzestan (Ahvaz), Ardabil (Maghan), East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, Bushehr, Khorasan Razavi, Kermanshah, Fars and Varamin regions. These areas consisted of a wide range of canola cultivation regions, climatic conditions and a different range of soil characteristics. In a part of selected fields, fertilization was recommended based on the soil test (optimal use of fertilizers) and in the other half of the fields, application was according to the traditional method of the farmer in the region. At the end of the growth stage, the seed yield of treatments was compared in each province and in each region. According to the results, phosphorus had the highest percentage of deficiency in the soil of the fields, and among the micro nutrients, the highest deficiency was related to the zinc element. On average, the increase in grain yield of first year was 600 kg ha-1 or 24%, compared to the conventional treatment. In the second year, the increase in grain yield was 784 kg ha-1 or 27.4%. For the average of two years, the amount of 692 kg ha-1 or 25.7% increase in grain yield was obtained. The benefit to cost ratio of different regions depended on the characteristics of the soil and the amount of used fertilizers. The highest value of this ratio was obtained from the region of Neishabur (26.52) and Darab (22.31. The lowest was obtained from Bushehr (0.28). The results showed that the consumption of fertilizers with considering the time, quantity, source and method of application will improve the yield of canola in all regions.

The purpose of this study was to use some plant growth biostimulants to improve canola yield in calcareous saline conditions. Therefore, a two-year experiment was conducted in Qomroud section of Qom Province during two cropping years of 2018-20 in a soil with salinity of about 13 and 10 dS.m-1, respectively, and irrigation water of 7.5-8 dS.m-1. The study was carried out in field conditions with uniform and flat soil using a randomized complete blocks design, in three replications. Seeds of Hayola-50 cultivar were planted by hand. Experimental treatments were: 1) Control (application of chemical fertilizer based on soil test), 2) Soil application of humic acid (treatment 1+ soil application of 5 kg of humic acid.ha-1), 3) Amino acid spraying (treatment 1+ spraying of amino acid with a concentration of 5 g per thousand), 4) Foliar spraying of humic acid (treatment 1+ spraying of humic acid with a concentration of 5 g per thousand), 5) Foliar spraying of folic acid (treatment 1+ foliar acid spraying with a concentration of 5 g per thousand), 6) Spraying of seaweed extract (treatment 1+ spraying of seaweed extract with a concentration of 5 g per thousand), and 7) Combined treatment (including treatment 1+ treatments 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6). Foliar application was done at two stages of 57 (after rosette) and 59 (before flowering). The biennial results showed that the combined treatment of growth biostimulants had a significant effect on grain and oil yield as well as some agronomic characteristics of rapeseed. The highest grain and straw yield was obtained from treatment 7 with an average of 4565 and 1066 kg.ha-1, respectively. Also, the highest mean values ​​of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu were obtained in, respectively, treatments 7, 1, 7, 7, 3, 4, 1, and 6. In addition, the highest uptake of K, Ca, Mg, and Fe was observed in treatment 7, followed by Zn and Cu in treatment 6, and in the case of Cu, in treatment 1. Based on the results, the combined use of growth biostimulants, compared to the control treatment, had a significant effect on yield and some agronomic characteristics of rapeseed in saline conditions, indicating the effect of these substances on increasing rapeseed tolerance to saline conditions.

In order to determine the efficiency of different safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars in terms of their uptake and response to phosphorus fertilizer application, a 2-year (2016-2018) experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design as 2 x 5 factorial with three replications at the Arak Agricultural Research Center Station. Treatments included two cultivars of Sina and Padideh and five levels of phosphorus (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg.ha-1) as triple superphosphate. The results of analysis of variance showed that grain yield, number of bolls, 1000-seed weight, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium uptake, and total phosphorus yield were affected by the effect of cultivar and phosphorus levels. Apart from the total dry matter weight and phosphorus concentration, other studied characteristics were affected by the year. Plant height and nitrogen concentration were affected only by cultivar, while total dry matter weight and phosphorus concentration were affected by phosphorus levels. Comparison of the mean effect of phosphorus levels on grain yield showed that the maximum grain yield in both cultivars was obtained in treatment of 25 kg P/ha. In terms of total phosphorus efficiency, the level of 50 and in terms of phosphorus grain uptake efficiency and phosphorus-stress factor the level of 25 kg P/ha were optimal. Phosphorus efficiency indices did not differ significantly between the two cultivars, but Sina cultivar showed higher phosphorus uptake than Padideh.

Nitrogen and sulfur are the most effective nutrients in oil seed production, especially, canola. In order to study the effects of different levels of nitrogen and sulphur on seed yield, yield components, seed oil, and leaf and seed nutrients content of canola (Brassica napus L.) a factorial experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications for two years. The first factor consisted of two nitrogen levels (N1=180 and N2=240 kg. ha-1 net nitrogen) and second factor had four sulphur levels (S0=0, S1=200 kg ha-1 powder sulphur inoculated with Thiobacillus inoculant, S2=100 kg ha-1 from ((NH3)2SO4 and S3=100 kg ha-1   from CaSO4). The results showed that effect of the nitrogen levels were significant on leaf nitrogen concentration, and seed nitrogen concentration and uptake at 0.01-probability level and seed sulphur at 0.05 probability level but was not significant on other measured attributes. Effect of the sulphur levels were significant on leaf sulphur concentration, seed and oil yield and seed sulphur concentration and uptake at 0.01 probability level and leaf nitrogen and seed oil concentration at 0.05 probability level. The maximum seed and oil yield, seed nitrogen and sulphur uptake, leaf sulphur and seed oil concentration were obtained from S1 level with 5069, 2135, 99.5 and 23.3 kg per ha and 0.95 and 42.1 percent, respectively. The two way interactions of nitrogen and sulphur were significant on leaf and seed nitrogen concentration. In general, the application of 180 kg nitrogen and 200 kg inoculated sulphur with two percent Thiobacillus inoculant would be recommended to achieve the optimum growth of canola in similar soils.

Phosphorus is the third most important nutrient in crop production after nitrogen and potassium. It is involved in all biochemical processes, energetic compounds, and energy transfer mechanisms. Phosphorus participates in the cellular proteins and cell membrane and nucleic acids. In addition, this element is essential for seed formation and root development. Also, this element recovery in the first year of application estimates to be 8 to 30%, and after 30 years rarely reaches to 50% and its rest is stabilized in the soil and accumulates inaccessibly for most plants. Therefore, in the last two decades, scientists have used various methods to improve the efficiency of phosphorus, including the selection and genetic modification of plants and the adopting agricultural practices such as determining the optimal amount of phosphorus, the right time and method of application and the right fertilizer source. In addition, due to the growing trend of vegetable oil consumption and the high cost of supplying the required oil through imports, the purpose of this study was to determine the optimal rate of phosphorus and selecting the appropriate efficient cultivar in order to extend oilseed crops cultivation.

In order to study the response of safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius L.), to phosphorus rates and their efficiency indices, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2012-13 and 2014-15 at Safiabad Agricultural Research Center of Dezful, Khuzestan, Iran. The first factor included five phosphorus levels (0, 50,100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 as Triple Super Phosphate "TSP"), and the second factor included two cultivars (Goldasht and Soffeh). Safflower seeds were planted by setting up a sugar beet planter, in a row with a distance of 50 cm between rows and a distance of 5 cm between plants. Urea and potassium sulfate were uses at 300 and 100 kg ha-1, respectively. One-third of nitrogen and all phosphorus and potassium were used pre planting. The rest of urea fertilizer was applied as top dressing in two equal splitting rates (beginning of stem and early flowering stages). Before harvesting in each replication, the number of fertile heads per square meter (in three boxes of one square meter per plot), and the number of full grains (counting full grains in 20 heads), and after harvesting the weight of 1000 seeds (with three times counts were calculated in three random groups of 1000 seeds per plot). Finally, number of fertile heads per square meter, number of seeds per heads, 1000-seed weight, seed and oil yields, seed phosphorus uptake, and phosphorus efficiency indices were measured.

The results showed that the interaction of treatments was significant on the number of fertile heads per square meter and number of seeds per head. In both cultivars, with increasing phosphorus application, the mentioned traits increased significantly. The highest number of fertile heads (252 pieces), and the number of seeds per head (23.17 pieces), were obtained at the level of 150 kg phosphorus ha-1. The interaction between year and phosphorus on 1000-seed weight and seed yield and the interaction between year and cultivar on 1000-seed weight were significant. The highest 1000-seed weight (42.41 g), and seed yield (2184 kg ha-1), were obtained by application of 100 kg phosphorus ha-1. Seed and oil yields of Soffeh cultivar (1979 and 599 kg ha-1, respectively), was superior to Goldasht cultivar. Also, the results showed that Goldasht cultivar had higher utilization efficiency (248 kg kg-1), compared to Soffeh cultivar (218 kg kg-1). Phosphorus application significantly reduced use and uptake efficiency indices (69% and 85%, respectively). So that the treatment without phosphorus application had the highest use and uptake efficiency (1 kg kg-1). The difference between use and uptake efficiency at the level of 50 kg phosphorus ha-1 with other phosphorus levels was about 19% and 25%, respectively.

In general, due to the highest benefit-to-cost ratio (35.51) and use and uptake efficiency indices (0.69 and 0.7 kg .kg-1, respectively), application of 50 kg ha-1 of phosphorus fertilizer and Soffeh cultivar is recommended.

Nitrogen fertilizer management has a special priority for safflower economic production. Increasing the efficiency of this element, in addition to increasing economic benefits, also reduces environmental pollution. Therefore, a factorial experiment was conducted in the form of statistical design of complete randomized blocks with three replications at Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center during two years (2012 and 2014). Experimental treatments included four amounts of pure zero  nitrogen control (without nitrogen application), 60, 120 and 180 kilogram per hectare and four levels of nitrogen application time as split (consumption of all when planting T1, consumption of two thirds when planting and one third the beginning of the stem elongation T2, consumption of one third when planting and two thirds of the beginning stem elongation T3 and consumption of one third during planting, one third of the beginning of stem elongation and one third of early flowering T4 ). The results showed that the interaction of treatments on plant height, number of fertility heads per meter square, seed yield, oil yield, use efficiency and nitrogen uptake by seed were significant. The main effect of nitrogen on the number of seeds per head, one thousand seed weight, oil percentage and nitrogen uptake efficiency were significant. Also, the main effect of split on the number of seeds per head, oil percentage and nitrogen uptake efficiency was significant. The interaction of treatments compared to control treatment (without nitrogen application) showed an increase in seed yield and consequently oil yield. On the other hand, with increasing nitrogen application compared to control treatment and also with its two and three stages split (T2, T3 and T4) nitrogen efficiency indices decreased and increased, respectively. Therefore, according to the conditions of this experiment and the calculation of the ratio of benefit to cost, application of 60 kiligram pure nitrogen per hectare one-third at a time (T4) with seed yield of 2226 kilogram per hectare and  the highest ratio of benefit to cost (43.18) and nitrogen use efficiency (31 kilogram per kilogram) is recommended.

Improved product quality, sustainable cultivation systems, and reduced production costs are among the objectives of modern agriculture despite the global and local climate changes that have faced crops with a variety of stresses. Biostimulants seem to be capable of helping plants in their struggle against these stresses toward the goals of modern agriculture. These compounds include humic substances, seaweed extracts, amino acids, microbial inoculants, and minerals such as useful elements and inorganic salts including phosphates and antiperspirants. While application of biostimulants has witnessed a dramatic increase in the world and in Iran over the past few years, it must be noticed that they might have different effects on different species and even on different varieties of a given plant species. Their application for agricultural and horticultural purposes must, therefore, be duly modified in accordance with local and regional research findings. It is the objective of this paper to provide a better understanding of plant biostimulants based on scientific findings and practical experience in agriculture and horticulture. It will be shown that plant biostimulants are capable of improving crop production, enhancing plant resistance to abiotic stresses, and elevating crop quality. Future research in this area should aim at the determination of the mechanism(s) underlying the activities of such materials since a better understanding of their activities and effects will be necessary for achieving sustainable agricultural production systems.

Due to the compatibility of canola with different conditions, economic value, its price and importance of rotation with cereals, it has the highest level of cultivation area among the oilseed crops in Iran. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a widespread macronutrient deficiency and is one of the major limiting constraints for canola production. Despite its importance, it limits crop yield on more than 40% of the world’s arable land and 70.2% in Iran. Moreover, global P reserves are being depleted at a higher rate and according to some estimates, there will be no economic P reserve by the year 2050. This is a potential threat to sustainable canola production. Most of the P applied in the form of fertilizers may be adsorbed by the soil, and would not be available for plants lacking specific adaptations. It is widely accepted that the most realistic solution to the problem of P deficiency is to develop new plant cultivars that adapt to P-deficient soils. Phosphorus efficiency is a term that generally describes the ability of crop species/genotypes to give higher yield under P-limiting condition. Plant species as well as genotypes within the same species may differ in P efficiency. This study was conducted to determine the effect of phosphorus fertilization on the grain yield and phosphorus efficiency indices in different canola cultivars.

The present study was carried out at the research farm of the Mahidasht Agricultural Research Station located 20 km away from Kermanshah (with elevation of 1265 m). This experiment was conducted as factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications with 2 factors including canola varieties and different amounts of phosphorus fertilizer. The first factor consisted of five triple superphosphate (TSP) levels (0, 16, 32, 49, and 61 kg per ha) and the second factor consisted of three cultivars (Okapi, Opera and Zarfam). This research was conducted on soil where the amount of available phosphorus was lower than the critical level required for canola (15 mg kg-1). Prior to sowing, all phosphorus treatments with 30 kg ha-1 of zinc sulfate fertilizer as well as one-third of nitrogen fertilizer (100 kg ha-1 urea) were applied during planting and mixed thoroughly with the soil. The remaining urea fertilizer was applied at two stages of stem growth (120 kg ha-1) and early flowering (100 kg ha-1). Each experimental plot had an area of 12 m2. Irrigation method was sprinkler. Grain and straw yield were determined after the harvest and seed samples (harvesting stage) were taken and rinsed with distilled water, oven dried at 70 °C, ground, digested and analyzed for determining the P concentration. Analysis of variance was performed using SAS software and mean comparisons performed by Duncan’s multiple range tests (P ≤ 0.05).

The results showed that the interaction effects of phosphorus fertilizer rate and canola cultivars on leaf P concentration, grain and straw yield, grain P concentration and uptake, and P efficiency indices were significant. In average of the two-years, the highest grain and straw yields (3203 and 4613 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained from 300 kg ha-1 P fertilizer rate for Okapi cultivar. Under the P deficiency condition, no significant difference was observed between cultivars in terms of grain yield. Significant differences were observed among three cultivars in terms of P efficiency. Opera cultivar was efficient in absorption (0.84) and Zarfam cultivar was efficient in phosphorus utilization (152 kg grain / kg fertilizer), but Opera was phosphorus efficient. With application of phosphorus fertilizer, phosphorus use efficiency decreased and the highest amount was found for the control treatment which produced 169 kg seeds per kg of phosphorus. The lowest amount of this characteristic was obtained for 300 kg phosphorus fertilizer treatment. Considering the correlation between phosphorus stress factor and P uptake efficiency, it seems that P efficiency was dependent on P uptake (R2 = 0.477 **) rather than P utilization (R2 = 0.076 ns).

Phosphorus uptake efficiency can be used for selecting P efficient cultivars of canola under farm condition. Application of Opera and Okapi cultivars with 80 kg of fertilizer per ha in similar conditions of this experiment would be advisable and excess phosphorus fertilizer application would not significantly increase grain yield. Selecting suitable varieties could decrease application of chemical fertilizers in the soil.

In order to setting the time of irrigation of the sesame plant using a evaporation pan, an experiment was conducted for two years and three replications in the major cultivations of country (Bushehr, Darab and Jiroft) Irrigation treatments were I0 (irrigation based on conventional harvest), I1 (Irrigation interval based on 90 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan), I2 (Irrigation interval based on 120 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan class A evaporation pan), I3 (Irrigation interval based on 150 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan), I4 (Irrigation interval based on 180 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan), I5 (Irrigation interval based on 90 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan until beginning of flowering and 180 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan after flowering) And I6 (Irrigation intervals based on 180 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan until beginning of flowering and 90 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan class A evaporation pan class A evaporation pan after flowering).The results showed that Sesame did not have much susceptibility to water stress before flowering.at all points of the project and can be set the Irrigation intervals based on 180 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan (about 12 days) But this irrigation program at the beginning of the flowering Reduces performance significantly And Irrigation should be ased on 90 mm cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan (approximately 7 days)

This study was conducted based on a randomized complete block design and a factorial experiment with three replications in regions to investigate the effect of different rates and times of nitrogen on the quantitative properties of safflower. The first factor was different nitrogen rates including 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 , and the second one was nitrogen application time including seed sowing, rosette and the before flowering stage; these were 1-0-0, 1/3-2/3-0, 2/3-1/3-0 and 1/3-1/3-1/3 with the Goldasht variety. The results showed that nitrogen rate had a significant effect on all studied traits. Nitrogen application time also had a significant effect on capitulum number and yield at p>0.99 and on the length of plant, nitrogen adsorption, agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery at p>0.95. So based on the results, the recommended consumption of 60 kg/ha N was split into three equal amounts at the time of planting, rosette and flowering or 1/3-2/3-0, in Kerman area.

Due to the vital role of phosphorus as an effective element in plant cell metabolism, it is considered as an important macro-nutrient for plants. Introducing new cultivars of plants that take up and use phosphorus efficiently can reduce financial and environmental cost of phosphate fertilizers. Rapeseed as an important oilseed crop is widely grown around the world, including Iran. This greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine relative use or acquisition efficiency of seven winter rapeseed cultivars (Talaye, Okapi, L72, Gabriela, Karaj, Brutus, Elvis) in deficiently (0 mg P kg-1 add to soil with 4.6 mg Olsen P kg-1 ) and adequately supplied P condition (80 mg P kg-1 add to soil). Shoot and root dry weight, leaf area, root volume, P and Ca uptake in root and shoot and P efficiency was measured and compared. The rhizobag technique was used for accessing rhizosphere soil. Based on the results, cultivars such as Gabriela with higher P uptake efficiency produced more biomass in phosphorus deficiency condition. There was significant variation in PE among the cultivars ranging from 0.25(Elvis) to 0.62 (Gabriela) and PACE ranged from 0.16 (Elvis) to 0.47 (Gabriela) and PUI (g2 SDW mg-1 P) ranged from 0.12 (Elvis) to 0.38 (Gabriela). Interaction effect of soil type (rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere) and P rate on soil pH was significant. It seems that P efficiency and biomass production in these cultivars was primarily due to their acquisition efficiency of P and Ca with larger root system and increase in P mobility and uptake from the soil and P use efficiency was in the next order of importance at P stress environment.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of phosphorus fertilization on the grain yield and phosphorus efficiency in different canola cultivars during 2010-2012, at Research Center and Agricultural and Education and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ssafiabad, Dezful, Iran. The experiment was arranged as factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor consisted of five phosphorus (Pp) levels (0, 16, 32, 49, and 61 kg.ha-1) and the second factor consisted of three cultivars (Hyola 401, RGS 300, and Sarigol). The result showed that the main effect of phosphorus and cultivars on yields of grain, straw, oil, and phosphorus uptake were significant. The highest of grain and oil yields (2856 and 1128 kg.ha-1, respectively) was were obtained from application of 16 kg P per ha-1 (2856 and 1128 kg -1,respectively). Also, Hyola 401 cultivar had the highest grain and oil yields (2891 and 1137 kg. ha-1, respectively).Phosphorus application led to significant decrease in the phosphorus efficiency indices. Significant differences among the cultivars in terms of performance measurement indicators was were not observed, except indicator of response to fertilizer, so thatwhile the Hyola 401 had the highest response to fertilizer compared to the other cultivars. According to the results of this study, and with regardingconsidering economical analysis, application of 16 kg Pp per ha-1 and Hyola 401 cultivar is recommended.

Due to the importance of sesame as an oil crop, in order to investigate the effects of different levels and application time of nitrogen (N) on quantitative and qualitative yield of this crop, an experiment was conducted in two successive years from July 2009, on JL-13 variety in Jiroft. Experimental design was factorial with Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications. Treatments were 5 levels of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 kg N ha-1) as urea and split application of N (two splits: before planting and before flowering; and 3 splits: before planting before flowering before seed pods). Every plot contained four planting rows (five meters length). Spacing between two rows and plants were 50 and 10 cm, respectively. Two central rows were cut for yield and yield components determination. N absorption and nitrogen agronomic efficiency were also measured. Results showed that the effect of N splitting on yield, yield components, and oil content of sesame was not significant. Nitrogen application increased seed yield, yield component, and N agronomic efficiency significantly. Application of 75 kg N ha-1 resulted in the highest seed and oil yield, i.e. 1137 and 602 kg ha-1, respectively. Thus, under the condition of this experiment, application of 75 kg N ha-1 in two splits is recommendable.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) foliar application on seed yield and nutrient contents of irrigated safflower during three years (2010-2013) in a soil with low concentration of available Zn, Fe and Mn. The experiment was conducted in Chardavol field station in northern Ilam province, Iran. Experimental treatments included; control (without Zn, Fe and Mn application), foliar application of water, and foliar application of Zn, Fe, Mn, Zn, Zn, Fe and Znᗯ using randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on seed and oil yield of safflower was significant. Mean comparison showed that the highest seed yield was obtained from foliar application of Znᗯ with 1472 kg.ha-1which was 12.9 and 12.4 percent higher than seed yield in control (without foliar application) and foliar application of water, respectively.. Seed oil yield was significantly higher in foliar application of Znᗯ (421 kg.ha-1) and Zn (411 kg.ha-1) in comparison with control. It can be concluded that highest seed yield and seed oil yield were obtained from foliar applications of Znᗯ and Zn, respectively.

In order to evaluate the effects of Fe-Fulvate extracted from cow rotten manure and Fe-EDDHA on the yield and yield components of soybean(Glycin max (L.) Merr. var. saland), this study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications during 2012 at Safi-Abad Agricultural Research Center of Dezful, Iran. The treatments were: T1(without Fe application; the control), T2 (soil application of Fe-EDDHA to apply100% of the recommended Fe content equal to 12.5 kg.ha-1),T3(foliar application of Fe-Fulvate to apply 100% of the recommended Fe content with a concentration of 5 kg in 1000 lit of water"), T4 (soil application of Fe-EDDHA and foliar application of Fe-Fulvate to apply75% equal to 9.38 kg.ha-1 and 25% equal to 1.25 kg in 1000 lit of water of the recommened levels, respectively), T5 (soil application of Fe-EDDHA and foliar application of Fe-Fulvate to apply 50% equal to 6.25 kg.ha-1 and 50% equal to 2.5 kg in 1000 lit of water of the recommended levels, respectively), and T6 (soil application of Fe-EDDHA and foliar application of Fe-Fulvate to apply 25% equal to 3.13 kg.ha-1 and 75% equal to 3.75 kg in 1000 lit of water of the recommended levels, respectively). Results indicated that Fe application had significant effects on plant height, number of pods per plant, 1000-grain weight, grain and total yields, chlorophyll meter index (4 and 6 weeks after planting), and grain uptakes of Fe and Mn. Regardless of the Fe fertilizer source used, grain yield in the Fe-treated plants showed an average improvement of 28% relative to that of the control (T1). Based on the results of the experiment, Fe-Fulvate may be recommended for use as the Fe supply source. Finally, T5 proved to be a better treatment than the others.

In order to optimized nitrogen fertilizer recommendation for a new safflower cultivar called “Padideh” an experiment was conducted in two regions of East Azerbaijan، Tikmehdash and Shabestar. Experimental design was a randomized complete blocks design arranged in factorial with three replications. The first factor was different nitrogen rates including 30، 60، 120 and 180 kg ha-1 nitrogen supplied from urea and the second factor was three times of split nitrogen application (including seed sowing، rosette and before flowering stage) at 1-0-0، 0-1-0، 1/3-1/3-1/3، 0-2/3-1/3 and 0-1/3-2/3 ratios. The results showed that، there was significant difference between the two regions in terms of studied traits so that safflower in Tikmehdash out-performed it at Shabestar. In addition، different nitrogen rates had significant effects on safflower traits. In general، increase in nitrogen rate led to increase in vegetative growth and improved yield and yield components. Furthermore، some parameters such as nitrogen agronomic efficiency، nitrogen use efficiency، nitrogen physiologic efficiency and apparent nitrogen recovery increased with increasing nitrogen application. Spliting nitrogen application showed a significant effect on some vegetative and yield related traits as well as nitrogen agronomic efficiency. Interaction between nitrogen rate and time of application was significant on plant height، seed number in capitulum، seed yield and oil yield. Safflower grain yield in Tikmehdash region using 180 kg ha-1 nitrogen and applied at rosette and prior to flowering stage was found to be greater than Shabestar.

Expansion and economical importance of yield reduction due to iron deficiency chlorosis in the world has attracted many researchers attention. Different materials, such as iron sulfate, acidified remediation, wastes, by-products of industries, iron chelate and organic compounds, have been tested to correct iron chlorosis. This experiment studied effect of applying an iron fertilizer for corn (SC 704) consisting sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria. Experiment was carried out in greenhouse in factorial with complete of randomized design in four replications. The first factor was two kinds of irrigation water, w1= irrigation with ordinary water of soil and water research station of Karaj and w2= irrigation with acidified water of station with pH of 5-5.2 (acidified with sulfuric acid). The second factor was seven iron fertilizer treatments, T1=Control (without iron fertilizer); T2= Iron sequestrine 138 (10 mg. kg-1), T3= Iron sulfate (110 mg.kg-1), T4= Iron oxide powder of iron ore (220 mg.kg-1), T5= T4 + sulfur (250 mg.kg-1 powdered sulfur) + Thiobacillus inoculant (104 cell.gr soil -1), T6= T5 + organic matter, T7= T3 + organic matter. Nitrogen, potassium, triple superphosphate, Mn, Zn, Cu sulfates and acid boric was used 200, 85, 90, 10, 5, 10 and 5 mg. kg-1, respectively. In the end of experiment, Dry shoot and root weight, iron uptake, chlorophyll Index (SPAD 502) and Fv/Fm were measured. Based on results, acidified irrigation water had significant effect on shoot dry weight and P and Fe uptake at five percent probability level, but had no significant effect on chlorophyll index. Effects of different fertilizer treatments on dry weight, P and Fe uptake and chlorophyll index, against Fv/Fm, were significant on five percent level. T6 and T7 produced highest shoot dry weight and T2 produced the lowest. The highest amount of P and Fe uptake was belonging to T7 and the lowest was belonging to T2. The highest amount of chlorophyll index was belonging to T6. Between treatments there was no significant difference on Fv/Fm factor.

In order to study the effects of nitrogen and sulphur on yield and oil content of canola (Brassica napus L. cv.RGS003), this experiment was conducted in 2007-09 at Safiabad Agricultural Research Center of Dezful, Iran. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with factorial arrangement of treatments with three replications. Factors included two levels of nitrogen: 180 and 240 kg N ha-1 as Urea and four levels of sulphur: control (S0), 200 kg S ha-1 as sulphur powder inoculated with Thiobacillus.sp (S1), 100 kg S ha-1 as ammonium sulphate (S2) and 100 kg S ha-1 as gypsum (S3). The results showed that teraction of nitrogen and sulphur was not significant on seed and oil yield. The highest seed and oil yield (2182 kg ha-1 and 675 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained with application of 180 kg ha-1 N and 100 kg S ha-1 as ammonium sulphate.

Phosphorus is one of the major elements in plant nutrition and crop productivity, participating in many biochemical processes and translocation of energy. In addition, P is a constituent of cell nucleic acids. Application of phosphate fertilizers is a common practice to correct P-deficiency in plants. For a long time, rock phosphate (RP) has been a major source to P fertilizer production. For evaluation of the efficiency of combined rock phosphate with different constituents, a garden experiment, as a completely randomized block design, was carried out in Torough Station of Agricultural Center of Khorasan with eleven treatments and three replications. Each replication included two apple trees (there should be 11 treatments or 22 apple trees in each replicate row). Treatments were: T1: control (without phosphorous use), T2: Using P as triple super phosphate, T3: 40% concentrated R P. + 40% S(powdered) + 16% cow manure (CM) + 4% zinc sulphate, T4: T3 + 20 grams Thiobacillus sp. inoculant (107 cfu g-1), T5: T3 + 40 grams Thiobacillus sp. inoculant, T6: T3 + Tea residues instead of CM, T7: T4 + Tea residues instead of CM, T8: T5 + Tea residues instead of CM, T9: T3 + plant residue compost instead of CM, T10: T4 + plant residue compost instead of CM, T11: T5 + plant residue compost instead of CM. In all treatments, 1 kg of each fertilizer was used for each apple tree at a 40 cm depth. Results indicated that there were significant differences among treatments including concentrated RP + S, Thiobacillus sp. bacteria and CM, with control treatment and treatments with no Thiobacillus from the aspect of available-P and leaves-P concentrations. Based on the results (P<0.05) using of RP + S, Thiobacillus sp. bacteria + CM at a rate of 1 kg.tree-1 for each apple tree had the same effect as triple super phosphate.