محمدهادی راد

To evaluate the growth characteristics of some pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes on selected rootstocks under saline conditions, a factorial experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design, at the Chah Afzal Station of the National Salinity Research Center of Iran, in 2017-2022. The factors included rootstocks at four levels (1- Chah Afzal (CA), 2- Vahshi Babolsar (VB), 3- Narak Lasjerd Semnan (NL), and 4- Poost Siyah Ardakan, PS) and scions at three levels (1- Malas Yazdi (MY), 2- Rabab Niriz (RN) and 3- Chah Afzal). This research was done on sixty 4-year-old trees, with 240 observations (4 branches on each tree) with irrigation water salinity of 9±0.5 dS/m. The results showed that type of rootstock affected on the graft success percentage and the salinity tolerance of the grafted genotypes. The highest and lowest graft success percentages was observed in MY cultivar grafted on CA rootstock (96.77%) and CA genotype grafted on PS Ardakan rootstock (20.77%), respectively. The maximum height and diameter of the scions were observed in MY cultivar grafted on VB rootstock (131 cm and 16 mm, respectively). The highest relative water content was observed in RN cultivar grafted on CA (80.09%). This grafted compound had the lowest relative ions leakage (60%). The highest potassium content was observed in the leaves of CA genotype grafted on VB (1.4%) was RN grafted on VB (1.3%). Also, the lowest sodium content in each three grafted genotypes was observed on VB. In general, the genotypes grafted on VB and CA showed more tolerance to salinity. Genotypes grafted on PS Ardakan had not sufficient tolerance in saline conditions, so, the grafted combinations of RN/PS Ardakan and CA/PS Ardakan dried completely in the second year (2022). Overall, the grafted combinations of RN/V B and MY/VB were recognized as superior, followed by combinations of CA/ VB, MY/CA and RN/CA.

In arid and semi-arid areas, due to the existence of areas with low quality of water and soil, identification of wood species tolerant to salinity is very important. Therefore, this research aimed to identify provenances of Populus euphratica Oliv tolerant to salinity in comparison with the native provenances of Yazd Province, using a split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD). Variables included the main factor i.e. salinity at 4 levels, and the secondary factor of Populus euphratica Oliv provenances at 7 levels. The study was performed with 3 replications during 2023-2024 at Hosein Abad Station of the National Salinity Research Center. Irrigation water salinity levels included (2.8, 6, 10 and 14 dS/m) and the provenances included 1) Isfahan, 2) Manjil, 3) Yazd-1, 4) Yazd-2, 5) Garmsar, 6) Garekhlar, and 7) Kerman. The results showed that provenance and salinity level affected the morphological and physiological traits and the concentration of nutrient elements. All the studied provenances tolerated salinity level of 6 dS/m, but with increase in salinity, all the growth characteristics in some of the studied provenances decreased significantly. At 10 and 14 dS/m, total height, total diameter, breast-high diameter, and their increase during the growing season, necrosis percentage and relative water content of leaves in the provenances of Kerman, Manjil and Garmsar significantly decreased compared to the control trees. However, sodium content, sodium to potassium ratio and relative ion leakage of leaves increased significantly compared to the control. A significant decrease in the investigated growth traits was observed in Yazd 1 and Garekhlar provenances only at the salinity level of 14 dS/m compared to the control. These results indicate that the provenances of Yazd-1 and Garekhlar were able to tolerate salinity of 10 dS/m by maintaining its growth characteristics and increasing potassium uptake against sodium. After them, Yazd-2 and Isfahan provenances showed relatively good tolerance to salinity. On the other hand, Kerman, Garmsar and Manjil were recognized as the most sensitive provenances to salinity stress. To select the best provenance for salinity tolerance, it is recommended to study the quality of wood and yield in different locations.

 The history of using American mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) for desertification control especially sand stabilization in Iran, is long. Considering the non-native nature of this species, attention should be paid to its ecological requirements, especially water needs or evapotranspiration (ET). This can contribute to the sustainability of sand stabilization programs and fine dust control and play an influential role in ecosystem development. Determining plants' evapotranspiration rates through lysimetry is one of the most accurate direct measurement methods. 

 The experiment using weighing and drainage lysimeters began in 2021 by planting seedlings inside lysimeters located at the Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Desert Research Station. It continued for two years. Nine lysimeters with a volume of 1.95 m³ (height: 170 cm, diameter: 121 cm) and a surface area of 1.15 m² were used. The ET rates and the crop coefficient (Kc) of Prosopis juliflora were studied under different soil moisture levels, including field capacity (no stress), 67% of field capacity (mild stress), and 34% of field capacity (severe) for various growth stages. Irrigation was performed by drip irrigation based on a fraction of field capacity with an appropriate number of droppers calculated for each treatment. For field capacity, 67% and 34% of field capacity treatments, 6, 4, and 2 droppers with an 8 liters per hour flow rate were used, respectively. Each treatment was irrigated twice with the appropriate amount of water based on soil moisture levels. 

 The results showed that Prosopis juliflora, under lysimeter conditions and the local climate, had an annual ET rate of 496.5 mm and a Kc 0.21. These values for the 67% and 34% field capacity treatments were 445.4 mm with Kc 0.18 and 275.2 mm with Kc 0.11, respectively. The ET rates of Prosopis juliflora at different growth stages revealed that the highest ET occurred during the development period of 124 days. This corresponds to rapid shoot, branch, and leaf growth. The ET rates in different irrigation regimes for field capacity, 67%, and 34% of soil moisture were 322.1 mm, 281.7 mm, and 158.3 mm, respectively. The lowest ET rate was associated with the final growth stage. The Kc for various growth stages in the field capacity treatment were 0.19, 0.24, and 0.14 for the first, second, and third growth periods, respectively. Under these conditions, a sigmoid growth curve (initial growth, development, and end of growth) can be defined for this plant. 

 It is recommended for afforestation with this species in Iran's southern regions, considering its optimal planting density to reduce competition. It is also recommended to pay attention to its ET rate, especially during the hot months of the year when it can exceed 2.5 mm per day. By examining and calculating the ET rates of mature trees with appropriate efficiency in sand stabilization and dust control, it was found that to create a canopy cover area, as mentioned, it is necessary to have 4846 m3 of water per hectare (equivalent to 484.6 mm per year) available to the plant. In other words, with this amount of ET, the plant can expand its canopy cover area to 19.5 m2 and, with 155 individuals per hectare (8×8 meters), cover 30% of the area, which is suitable for sand stabilization.

Increasing world population, along with climate change and environmental stresses, has posed a serious challenge to adequate food supply. Salinity is one of the most important stresses affecting the reduction of agricultural products. In recent years, the use of new strategies for sustainable production of food products under salinity stress has been considered, including plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria. Due to the strategic importance of wheat in food security, this study was designed and conducted with the aim of increasing the salinity resistance of wheat (Var. Narin) using plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of several halophyte plants in Yazd province.

Plant growth promoting traits such as ability to produce auxin, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, and phosphate solubility and salinity resistance of isolated bacteria from rhizosphere of halophyte plants (Atriplex lentiformis, Seidlitzea rosmarinus, Halostachys belangeriana and Tamarix ramossima) in their habitats in Chahafzal in Yazd Province were investigated. Then, wheat seeds were inoculated with the best three bacteria in terms of plant growth-promoting traits and salinity resistance, and then was irrigated with water with salinities of 4, 8 and 16 ds m-1. After the growth period, total biomass, seed weight and spike components and seed amylose and amylopectin were measured.

The studied bacteria including Bacillus safensis, B. pumilus and Zhihengliuella halotolerans had the ability to produce auxin, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC deaminase) and phosphate solubility. The highest amount of auxin production was measured in B. safensis (29.72 μg ml–1) and the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide production and phosphate solubility was in Z. halotolerans. The highest amount of ACC deaminase was measured in B. pumilus (8 μmol of α-ketobutyrate h–1 mg–1 protein). The results showed that increasing salinity levels decreased spike length, spike weight, number of spikelets, number of florets, number of seed, seed weight, amylose and amylopectin content of seeds. The length and weight of spikes at salinity of 16 dS  m–1 decreased by 36% and 18%, respectively, compared to the non-salinity control. Instead, B. safensis, Z. halotolerans and B. pumilus caused an average increase of 35, 22, and 17.6% of the spike length at salinity stress levels (4, 8, and 16 dS m-1), respectively, compared to the uninoculated controls. Also, B. safensis, B. pumilus and Z. halotolerans bacteria caused an average increase of 69, 43 and 30% of spike weight in salinity stress levels compared to the uninoculated control, respectively. The number of spikelets and number of florets at salinity of 16 dS m-1 decreased by 27 and 43%, respectively, compared to the non-salinity control. In all salinity stress levels, B. safensis, Z. halotolerans and B. pumilus caused an average increase of 48, 26 and 13% of total biomass, and an average increase of 59, 23 and 7% of seed weight in all salinity stress levels compared to control. B. safensis, more than the other two bacteria, improved the total biomass and seed weight of wheat.

Plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria in this experiment significantly improved the resistance of wheat to salinity stress. Comparison between the studied bacteria showed that B. safensis had a greater effect on the promotion of total biomass, yield and all traits of the studied components than B. pumilus and Z. halotolerans, due to the superiority of B. safensis in auxin production and increasing the ratio of potassium to sodium. It can be concluded that the auxin and the potassium are of key importance in increasing the reproductive performance of Narin cultivar. It is also concluded that the rhizosphere of halophytic rangeland plants can be a good source for the isolation of salinity-resistant bacteria to improve the resistance of wheat plants to salinity.

To investigate the effects of irrigation water salinity (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 dS.m-1) on morphophysiological characteristics of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) aerial parts, an experiment was conducted using drained big pots in a completely randomized design with three replications at the central station of National Salinity Research Center, Yazd during 2018-2021 years. The salinity levels affected the height, diameter, area, and volume of plants canopy, number of new branches, number of new basal shoots, number of leaves per plant, total leaves area, leaf area index, leaf dry weight, leaves damage percentage at high temperature, amount of total chlorophyll, chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, proline, total sugar, leaf anthocyanins, leaf phenols, and antioxidant activity significantly (P<0.01). Based on the results, B. vulgaris tolerated the salinity stress well. Despite the growth reduction at salinity levels above 9 dS.m-1, plant physiological resistance was observed through the production of secondary osmolytes and survival under saline conditions up to 12 dS.m-1. Accordingly, in suitable barberry production habitats, it is possible to take advantage of water resources and saline soil to grow seedless barberry, especially to increase phenolics, by ture management of the root environment and control of the saturated soil extract salinity up to 12 dS.m-1.

The demand for wheat as the most important grain used by humans is increasing. Due to climate change and improper soil and water management, salinity stress reduces wheat yield. The use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria is a nature-friendly way to reduce the effects of salinity stress on wheat yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant growth promoting bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of several saline plants in Yazd province on total biomass and yield components of wheat (var. Ghods).

Plant growth promoting characteristics and salinity resistance of bacteria isolated from rhizosphere of Atriplex lentiformis, Seidlitzea rosmarinus, Tamarix ramosissima and Halostachys belangeriana were investigated. Wheat seeds were inoculated with superior bacteria including Bacillus safensis, B. pumilus and Zhihengliuella halotolerans and after planting in the pots in greenhouse conditions was irrigated with water with salinities of 4, 8, and 16 ds/m.

All three bacteria were able to produce auxin. The highest amount of auxin production was measured in B. safensis (29.72 μg / ml). All three bacteria were able to produce hydrogen cyanide and the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide production was observed in Z. halotolerans with grade 5 (very high). All three bacteria were able to produce siderophore. ACC deaminase production was observed in all three bacteria and the highest amount was measured in B. pumilus at 8 μg / ml. Ability to dissolve phosphate in Z. halotolerans was more than twice that of B. safensis. Salinity reduced all the measured indices in wheat. In bacterial inoculated treatments at all salinity stress levels (4, 8 and 16 ds/m), the average of total biomass, amylose and amylopectin increased up to 52.5, 21.3 and 10.3%, respectively, compared to the average of these indices in control treatments (without bacteria) in the same salinity levels. Also, bacteria in these levels increased spike weight, seed weight and number of seeds up to a maximum of 22, 74.6 and 66.6%, respectively, compared to the control (without bacteria) of these salinity levels.

the plant growth promoting bacteria increased yield components of wheat under salinity stress, therefore to reduce the effects of salinity on wheat under saline irrigation conditions; the bacteria studied in this experiment can be used. Z. halotolerans was more efficient than other two bacteria in all of the studied indices. Since the experiment was performed under greenhouse conditions, it is recommended that this experiment be performed in the field.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that reduce the growth and development of wheat. Reducing the effects of salinity with the help of plant growth-promoting rhizosphere bacteria has been considered by researchers as an environmentally friendly solution. In the present study, some physiological responses of wheat cultivar of Narin to salinity-resistant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of salt-tolerant plants) Atriplex lentiformis, Tamarix ramosissim, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Halostachys belangeriana) were investigated. Wheat seeds after inoculation with the identified bacteria (Bacillus safensis, B. pumilus and Zhihengliuella halotolerans) were planted in pots and irrigated with saline water of 0.2 (control) 4, 8 and 16 dS / m. The results showed all isolated bacteria had the ability to produce auxin, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC deaminase) and phosphate solubility.With increasing salinity, chlorophyll content decreased in all treatments compared to the control. The use of bacteria increased 21 to 92, 6 to 175 and 21 to 52% of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content among salinity treatments, respectively. Increased salinity increased content of proline (136-136%), total phenol (11-92.5%), free radical scavenging capacity (12.5-89%) and total soluble sugars (7.5-1.5%) in salinity treatments inoculated with bacteria compared to control. The growth-promoting bacteria in this study with improved wheat resistance to salinity stress. Improving the physiological conditions of plant under the positive effect of bacteria eventually increased the plant biomass, in which the role of B. safensis was more than the other two bacteria. The results of this study showed that the plant growth-promoting bacteria of halophytic rangeland plants can play a role in improving the growth indices of wheat plants in saline conditions.

Increasing world population, along with climate change and environmental stresses, has posed a serious challenge to adequate food supply. Salinity is one of the most important stresses affecting the reduction of agricultural products. In recent years, the use of new strategies for sustainable production of food products under salinity stress has been considered, including plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria. Due to the strategic importance of wheat in food security, this study was designed and conducted with the aim of increasing the salinity resistance of wheat (Var. Narin) using plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of several halophyte plants in Yazd province.

Plant growth promoting traits such as ability to produce auxin, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, and phosphate solubility and salinity resistance of isolated bacteria from rhizosphere of halophyte plants (Atriplex lentiformis, Seidlitzea rosmarinus, Halostachys belangeriana and tamarix ramossima) in their habitats in Chahafzal in Yazd Province were investigated. Then, wheat seeds were inoculated with the best three bacteria in terms of plant growth-promoting traits and salinity resistance, and then was irrigated with water with salinities of 4, 8 and 16 ds/m. After the growth period, the ion content of sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus in the leaves as well as some vegetative growth indices including stem length, stem and root dry weight and total biomass were measured.

The studied bacteria including Bacillus safensis, B. pumilus and Zhihengliuella halotolerans had the ability to produce auxin, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC deaminase) and phosphate solubility. The highest amount of auxin production was measured in B. safensis (29.72 μg/ml) and the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide production and phosphate solubility was in Z. halotolerans. The highest amount of ACC deaminase was measured in B. pumilus (8 μmol of α-ketobutyrate h–1 mg–1 protein). The results of wheat leaf analysis showed that at salinity stress levels, sodium content increased and other measured items decreased compared to the control. The use of bacteria reduced the sodium content by 142 percentage and increased the content of potassium, calcium and phosphorus in wheat leaf under salinity stress by 70, 92 and 295 percentage, respectively, compared to the control. Also, stem length, stem dry weight, root dry weight and total biomass in treatments under salinity stress and inoculated with bacterial isolates increased to 44, 56, 117 and 61 percentage, respectively, compared to the control

Plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria in this experiment significantly improved the resistance of wheat to salinity stress. B. safensis, more than the other two bacterial isolates, improved the growth indices of wheat var. Narin under salinity stress. These results also show that the rhizosphere of halophytic rangeland plants can be a good source for the isolation of salinity-resistant bacteria to improve the resistance of wheat plants to salinity.

Reducing wheat production due to salinity stress is one of the most important food security challenges worldwide. Plant rhizosphere bacteria reduce the effect of salinity stress on plants, including wheat, by mechanisms such as modulating plant hormones, making nutrients available to the plant, and combating pathogens. This study was designed and performed with the aim of increasing the salinity resistance of wheat (var. Ghods) using salinity-resistant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of several halophyte plants in Yazd province.

Growth-promoting traits and salinity resistance of bacteria isolated from rhizosphere of plants Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Watson، Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. Seidlitzia rosmarinus Ehrenb. ex Bois and Halostachys belangeriana (Moq.) Botsch. were investigated. Wheat seeds were inoculated with superior bacteria in terms of growth-promoting traits and salinity resistance, including Bacillus safensis, Bacillus pumilus and Zhihengliuella halotolerans. During the growth period, physiological parameters of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, proline, enzymatic activity of antioxidants, phenol and total soluble sugars in the leaves were measured.

All three bacteria were able to produce auxin. The highest amount of auxin production was measured in B. safensis (29.72 μg / ml). All three bacteria were able to produce hydrogen cyanide and the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide production was observed in Z. halotolerans with grade 5 (very high). All three bacteria were able to produce siderophore. ACC deaminase production was observed in all three bacteria and the highest amount was measured in B. pumilus at 8 μg / ml. Ability to dissolve phosphate in Z. halotolerans was more than twice that of B. safensis. The results of wheat leaf analysis showed that with increasing salinity, (without bacteria inouculation) chlorophyll content in all treatments decreased, instead the amount of proline, antioxidant activity, the amount of phenol and the amount of soluble sugars decreased compared to the control (0.2 ds/m). The use of bacteria increases chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, proline, total phenol, total antioxidants and total soluble sugar compared to without bacteria inoculation treatment.

The growth-promoting bacteria under study with a set of growth-promoting mechanisms significantly improved the resistance of wheat to salinity stress. Therefore, the bacteria studied in this experiment can be used to reduce the effects of salinity on wheat var Qhods under saline irrigation. B. safensis, in salinity of 8 ds/m, more than the other two bacteria, improved the physiological indices of salinity resistance of Qods wheat. Since this experiment was performed under greenhouse conditions, it is recommended that this experiment be performed in field conditions to complete the findings.

Salinity stress is an important challenge for wheat production in the world. Plant growth promoting rhizosphere bacteria, isolated from halophytic plants, can increase the tolerance of crop plants to salinity by direct and indirect mechanisms. In this study, plant growth-promoting traits of bacterial strains (Bacillus safensis, Bacillus pumilus and Zhihengliuella halotolerans), isolated from the rhizosphere of several halophyte plants, were deterimined and their effects on some vegetative traits and ionic content of wheat plant irrigated with saline water ( 0.2, as control,  4, 8 and 16 dS/m) were measured. Result showed that all three bacteria were able to produce auxin, hydrogen cyanide, siderophore, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and soluble phosphate. The increase in salinity levels caused increase in the concentration of sodium and decrease in the concentration of potassium, calcium and phosphorus in wheat leaves, as well as decrease in stem length, shoot and root dry weight, root to shoot dry weight ratio and total biomass. In wheat plants irrigated with saline water and inoculated with the bacterial strains, sodium concentration decreased up to 17.7% and concentrations of potassium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium to sodium ratio increased up to 33, 25.7, 200.4 and 41%, respectively. The most efficient bacterium was found to be Z. halotolerans. All bacterial isolates also increased stem length, shoot and root dry weight, root to shoot dry weight ratio and total biomass by 17, 58.6, 137, 88 and 66 %, respectively. The results of this study showed that the plant growth-promoting bacteria of rangeland halophytic plants potentionally improve the growth indices of wheat plants in saline conditions. These results also showed that the rhizosphere of halophytic plants in rangelands can be a good source for the isolation of salinity-resistant bacteria to improve the resistance of wheat plants to salinity.

Improving vegetation cover in arid and semi-arid regions can be controlling desertification and the production of cellulosic materials by afforestation, in these circumstances, human survival and habitat, as well as wildlife, also provided too. For afforestation in arid and semi-arid regions, it is necessary to selection of appropriate species and pay attention to their ecological and eco adaptation needs. Drought resistance mechanisms include water use efficiency in many forest species for a stay of drought condition have been utilization. On the other hand, water requirements and the effects of drought stress on ecological adaptation are important for this plants. Through lysimetry experiments and determination of water requirement for many forest species including Saxual (Haloxylon aphyllum) and several species of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. microtheca E. sarjentii, E. leucoxyloni, E, saligna and E. flocktoniea), there were considered and adaptation mechanisms for survival in dry conditions were studied for them. Among the mentioned species, Saxual had the lowest water requirement and the most resistant species to drought stress. This species had a higher water use efficiency to drought stress.

Although jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is known as a medicinal plant and is less important than other fruit trees, it has received more attention in recent years due to its significance in traditional Iranian medicine. There is no study on the actual water need for jujube trees and the impact of irrigation on yield and water use efficiency in the country. However, some studies emphasized on the need of regular watering and irrigation to improve the quality and quantity of jujube fruit. Given the importance of jujube in China, extensive researches have been conducted on water requirements, plant strategies to save water, impact of drought stress on plant morpho-physiological behaviors, impact of appropriate water distribution on soil quantity and quality of plant development, root distribution patterns and its impact on the amount of water consumed. In all cases, it has been emphasized that the mechanisms of water consumption in jujube differ by climate, genotype, irrigation method and management. In order to improve the quantity and quality of jujube fruit, it is necessary to balance the soil moisture condition and keep the plant away from stress. However, dehydration in jujube is a serious issue that should be addressed with the aim of saving water and improving fruit quality. In this study, the actual water requirement of the plant, the effect of different levels of deficit irrigation on evapotranspiration (ET) and crop coefficient (Kc) rate, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in jujube trees were investigated. The moisture stress was applied through all stages of plant growth by deficit irrigation.

In this study, the lysimeter experiment site of Yazd (Shahid Sadoghi Desertification Research Station) with 20 weighing drainage lysimeters (170 cm in height and 121 cm in diameter) was used. To measure evaporation from the soil surface, one lysimeter without plant was used. Note that the moisture content in this lysimeter was always maintained at the field capacity. For the measurement of reference ET (ET0), one lysimeter was used and it compared with ET0 calculated by Penman-Monteith-FAO. After preparing the lysimeters and providing the conditions for planting seedlings, we planted one tree per lysimeter. Trees collected from the villages of Alqoor, Flarg and Gyuk (South Khorasan Province). The suckers were two-years-old with the same size and shape. Trees were irrigated with 50 liters water on a weekly basis for six months. At the beginning of autumn of 2018, treatments including complete irrigation (field capacity), 30% and 60% of deficit irrigation were conducted in a completely randomized design with six replications. Soil moisture measurement during the experiment was performed by TDR. Soil moisture was recorded at 4 depths (0-30, 30-60, 60-90 and 90-120 cm) and their mean was considered as an index of soil moisture status to compensate the irrigation fraction. During the experiment and at the end, indices such as different stages of plant growth, ET, ET0, Kc, yield and WUE were determined. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the statistical package SPSS ver. 16.0, and the mean values were also compared using LSD multiple range test (α = 0.05).

The results showed that the jujube trees began their vegetative growth from late March (leaves appear) until the end of November (leaves fall) over 2017-2018 agronomic year in Yazd. During this time, which lasted about 235 days, four major and important stages were evident. The steps cited were in FAO's recommendation for deciduous fruit trees (in Issue 122 of the Iranian Irrigation and Drainage National Committee). The results of these studies showed that the length of different growth periods of jujube trees (including early stage, plant development stage, mid stage and end stage) was different with another deciduous fruit trees. ET values in three irrigation regimes showed that the highest ET was observed in July and the lowest in March. Annual ET in control, 30% and 60% of deficit irrigation treatments were 828.06, 514.04 and 386.04 mm, respectively, with 0.45, 0.28 and 0.21, annual Kc, respectively. The results of ET and Kc computed at different growth stages showed that the reproductive growth development period (flowering, fruit set beginning of fruit growth) had the highest ET. In control treatment, the lowest ET (60.81 mm) and Kc (0.27) were observed in early growth period with less than 10% of crown cover. The highest ET (316.22 mm) and Kc (0.60) were found in growth development period with full crown cover. Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference (P <0.0001) between the different irrigation treatments in terms of dry matter yield. There was a significant difference for WUE (P <0.001) between different irrigation treatments. Each of different irrigation regimes had a significant difference in yield. The highest yield for each tree was found for the control treatment with 229.36 g and the lowest yield with 57.90 g was observed for 60% deficit irrigation regime. There was no significant difference between control and 30% deficit irrigation treatment in WUE. The value of WUE decreased with increasing the drought stress. In 60% deficit irrigation treatment, WUE was 0.366 g fruit dry weight per liter denoting the significant difference between this irrigation treatment and the others.

The results of this study showed that jujube trees were susceptible to drought stress in all four stages of growth, especially the period of growth coinciding with flowering, fruit set and early fruit growth. Hence, jujube trees yield and WUE seem to decrease under drought.

In order to investigate the effect of salinity stress on applied water, yield and water use efficiency of Damask rose, an experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications and four levels of water salinity including 2.8, 5, 8 and 11 dS.m-1 at Research Greenhouse of National Salinity Research Center, during 10 Oct 2018 to 30 Sep 2019. In this study, volume of applied water and drainage water, evapotranspiration, flower yield, essential oil yield, and water use efficiency (based on flower yield) were determined. The results showed that the average of applied water, evapotranspiration and drainage water in each irrigation were 14.3, 8.4 and 5.9 L per plant for all treatments, respectively. Also, sum of applied water, evapotranspiration and drainage water volume during the experiment were equal to 616, 363 and 253 L per plant, respectively. The sum of irrigation water volume was 619, 625, 610 and 610 L per plant in 2.8, 5, 8 and 11 dS.m-1 treatments, respectively. Flower yield in 2.8, 5 and 8 dS.m-1 treatments were 60.3, 55.8 and 57.1 g/plant and had no significant difference, such that plants treated with 5 and 8 dS.m-1 had a decrease of 7.46% and 5.25% compared to the 2.8 dS.m-1 treatment, respectively. However, treatment of 11 dS.m-1 had the lowest flower yield (22.66 g/plant) with a decrease of 62.42% compared to the treatment 2.8 dS.m-1. The results showed that the highest water use efficiency of Damask rose was obtained in treatments 2.8, 5, and 8 dS.m-1 (0.09, 0.08 and 0.09 kg/m3) and the lowest (0.03 kg/m3) was in salinity of 11 dS.m-1. Salinity stress levels of 8 and 11 dS/m caused the highest percentage of essential oil (0.025% and 0.027%, respectively) and salinity of 2.8 and 5 dS/m caused the lowest percentage of essential oil (0.022% and 0.021%, respectively).

Diversification of used species in sand stabilization and desertification can help sustain these ecosystems. Most species used in sand stabilization require initial support to adapt to new conditions over time. One of the most important of these supports is irrigation in the early years of planting. In this study, the yield and water use efficiency of (Ammodendron persicum) in lysimetric conditions under the influence of different levels of irrigation were considered. Different irrigation levels consisted of 75, 50, and 25 percent irrigation and field capacity (control), applied in a completely randomized design with four replications. Evapotranspiration rates in control, 75, 50, and 25% under-irrigation treatments were 60, 47, 37, and 26 liters, respectively. By calculating water use efficiency based on the amount of dry matter produced per liter of transpiration water, it was found that there was a significant difference between different treatments. The highest water use efficiency with 2.07 g of dry matter for per liter of transpiration was related to 50% irrigation treatment. As the water consumption decreased, the root to aerial part ratio increased, so that it showed a significant difference in different treatments. The root to aerial part ratio in the control was 0.84 and in the 75% under-irrigation treatment was 1.51. The results of this study showed that Ammodendron persicum in the early stages of establishment due to low growth rate had low water requirements and improved its water use efficiency through various mechanisms such as root development. Due to the low growth, water loss through evaporation in early stages of establishment was high, and to improve irrigation efficiency, appropriate methods to reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture are recommended.

In order to determine salinity tolerance threshold and yield decrease per unit increase of soil salinity in selected pomegranate genotypes, a factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors: genotypes in 12 types (Shisheh Kap Ferdus, Malas Yazdi, Malas Saveh, Rabab Neyriz, Golnar Saveh, Golnar Sarvestan, Golnar Shahdad, Narak Lasjerd Semnan, Vahshi Babolsar, Post Siyah Ardakan, Chah Afzal and Voshik Torsh Saravan) and soil salinity at five levels (1.5, 3.8, 6.2, 9.3 and 12.6 dSm-1). According to the results, the lowest salinity tolerance threshold was observed in Voshik Torsh Saravan (3.02 dS/m), Malas Saveh (3.25 dS/m) and Golnar Saveh (3.40 dS/m) genotypes, and the highest salinity tolerance threshold was observed in Golnar Shahdad (4.90 dS/m), Chah Afzal (4.70 dS/m), Post Siyah Ardakan (4.38 dS/m), and Malas Yazdi (4.17 dS/m) genotypes. The highest yield reduction slope was observed in Golnar Saveh (7.89%), Golnar Sarvestan (7.39%), Voshik Torsh Saravan (6.69%), and Malas Saveh (6.33%) genotypes, respectively. In contrast, the lowest yield reduction slope was observed in Chah Afzal (2.83%), Post Siyah Ardakan (2.88%) and Narak Lasjerd Semnan (2.89%) genotypes, respectively. Overall, the results showed the levels of salinity that reduced the yield by 50% in Chah Afzal, Post Siyah Ardakan and Narak Lasjerd Semnan genotypes were about twice greater than salinity that reduced the yield by 50% in Golnar Saveh, Golnar Sarvestan, Voshik Torsh Saravan and Malas Saveh genotypes. EC50 in Chah Afzal, Post Siyah Ardakan, and Narak Lasjerd Semnan genotypes were observed at 22.37, 21.74 and 21.10 dS/m. At salinity level of 8.4 dS/m, yield reductions in Chah Afzal, Post Siyah Ardakan and Narak Lasjerd Semnan genotypes were only 10.47%, 11.58%, and 13.30%, respectively, which were lower than the 50% value previously reported. Therefore, these three genotypes were selected for further studies and planting as rootstocks in Chah Afzal Station of National Salinity Research Center.

Urban pollution and the fatigue caused by urbanization have been two major problems for the residents of large and industrial cities. By exploiting the potential of plants through afforestation in the suburbs or by creating landscapes and greenery within the city, these limitations can be partially eliminated. Many urban areas, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, have saline water and soil resources for a variety of reasons, and the development of vegetation is facing a very serious problem; moreover, due to population growth, drinking water resources for irrigation are very limited. In this regard, the selection of plant species that can withstand the saline conditions is of particular importance and can contribute to the sustainability of the green cover created. In this article, while reviewing studies on salinity and landscape creation, a number of important species used in arid and semi-arid regions are introduced and their tolerance to salinity is presented based on the indices mentioned in literature. The introduced plants are divided into five groups of sensitive (-1), moderately sensitive (3 - 6 dS m-1), moderately tolerant (6 - 8 dS m-1), tolerant (8 - 10 dS m-1) and, highly tolerant (>10 dS m-1). The salinity values are related to the salinity of the soil saturation extract around the root.

Soil salinity is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth. Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss., as a salt tolerant specie grows in a wide range of desert lands and has a significant impact on wind erosion control. The present study investigated the effects of different soil conditions (soil saline and non-saline-sodic playa -sand), on amino acids and minerals of H. salicornicum. Sampling was done Completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that in both habitats, serine has the highest contribution to the formation of the content of total amino acids of the H. salicornicum .The content of total amino acid in the two regions was significantly different at 1% level (p <0.01), the highest amounts of total amino acid (414.75 ppM) measured in sandy habitat and lowest amount (268.38 ppM) measured playa habitat. Sparic acid, glutamate, serine, glycine, alanine, tyrosine, valine, methionine in the sandy habitat was more than Playa. While glutamine and threonine in Playa had a higher content. Mineral analysis showed that the highest amount of phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, iron, manganese, zinc and copper in playa and most of nitrogen were in sandy area. Accumulation of ions such as sodium in plant tissues in playa is the most important physiological response of H. salicornicum to the regulation of osmotic potential. The role of osmolites such as Amine acids are considered at a later stage.

Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss and Haloxylon aphyllum Iljin are two important halophytes in desert. Hammada salicornicum and Haloxylon aphyllum Iljin have grown extensively in playa and sand dunes and are essential for supplying of forage for livestock, especially camels. The present study investigated the effects of different soil conditions in two areas (soil saline-sodic of playa and sandy soil in erg), on antioxidant activity, pigments characteristics, total phenolics, glycine and glutamine. The results showed that the highest amounts of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll were measured 4.35 and 5.72 mgg-1fw in H. aphyllum and playa habitats, respectively. The highest amounts of chlorophyll b with 2.85 mg/g fresh weight were measured in H. salicornicum in playa habitats. The amount of anthocyanin was double in the playa habitats and was more than these two plants. The highest amounts of phenol with 458.97 mg/g fresh weight was measured in playa habitats and in H. aphyllum with 469.53 mg/g fresh weight. The amounts of antioxidant activity in playa habitats and H. aphyllum were significantly more than the erg habitat H. Salicornicum. Glutamine was not significantly different between the two habitats. The highest amounts of glycine betaine were measured in sandy habitats in H. Salicornicum. H. Salicornicum and H. aphyllumknown as halophytes can be countered salinity by various mechanisms, such as improving their biochemical conditions, and thus improving the quality of forage and increasing the foliage preference value.

Black saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) is one of adapted species in desert and saline soils areas and grows in sand dunes and can be used for dune stabilization. Accumulation of metabolites leading to plant osmotic regulation. The relative importance of these substances varies depending on the plant species, habitat and intensity. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of habitat conditions on photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activity, amino acids, soluble sugars and ion content of black saxaul, in two areas in Bafgh, Iran under two soil conditions (saline sodic plaiya and non-saline sand dune) using a one way AMOVA with three replications in 2016. The results showed significant differences between two habitats for chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin, phenol and antioxidant activity (p<0.01). The higher values of these indices were observed in saline sodic plaiya habitat than to sandy habitat. In contrast, for amino acids, as: aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine and glutamine the higher values of 13.27, 13.66, 17.01 and 12.21 μg/g, respectively were obtained in sandy habitat than that that for saline sodic plaiya. For other amino acids, there were no significant differences between the two habitats. The higher values of soluble sugar 26.24 mg g-1 DW was obtained in sandy habitat that was significantly (p <0.01) higher than that for plaiya (13.26 mg g-1 DW). Overall, the results showed that improved the antioxidant activity, increased pigment content and modulated the ions concentration, especially the accumulation of potassium in plant organs play a key role in black saxaul osmotic regulation under salinity stress. The role of other osmolality nutrients such as amino acids and soluble sugars are more important for black saxaul growth in the sandy area with low salinity

Sewage and wastewater are extensive sources of water in the suburbs of many cities of the country. In many parts of the world, treated sewage and wastewater have been successfully used for the irrigation, and many researchers have recognized its benefits. In arid and semi-arid regions have provided good conditions for planting of susceptible species by irrigation with sewage or wastewater for development of green cover and economic exploitation such as wood production. Different eucalyptus species are prepared for planting by irrigation with industrial and household sewage and wastewater, because they have high growth rate and high resistance to biotic and non-biotic stresses and they have high product of wood too. In this regard, a study was conducted by measurements of yield, water use efficiency and some performance indicators in three eucalyptus species that they were planted in drainage lysimeters and they were irrigated with wastewater. This experimental was carried out in Yazd city and greenhouse condition. The research was conducted by factorial experiment in completely randomized design and three replications. Two main treatments were applied: Irrigation with wastewater in three levels (control or without wastewater, 50% water and 50% wastewater, 100% wastewater) and eucalyptus species in three levels (Eucalyptus microtheca, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus rubida). Each treatment was applied to tow eucalyptus trees or two pot. Annual seedlings planted in drainage lysimeters or pot with 7 liters capacity and they were kept for four months. The soil of the experimental pot was a soil field, with loamy sand texture (76% sand, 20% silt and 4% clay). Wastewater that was used from the wastewater treatment plant of Yazd city was prepared. Wastewater samples were taken during the irrigation period and examined for mineral, bio materials and biological. The chemical and biological analyses of the wastewater were according to standard methods. We studied the influence of irrigation with wastewater on high and diameter of trees, length and wide of leaves, leaf surface, dry mass of leaves, stem and root, specific leaf area, shoot and root dry mass, chlorophyll content and water use efficiency (WUE). The significance of differences between mean values was determined by one-way analysis of variance. Duncan’s multiple range test was used to compare the means. The use of tree plantations for the renovation of wastewater and the simultaneous production of forest produce is now being widely studied. In the condition of wastewater use, the presence of nutrients and organic matter in the wastewater will help to growth and water use efficiency in some plant species. However, reclaimed sewage or wastewater application may create undesirable effects in soils and plants with direct effects on soil suitability for cultivation and water resources availability. The use of wastewater for irrigation of fast growing trees it can be useful. They can use to excessive fertility elements in the wastewater. Irrigation with wastewater can cause increase of number of leaves, length and width of leaves in plants. Increase of leaves number and leaves area will make the absorption of solar energy better and enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis. Irrigation with wastewater can accelerate the flowering of plants and the seeds produced are also healthier. All of this factors can improve water use efficiency in plant. The results show that the potential for utilizing tree plantations in wastewater management. The results showed that there was a significant difference between irrigation treatments at 1% level (p <0.001) on morphological characters such as height and diameter of trees, length, width and leaf area. Specific leaf area, leaf water content, chlorophyll content also increased with increasing of wastewater concentration and we absorbed significant different at 1% level (p <0.001) between of different irrigation treatments. In 100% treatment wastewater, chlorophyll content increased up to three times than control treatment. Shoot dry weight and water use efficiency were increased with increasing of wastewater concentration that in subject can be due to the high levels of fertilizer elements in the wastewater. The results showed that there was significant difference between trees species in a number of morphological and physiological characteristics. By increasing the amount of wastewater concentration, these characteristics improved in three species experimented. The E. camaldulensis had higher growth and water use efficiency than other species. This species has a high growth rate and therefore its can use good wastewater conditions. We suggested that for economic use of wastewater for wood producing, E. camaldulensis than other species in this experiment is suitable and its can be used.

Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss is a shrub that grows in large parts of the central regions of Iran. Due to the high adaptability of this species to the severe environmental conditions and its importance in the stabilization of sand dunes, Dust control and medicinal functions recognition of its genetic diversity and the selection of superior genotypes is very important. A set of 12 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic variation of 30 genotypes from 3 locations in Yazd province. Out of 12 primers, 4 primers were able to produce 39 reproducible bands that out of which, 32 bands were polymorphic (79.5%) with a mean PIC value of 0.39. The number of alleles in each individual locus varied in the range of 7-15 with the mean of 9.75. Primers ISSR 826 and with 9 alleles and ISSR7 with 7 allels showed the highest and lowest number of loci, respectively. The mean average rate of Nei’s gene diversity (h') and Shannon’s diversity index (I) were 0.451 and 0.643, respectively Using cluster analysis based on UPGMA algorithm and Jaccard's similarity coefficient, the isolates with 45% similarity level were divided into 5 groups. Shanon index, Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant difference among isolates selected from three regions. Analysis of molecular variance showed that the highest genetic diversity rate (89%) was disturbed between isolates and genetic variety within different isolated was determined as 11%. Based on these results in this work it can be demonstrated a high genetic diversity within the populations will be due to the closely distributed Haloxylon community in these studied regions.

Due to the wide variety of eucalyptus species and their various ecological requirements, it is necessary to select the appropriate species for afforestation and development of green spaces through compatibility testing. Accordingly, the compatibility of various species and provenances was considered. This research was carried out in the climatic conditions of Yazd and through irrigation with wastewater during 2009 to 2018. The experiment was carried out in Yazd Wastewater Treatment Plant with a randomized complete block design and four replications, with eight species and provenances, at 36 plants in each block at a distance of 3 × 3 m. Species and provenances were E. rubida, E. saligna, E. saligna20762, E. macarthurii, E. viminalis, E. sargentii, E. camaldulensis and E. microtheca. The results of the study in the first phase of the experiment showed that E. camaldulensis, E. sargentii and E. microtheca had higher and significant establishment rates (98.6, 95.1 and 42.9%). According to the results, the yield of E. camaldulensis was superior to the other two species. Our results clearly showed that in case of healthy roots, all three species showed a high potential in coppice production

Phreatophytes are the plants that supply their water requirements directly through the development of efficient roots from surface water resources and for optimum growth, the root should be in direct contact with water or a completely moist soil. Considering the importance of roots in the process of water and nutrient uptake from soil, it is necessary to study the mechanism of root adaptation to environmental stresses, including drought stress, especially in woody phreatophyte species, which are more important in forestation. In this research, the weight and length distribution of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh roots as a pharotypophyte species was investigated. The experiment was carried out under lysimetric conditions at different irrigation regimes (irrigation at field capacity as control, 30% and 60% of deficit irrigation). The results of this study indicated that the weight and root length decreased with decreasing plant access to water or deficit irrigation. The weight and length distribution of roots at different depths depended on the amount of plant access to water, so that the root distribution in the deeper soil decreased by increased deficit irrigation stress. Therefore, it can be concluded that, in contrast to xerophyte and mesophyte plants, the root penetration of E. camaldulensis depends thoroughly on the amount of water in the deeper soil depths. In other words, the dried underlying layers of soil inhibit the root growth in the depths, and the plant manages its vegetative growth through adaptation with available water in the soil surface layers.

Due to the lack of attention to ecological needs of forest species in arid and semi-arid areas especially the water requirement or evapotranspiration, the afforestation projects have no desirable sustainability and achievement of the goals is not well obtained. As the age of the plants increases, their water requirement increases and in many cases, the competition between the trees to provide the moisture requirements is intensifies. Available studies indicate that most forest species in these areas have lower evapotranspiration (ETc) as compared with potential evapotranspiration (ETp) and have little crop coefficients (Kc). These species can deal with drought stress through various morphological, physiological, biochemical, and ecophysiological mechanisms and or use available water resources to improve the production function and water use efficiency. To measure the daily evapotranspiration and calculate crop coefficient of these plants, direct or lysimetric methods and indirect or computational methods are used. In this paper, the daily water requirement of Haloxyllon aphyllum, Tamarix aphylla, Atriplex sp., Calligonum sp., Poulus euphratica, Elaeagnus angustifolia and several species of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. microtheca, E. sarjentii, E. leucoxylon and E. floktoya) was investigated. Among the species mentioned, Eucalyptus camaldulensis (10 mm) and Calligonum (2.2 mm) had the highest and lowest water requirement.