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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.

Pomegranate is one of the most important horticultural products that cultivated in many tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Meanwhile, in some pomegranate orchards, salinity stress is one of the abiotic stresses that harm agricultural crops such as pomegranate production by reducing productivity. This research aims to compare growth characteristics between selected genotypes including 1- Chah Afzal 2- Vahshi Babolsar, 3- Narak Lasjerd Semnan 4- Poost Siahe Yazd, 5- Malase Yazdi, 6- Rababe Neyriz, under salinity stress, in a randomized complete block design with three replicaions at Chah Afzal research station of Ardakan city. During the whole experiment, the trees were irrigated with saline water with salinity of 9 ± 0.5 dS/m every 12 days. Based on the results of this research and considering the lowest amount of ion leakage, the highest content of relative humidity and potassium, the high amount of total chlorophyll, carotenoid and leaf surface ratio, the lowest sodium to potassium ratio and necrosis percentage Chah Afzal genotype showed very good resistance to salinity conditions, followed by Poost Siahe Yazd, Vahshi Babolsar, Narak Lasjerd, Malase Yazdi and finally Rababe Neyriz were highly sensitive to salinity. According to the results of cluster analysis, the highest similarity between genotypes based on the parameters mentioned above was between the Narak Lasjerd and Malase Yazdi. The highest difference between Chah Afzal genotype and other genotypes was registered. This shows a significant difference in the superiority of Chah Afzal genotype over other genotypes in total traits. Therefore, due to the compatibility and proper growth of these genotypes in saline conditions, it is suggested that they could be used as a rootstock and the cvs. Malase Yazdi and Rababe Neyriz, which also produced flowers and fruits in saline conditions, can be grafted on them.

In this research, the effect of application of two effective chemicals on bud-break for increasing pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) economic yield in Akbari cultivar in salty (16.1 dS/m) and non-salt (3.9 dS/m) conditions in Gerd kouh and Bahadoran regions was investigated based on a randomized complete block design (BCRD) in compare to oil volk 5.5% and 6% and control. Selective compounds were (soybean oil 5.5 and 6%+ kno3 0.5%) and soybean oil 5.5 and 6%+ kno3 0.5%+ GA 20 mg/l). Each treatment was performed with 50 replications and four observed for each replication. In all regions, the effect of treatments was investigated on the traits related to quantity, quality and nut yield and finally, statistical data analysis was performed using SAS software (version 9.1) and economic calculations related to each treatment were performed in compare to the commercial treatment. The results showed that application of (soybean oil 5.5 and 6%+ kno3 0.5%) and (soybean oil 5.5 and 6%+ kno3 0.5%+ GA 20 mg/l) compounds on Akbari cultivar in Gerd Kouh and Bahadoran regions by increasing the percentage of fruit set, average number of seeds per cluster and decreasing the blank nuts percentage were increased the nut economic yield per hectare in compare to control and oil Volk treatments. treatment (soybean oil 5.5 and 6%+ kno3 0.5%) in Gerd Kouh and Bahadoran regions was increased nut yield rate 49.75% and 44.13% in compare to control and 6.91% and 3.07% in compare to oil Volk 5.5 and 6% respectively. Also, treatment (soybean oil 5.5 and 6%+ kno3 0.5%+ GA 20 mg/l) in Gerd Kouh and Bahadoran regions was increased nut yield rate 104.03% and 107.83% in compare to control and 45.43% and 48.39% in compare to oil Volk 5.5 and 6% respectively.

To evaluate the effect of calcium nitrate on some growth characteristics of selected pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes, a factorial experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design (BCRD) with 3 replications at Chahafzal Station of the National Salinity Research Center of Iran, in 2019-2020. Two factors were studied: genotypes at 6 levels (Post-Siyah Ardakan, Rabab Neyriz, Chah Afzal, Narak Lasjerd Semnad ,Vahshi Babolsar, and Malas Yazdi) and calcium nitrate at 3 levels (0 (control), 50 and 100 kg/ha), using irrigation water salinity of 9±0.5 dS/m.  The results showed that type of genotype and levels of calcium nitrate affected morphological and physiological characteristics and concentration of nutrient elements in leaves. The highest and lowest necrotic leaves (12% and 2%), leaf surface ratio (1845 and 879 mm2/g dry weight), relative water content (80.83% and 52.40%), total chlorophyll (11.4 and 6.45 mg/g fresh weight), potassium content (0.378% and 0.322%) and lowest and highest sodium content (1.88% and 2.75%), relative ions leakage (14.85% and 30.02%) and sodium to potassium ratio (0.118 and 0.197) was observed in Chah Afzal with 100 kg/ha of calcium nitrate and Rebab Niriz without calcium nitrate application, respectively. Overall, Chah-Afzal was recognized as the most tolerant genotypes to saline condition. This genotype showed more suitable growth than the other genotypes by maintaining its growth characteristics and increasing potassium uptake compared to sodium. Also, the results showed that application of 100 kg/ha of calcium nitrate at the beginning of the growing season significantly improved the growth characteristics and reduced the harmful effects of sodium in all studied genotypes.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a very interesting fruit tree for arid and semiarid areas in any part of the world. Like other fruit trees, the selection of tolerant rootstocks and scion is a very good strategy to reduce the adverse effects of salinity on pomegranate. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of salinity stress on the growth characteristics of some selected pomegranate genotypes and introduce the most tolerant genotype(s) to salinity for use as a basis in future research. 

Research method:

Selected pomegranate genotypes were evaluated using a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications in 2019-2020. Treatments were included 12 genotypes of Golanr-e-Shahdad (G-Shahdad), Golanr-e-Sarvestan(G-Sarvestan), Golnar-Saveh(G-Saveh), Poostsiah-e-Ardekan(Poostsiah), ‘Malas-e-Yazdi’(‘M-Yazdi’), ‘Malas-e-Saveh’(‘M-Saveh’), ‘Shishecap-e-Ferdos’ (‘Shishecap’), ‘Rabab-e-Neiriz’ (‘Rabab’), ‘Vahshi-e-Babolsar’(‘V-Babolsar’), ‘Narak-e-Lasjerd-Semnan’(‘Narak’), Chahafzal and ‘Voshik-e-Torsh-e-Saravan’(‘Voshik’) and the salinity of the irrigation water in five levels (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dS.m-1).

According to the results, the type of genotype and the level of salinity were affected on morphological and physiological traits as well as the concentration of nutrient elements. In all genotypes, the growth indices, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll index, and total chlorophyll reduced as a result of increasing the salinity level. But the percentage of necrotic leaves, percentage of fallen leaves, ion leakage, concentration of Na+, the concentration of Cl- and Na+/K+ ratio increased. At salinity level of 7dS.m-1, necrotic leaves (3.11% &23.98%), fallen leaves (1.05% & 5.70%), ion leakage (5.87% & 22.10%), Na+(0.31% & 1.29%), concentration of Cl-(0.13%& 1.10%), concentration of K+(0.64% & -0.07%) and Na+/K+ ratio (0.09 & 2.28 units) increased in Chahafzal and Voshik genotypes, respectively.

Research limitations:

 No limitations to report.

Originality/Value: 

‘Chahafzal’ and ‘Poostsiah’ genotypes were recognized as the most tolerant to salinity according to the results. In contrast, Voshik and M-Saveh genotypes were more sensitive to salinity. The tolerant genotypes will be used in plans as rootstocks to graft the selected genotypes on them.

Lantana camara Linn. is a flowering ornamental plant belonging to family Verbenaceae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of salicylic acid foliar application on flowering improvement and growth characteristics of lantana under salinity stress. In a factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD), three levels of SA (0, 0.5 and 1mM) and five levels of salinity (0.5, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dS.m-1) were applied. The results indicated that increasing salinity levels from 0.5 to 9 dS.m-1 significantly reduced all studied growth parameters levels, chlorophyll contents and potassium uptake. While Na+uptake, Na+/K+ and ion leakage were increased relative to control. Also, the results indicated that the salicylic acid significantly increased plant growth and physiological traits. Application of salicylic acid (0.5 mM) improved vegetative, flowering growth and nutrient uptake under salt stress. At salinity level of 9 dS m-1, application of 1mM salicylic acid increased the height of the main branch and the number of flowers by3.22 and 2.14 times, respectively, compared to the control and decreased the sodium uptake by 2.46 times. At the same level of salinity, treatment of plants by 0.5mM salicylic acid increased plant height, stem diameter, increased diameter of main branch, number of flowers and fresh weight of flowers by 70.64%, 2.15, 2.14 and 5.8 times respectively, in compare to the control. Considering that the plants maintained their vegetative growth and flowering well up to salinity level of 7dS.m-1, it seems that the lantana is able to tolerate salinity. In general, It seems that under high salinity levels, salicylic acid (0.5 mM) was the most effective treatment for mitigating the deleterious effect of salt stress in lantana plants.

Salt stress is one of the main environmental factors restricting horticultural crop production. Exogenous salicylic acid (SA) can alleviate salt stress in plants. The objective of this study was to improving growth and physiological chracteristics in salt stressed Lantana camara Linn. by application of exogenous salicylic acid. 

In a factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD), three levels of SA (0, 0.5 and 1 mM) and five levels of salinity (0.5, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dS.m-1) with three replications per treatments were applied. 

The results showed that by increasing salinity levels, growth characteristics, chlorophyll a and b and potassium concentration significantly decreased, while the number of necrotic leaves, Sodium and the ratio of sodium to potassium increased. At high salinity levels, application of salicylic acid improved the growth characteristics of the plant such as height, final diameter of the main branch and shoot dry weight and relative water content of the leaves and reduced sodium content in compared to the control. Maximum number of plant branches (4.66), final diameter of main branch (6.11 mm), final diameter of cuttings (9.92 mm), number of leaves (28.66) and fresh and dry weight of shoots (14.80 and 7.46 g) were obtained in plants treated by 0.5 mM salicylic acid and in salinity of 0.5 dS. m-1. 

The use of 0.5 mM salicylic acid at high salinity levels significantly improved the growth and flowering characteristics of the lantana plant. Therefore, the use of 0.5 mM salicylic acid can significantly reduce the damage caused by the negative effects of salinity stress.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an economically important commercial fruit plant species belonging to the family of Punicaceae. Saline irrigation water is currently one of the most severe limiting factors in the cultivation area. In recent years, nearly 7% of the global cultivated lands are affected by salinity, and soil salinization aggravating has been a more significant threat to the healthy and sustainable development of agriculture worldwide. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the effects of salt stress on physiological and biochemical characteristics in pomegranate cuttings to better understand the salt resistance of pomegranate and offer a reference for pomegranate cultivation on saline lands.

A pot experiment was conducted for nine months to evaluate and compare three Iranian cultivar salinity tolerance of commercial pomegranate in 2017-2018. The experiment was arranged in factorial based on a completely randomized design with two factors included water salinity in 5 levels of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 dSm-1 and three commercial pomegranate genotypes (‘Shishehcap Ferdos,’ ‘Malas Saveh’ and ‘Malas Yazdi’) in 4 replications and generally with 60 pots. At the end of the experiment, the vegetative yield and fresh and dry weight of leaves, ion leakage, relative water content, chlorophyll a, b and total were also measured. In addition, leaves were analyzed for Na+, K+, Cl–, and Na/K ratio elements.

Results showed that cultivar and salinity levels were affected by morphological and physiological characteristics, and concentration of nutritional elements. In all the three studied cultivars, an increase in the salinity levels led to a significant decrease in the growth characteristics, the relative water content of leaves, and chlorophyll. Moreover, the percentage of leaf necrosis, fall, and ion leakage increased considerably. Also, with increasing salinity levels, Na+, Cl- and Na+/Cl- significantly increased. In the highest level of salinity (9 dS.m-1), the maximum growth characteristics, fresh and dry weight of leaves, green leaves, the relative water content of leaves, chlorophyll, and potassium, and the lowest percentage of leaf necrosis, ion leakage, Na+, Cl- and Na+/Cl- were obtained in a cultivar of ‘Malas Yazdi.’

Generally, among the investigated cultivars, ‘Malas Yazdi’ and ‘Malas Saveh’ were the highest and the lowest tolerants, respectively. Our study showed that the adverse effects on physiological and morphological indexes aggravated over stress time. We inferred that it was one of the mechanisms for pomegranate alleviating the detrimental effects of salt stress. This study would provide a theoretical basis for the cultivation and utilization of pomegranate plants on saline soil.

Goldenrain-tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.) is a woody perennial ornamental tree, mainly used for landscape purposes. The aim of this study was investigation salt tolerance of this plant and the effect of cow manure and vermicompost on plant growth and increasing the salt tolerance of two-year plants. In a factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD), three levels of organic amendments (soil, 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v vermicompost, and 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v cow manure) and three levels of salinity (1, 4, and 7 dS.m-1) with three replications per treatments in greenhouse were applied. In this experiment, media without organic amendment was were considered as control and stress duration was three months. Results showed that increasing soil salinity levels progressively decreased the number of shoots and fresh and dry weights of roots, shoots, and whole plant while it increased activity of peroxidase and sodium and chloride uptake. Vermicompost treatment increased fresh and dry weights of shoots, roots, and whole plant, peroxidase, sodium, potassium, and chloride uptake more than control and cow manure. The highest fresh and dry weights of shoots, roots, and whole plant as well as sodium potassium and chloride uptake were obtained in salinity level of 4 ds/m and under vermicompost treatment. Generally, application of vermicompost increased growth characteristics and salt tolerance of goldenrain tree better than cow manure.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), from the family Punicaceae, is a popular fruit of tropical and subtropical regions that is native to the area stretching from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India. Pomegranate has been widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, which these areas are frequently affected by high salinity. The present study was therefore, carried out with the objective to identify and introduce the most-tolerant Iranian genotypes of ornamental pomegranate to different salinity levels of irrigation water.

A pot experiment was conducted during a six-month period in order to evaluate and compare the salinity tolerance of three Iranian ornamental genotypes of pomegranate during 2017-2018. The experiment was arranged in factorial based on the completely randomized design with two factors included water salinity in 5 levels of 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dSm-1 and three ornamental pomegranate genotypes (‘Golnar Saravan’, ‘Golnar Shahdad’ and ‘Golnar saveh’) in 4 replications. The properties concerned during the experiment were vegetative growth, the fallen, chlorosis and green of leaves. At the end of the experiment, the vegetative yield and fresh and dry weight of leaves and shoots, ion leakage, relative water content and chlorophyll index were also measured. In addition, leaves were analyzed for elements such as Na+, K+, Cl– and Na/K ratio.

Results showed that with increasing of salinity levels in all three investigated genotypes, growth characteristics, significantly decreased, ion leakage, the relative water content of leaves and chlorophyll index significantly increased. Also with increasing of salinity levels Na+, Cl- and Na+/Cl- significantly increased. In all studied genotypes, plant height and leaf area decreased from salinity level of 5 and 7 dS.m-1 respectively. Increasing in leaf necrosis, and decreasing in percentage of green leaves and also relative water content in ‘Golnar Sarvestan’ were observed from salinity level of 5 dS.m-1and from salinity level of 7 dS.m-1 in ‘Golnar Shahdad’ and ‘Gonar Saveh’. Leaves falldown in ‘Gonar Saveh’ and ‘Golnar Sarvestan’ were increased in salinity level of 7 dS.m-1 and in ‘Golnar Shahdad’ in 5 dS.m-1 salinity level. In two genotypes (‘Golnar Sarvestan’and ‘Golnar Shahdad’) the ion leakage increased in 7 dS.m-1 salinity level and in ‘Gonar Saveh’ in salinity level of 5 dS.m-1. In higher salinity levels (7 and 9 dS.m-1) Na+, Cl- and Na+/Cl- uptake were significantly decreased in ‘Golnar Sarvestan’and ‘Golnar Shahdad’ in compared to ‘Golnar Sarvestan’.

Generally among all studied genotypes, ‘Golnar Shahdad’ has been showed the maximum growth characteristics, and the lowest appearance injury, accumulation of Na+, Cl- in higher levels of salinity. So it seems that this genotype is the most tolerant of the salinity.

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.

Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria Scop.) is an attractive ornamental tree in landscape that has medicinal properties. In this study, the effects of different levels of salt, cow manure and vermicompost on plant growth were investigated. In a factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD), three levels of organic amendments (1- soil 2- 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v vermicompost, 3- 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v cow manure) and three levels of salinity (1, 4 and 7 dS.m-1) with three replications per treatments were applied. Results showed that increasing soil salinity levels progressively decreased the fresh and dry weight of leaves, root, shoots and whole plant and increased sodium, potassium, chlorine uptake and catalase and peroxidase activity. The highest fresh and dry weight of leaves were obtained in cow manure and in 1 dS.m-1 salinity. The highest fresh and dry weight of root were obtained in vermicompost and in 4 dS.m-1 salinity. The highest fresh and dry weight of shoots were obtained in vermicompost and in 7 dS.m-1 salinity. The maximum amount of sodium, potassium and Na/K uptake were observed in 7 dS.m-1 salinity and vermicompost treatment. Application of cow manure and vermicompost in different salinity levels significantly increased catalase and peroxidase activity. Generally, the use of cow manure and vermicompost could improve the growth characteristics and nutrient absorption of plant under salt condition compare to the control.

To evaluate the effect of salinity stress on some of the growth characteristics of selected pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes of regions with soil and water salinity, a factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments included two factors: genotypes including 3 cultivars (‘Post Siyah Ardakan’,‘Rabab Neyriz’ and ‘Chah Afzal’) and irrigation water salinity at 5 levels (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dS/m), with 4 replications. The study was conducted at the National Salinity Research Center of Iran in 2018-2019. The results showed that type of genotype and levels of salinity affected morphological and physiological characteristics and concentration of nutrient elements in leaves. In all of the studied genotypes, with increase in salinity concentration, all of studied characteristics including branch height, branch diameter, number of leaves, green leaves percentage, aerial organs fresh and dry weight, relative water content percentage, SPAD, and contents of a, b and total chlorophylls decreased. However, necrotic leaves percentage, dropped leaves percentage, root fresh weight to aerial organs fresh weight ratio, relative ions leakage percentage, Na+ and Cl- percentage and Na+ to K+ ratio increased at higher salinity levels. At salinity level of 7 dS/m, ‘Chah-Afzal’ and ‘Rabab Neyriz’ showed an increase in necrotic leaves (3% and 5.60%, respectively ), dropped leaves (1.05% and 4.83%), relative ions leakage (3.95 % and 8.60%), Na+ (0.31% and 0.67%), Cl- (0.13% and 0.43%), K+ (0.64% and 0.27%) and Na+ to K+ ratio (0.12 and 0.64), compared to 1 dS/m (control) treatment. Also, in ‘Chah-Afzal’ and ‘Rabab Neyriz’, there was a decrease in green leaves (4.06% and 10.43%, respectively), number of total leaves (2.62% and 12.14%), relative water content (5.68% and 9.77%), and total chlorophylls (5.13% and 14.56%), compared to the control. Overall, ‘Chah-Afzal’ and ‘Rabab Neyriz’ were recognized as, respectively, the most tolerant and sensitive genotypes to salinity stress. ‘Chah-Afzal’ genotype tolerated salinity of 7 dS/m by maintaining its growth characteristics and increasing potassium uptake against sodium.

In order to study the effect of salinity stress on morphological characteristics, absorption and transport of some nutrients of almond, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two factors including rootstock and rootstock and scion combination in four levels(vegetative rootstocks: GF677, GN15, and tetra and seedling rootstock of bitter almond as control and Shahrood-12 on four mentioned rootstocks) and salinity of irrigation water in five levels (0.3(control), 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS/m) were used. The results showed that increasing salinity up to 8 dS/m reduced the leaf nitrogen content of Shahroud-12 cultivar in grafted form and non-grafted rootstocks. With increasing salinity up to 8 dS/m, the highest and lowest reduction in leaf phosphorus content were observed on the control (non-grafted) GF677 and Shahroud-12 cultivars on GF667, respectively. Increasing salinity resulted in increased potassium content of Shahroud-12 on GF677 and non-grafted GF677 rootstock. The results also showed that with increasing salinity, the ratio of sodium/nitrogen in the root of the control rootstocks increased. In salinity of 8 dS/m the highest and lowest sodium/potassium ratio was observed in the seedling rootstock of bitter almond and Shahroud-12 on GF677 rootstock. The results showed that Shahroud-12 grafted onto GF677 was the most tolerance compound to salinity.

The use of unsuitable water for irrigation of agricultural land and the formation of salt soils is a serious threat to agriculture. Salinity stress can affect the morphological and biochemical properties of plants. Several studies have shown that the tolerance threshold for most of the stone fruits, including almond, is low in salinity stress, so that in salinity of 2.8, 4.1 and 7 dS/m, respectively, 25, 50 and 100 percent of its yield decreases. In almond, as with other fruit trees, the choice of tolerant rootstock and scions is a very suitable strategy to reduce the effects of salinity, especially in the arid areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of several rootstock and scions in comparison with the without rootstocks to find the most tolerance rootstock and scions combination in comparison with the without rootstocks to salinity stress.

In this research, the effects of salinity stress on the biochemical properties of almond (Shahrood 12) grafted on some of the prnnus rootstocks (Bitter Almond, Tetra, GF677 and GN15) and non-grafted rootstocks under salt stress. Experiment was carried out in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two factors of 8 rootstocks and scion compositions and non-grafted rootstocks and 5 levels of salinity were performed in three replications.

The results showed that increasing the salinity level from zero to eight dS.m-1, the studied morphological traits also increased to their maximum level. At the salinity level of 8 dS.m-1, the lowest (2.66%.) and the highest (7.66%) of necrosis was observed in Shahrood 12 grafted on GF677 and Shahrood 12 graft on Tetra, respectively. The results also showed that biochemical traits were affected by salinity stress, so that the highest amount of proline (67.91 μmol.g-1 fresh weight) was obtained in Shahrood 12 grafted on GF677 at 8 dS.m-1 salinity, which was significantly different with other rootstock/scion composition (almond shahrood 12 on other rootstocks) and the studied rootstocks. With increasing salinity from 0 to 8 ds.m-1, the highest (112%) and lowest (41.6%) aldehyde was observed in the Bitter Almond Seedlings and shahrood 12 grafted on GF677 respectively. With an increase in salinity up to 4 dS.m-1, the amount of phenol in all grafted and non-grafted plant was increased and reached to the maximum level, but farther increase in salinity level (up to 8 dS.m-1) significantly reduced their phenol amount.

Based on the results, it can be concluded that among the rootstock/scion compositions and the studied rootstocks, Shahrood 12 cultivar grafted on GF677 rootstock was the most susceptible compound to salinity stress and the same cultivar, which was grafted to the Bitter Almond Seedlings, was the most sensitive combination.

One of the important effects of salinity in plants can be noted in growth trend and the process of changes in the activity of the enzyme system and their antioxidant properties. In this research, the effects of salinity stress on the enzyme system and their antioxidant properties of almond (Shahrood 12) on some of the prunus rootstocks (Bitter Almond, Tetra, GF677, GN15) and non-grafted rootstocks under salt stress in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with Two factors including 8 scion-rootstock compositions and five levels of irrigation water salinity were performed in three replications. The results showed that different levels of salinity significantly reduced the number of leaves in the main branch, as well as the total number of leaf in rootstocks, the diameter and height of the scion, and the fresh weight of the aria parts. The highest total antioxidant activity was observed in Shahrood 12 on GF677, at a salinity level of 8dS m-1, with a rate of 30.97%, which had a significant difference with other graft compounds and without graft rootstocks. The lowest total antioxidant activity was observed in the combination of Shahrood 12 on the Tetra rootstock at 10.1%. The antioxidant capacity, soluble sugars, activity of catalase enzymes, ascorbate peroxidase in all studied graft compounds and without graft rootstocks increased with increasing salt concentration, and then, with increasing salinity levels, the amount of them decreased. In general, based on the results, it can be concluded that among the linkages and bases studied, the Shahrood 12 cultivar grafted on the GF677 rootstock and on the almond seedling was the most tolerant compound and susceptible to the salt stress respectively.

In this study, the effects of different levels of salt, cow manure and vermicompost on plant growth and increasing the salt tolerance of two years plants, were investigated. In a factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD), three levels of organic amendments (1- soil 2- 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v vermicompost, 3- 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v cow manure) and three levels of salinity (1, 4 and 7 dS.m-1) with three replications per treatments in greenhouse were applied. In this experiment, media without organic amendment was considered as control. Stress duration was three months. Results showed that increasing soil salinity levels progressively decreased the growth characteristics, chlorophyll, and fresh and dry weight of plant and increased activity of catalase and sodium and chloride absorption. Vermicomposte treatment better than control and cow manure increased fresh and dry weight of shoot, relative water content of leaves and potassium. The highest fresh and dry weight of shoots, were obtained in the moderate salinity level (4 ds/m) and vermicompost treatment by 239.83 and 143.53 g respectively. Using of cow manure and vermicompost in low level of salt (1 dS.m-1) did not show significant effect on sodium absorption.

To evaluate the effect of salinity stress on some of growth characteristics of selected pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes of regains with salinity water and soil, a factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors; genotypes in 4 levels (‘Vahshi Babolsar’, ‘Narak Lasjerd Semnan’, ‘Chah Afzal’ and ‘Voshik Torsh Saravan’ genotypes and irrigation water salinity in 5 levels (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 dS/m respectively). The results showed that type of genotype and level of salinity affected morphological and physiological characteristics and concentration of leaves element nutrient. In all of the studied genotypes, with increasing of salinity concentration, growth characteristics including branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, green leaves percentage, aerial organs fresh and dry weight, relative humidity percentage, SPAD, contents of a, b and total chlorophylls reduced. But, necrotic leaves percentage, downfall leaves percentage, root fresh weight to aerial organs fresh weight ratio, relative ionic percentage, Na+ and cl- percentage and Na+ to K+ ratio increased. Overall, ‘Chah Afzal’ and ‘Voshik Torsh Saravan’ genotypes were recognized as the most tolerant and sensitive genotypes to salinity stress, in respectively. ‘Chah Afzal’ genotype could be tolerated salinity and 7 dS/m by maintaining its growth characteristics and increasing potassium uptake against sodium.

Almond (Prunus dulcis) is one of the most important crops consumed as dry fruit and mainly adaptable to arid and semiarid regions mostly suffering from salinity stress (8).use of rootstocks and cultivars tolerance to salinity as one of the influence factors tolerance to salinity of planted fruit trees including almond (8 and 11). Temperate fruit trees are generally rated and sensitive to soluble salts and particularly sensitive to chloride, and irrigation with saline water may significantly reduce their yields (10 and 26). Also, most of the stone fruit trees and almond are sensitive to salt stresses and their productivity gradually reduces at salt concentrations above 1.5 ds/m and down to 50% of normal yield at the salt concentration of 4 ds/m (6 and 16). However, as plant species and different cultivars within the same plant species vary considerably in their tolerance to salinity (10), selecting plants and/or cultivars that can be grown well under adverse conditions, created in the root zone by salinization, is the most efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practice for a more permanent solving of the problem of salinity (10). Despite the presence of information on the effect of salinity on morphological, physiological and concentration of nutrition elements in almond genotypes leaves, should be investigated more rootstocks and cultivars for tolerance to salinity, finality, the most tolerant rootstocks and cultivars to salinity to be introduced. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NaCl stress on growth characteristics and concentration of nutrition elements in selected almond genotypes leaves introducing most tolerant genotypes to it. To evaluate the effect of salinity stress on morphological and physiological traits as well as concentration of nutrition elements of almond leaves, an experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors; genotype and irrigation water salinity with three replications. Studied Genotypes were Rabie, Perless, Super Nova, D99, 1-16 and 8-24 and irrigation water salinity were 0.5, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 ds/m, respectively). Morphological traits such branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, percentage of green leaves, percentage of necrotic leaves, percentage of downfall leaves, aerial organs fresh and dry weight, aerial organs dry weight to aerial organs fresh weight ratio and physiological traits such SPAD, relative humidity content, relative ionic percentage, minimum fluorescence (FO), maximum fluorescence (Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv) and Fv to Fm ratio and nutrition elements such as K+, Na+ and Na+ to K+ ratio, was investigated in selected almond genotypes leaves then perform salinity stress. The results showed that type of genotype and level of salinity were affected on growth characteristics and concentration of leaves element nutrient. In all of the studied genotypes, with increasing levels of salinity, branch height, branch diameter, number of total leaves, green leaves percentage, aerial organs fresh and dry weight, relative humidity percentage, SPAD, maximum fluorescence (Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv) and K+ percentage were reduced. But, necrotic leaves percentage, downfall leaves percentage, aerial organs dry weight to aerial organs fresh weight ratio, relative ionic percentage Na+ percentage, Na+ to K+ ratio, minimum fluorescence (FO), and Fv to Fm ratio were increased. Overall, The results showed that type of genotype were effective in tolerance to salinity. D99 cultivar was recognized as the most tolerant cultivar to salinity stress. This cultivar could with keeping growth traits and the more absorption K+ against Na+ was tolerated salinity 4.5 ds/m

Apple (Malus Domestica) is one of the most important horticultural crops that each year contributes a lot of the global trade in agricultural productions. Today, the role of different nutrition elements has been identified in increasing the yield and improving the quality of the fruits. Hence, the addition of balanced chemical fertilizers is more effective than other inputs in increasing agricultural production. Therefore, this research was carried out with the aim of investigation effects of some organic and micro-macro nutrition elements on yield and fruit characteristics in apple 'Fuji' and Delbar Estival' cultivars. In this study, effects of some organic and micro-macro nutrition elements on yield and fruit characteristics in apple 'Fuji' and Delbar Estival' cultivars was investigated in two separate experiments in randomized complete blocks design with three replicates per block for each cultivar in 2013-2014. Nutrition treatments included (Thiopher, Takamin Max, Oligogrine, Takamin Max + Oligogrine, Boron + Zinc, Oligogrine +Thiopher, Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc, Thiopher + Boron + Zinc, and Control (without fertilizer)). At the end of the experiment was evaluated fruit qualitative and quantitative characteristics and economic evaluations were carried out for each cultivar separately.
Result and The results showed that all treatments except Thiopher were increased initial fruit set, final fruit set, average fruit weight, average yield per tree and average yield per hectare in both 'Fuji' and Delbar Estival' cultivars significantly compare to the control trees. Fruits tissue firmness was increased only in treatment (Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc), significantly compare to control trees. In general, the highest yield per hectare in both 'Fuji' and Delbar Estival' cultivars was observed in treated trees with (Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc). Fruits quality as well as fruits quantity were increased in this treatment significantly compare to control trees. The highest percentage of TSS and highest rate of fruit tissue firmness and the lowest percentage of acidity (TA) in the both cultivars were observed in treatment (Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc). Totally, treatments (Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc) and (boron + zinc) were increased the quantity and quality of fruits significantly in compare to control, respectively. On the other hand, the results of economic calculations showed that although the highest gross income per product total sale and farmer gross income per yield increased ratio to control in both cultivars were observed in treatment (Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc), But the most of proportion total income to the per-unit cost and income obtained from yield increased ratio to per-unit cost were observed in treatment (boron + zinc). These results indicated that, although in treatment (Takamin Max + Boron + Zinc), gross and net income was increased significantly in compare to treatment (Boron + Zinc), but ratio of income increase per unit of the cost was decreased significantly in compare to treatment (boron + zinc). given that growers in Iran aren’t often willing to pay a great deal of cost at one time, even though their gross and net income increases, Therefore, it can be suggested that they be used treatment of (boron with a concentration of 2/1000 +zinc at a concentration 1/1000) in the balloon stage of flowers for Fuji and Delbar Estival cultivars,.

Almond has a high sensitivity to salt stress. Selection of a tolerant rootstock/scion is one of the ways to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress. In this experiment, the effects of salinity stress on some morphological, physiological and nutritional traits of some almond rootstocks was investigated in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with two factors (8 levels of rootstock/scion compositions and five levels of salinity) in three replications at Horticultural Research Institute in 2017. The results showed that by increasing salinity from zero to 8 ds/m, the highest and lowest amount of reduction in root dry weight was observed in ‘Shahrood 12’/Tetra (37.8%) and GN15 (14.5%), respectively. The lowest and highest dry weight loss in the main branch was observed in the bitter almond seedling (38.2%) and ‘Shahrood 12’/ GN15 (47.9%), respectively. The highest amount of necrosis was observed in bitter almond seedling (28.98%) and the lowest value was in ‘Shahrood 12’/GF677 (9.9%). The lowest and highest changes in electrolyte leakage occurred at the rootstock of GF677 (30.74%) and GN15 (42.93%). The lowest and the highest changes in sodium were observed in the ‘Shahrood 12’/GF677 (51.2%) and in the bitter almond seedling (82%), respectively. The results also showed that by increasing salinity stress, the amount of root and leaf nutrient elements increased initially and then decreased with increasing salinity levels. Based on the results, ‘Shahrood 12’/GF677 is the most tolerable combination and the ‘Shahrood12’ grafted on bitter almond seedling is the most sensitive to salt stress.

Salinity tolerance threshold of fruit crops is obtained based on the reduction in yield under saline conditions compared to non-saline conditions. In order to determine salinity tolerance threshold and yield reduction per unit increase in soil salinity in selected almond genotypes, a factorial experiment was carried out. The study was based on completely randomized design (CRD), with two factors: (1) genotypes in 11 types (Tuono, Nonpareil, Mamaei, Shokoufeh, Sahand, Shahrood12, A200,1-25, 1-16 and 13-40 budded on GF677 rootstock, and GF677 rootstock (without budding as control), and (2) salinity of irrigation water at five levels (0.5, 2.5, 4.9, 7.3 and 9.8 dSm-1). At the end of experiment, salinity tolerance threshold and yield reduction slope were calculated based on dry weight (biomass).The results showed that the type and combination of rootstock and scion affect the salinity tolerance threshold and yield reduction slope. The lowest salinity tolerance threshold was observed in 1-16 (2.22 dS/m), Mamaei (2.28 dS/m), and Sahand (2.39 dS/m) genotypes, respectively. On the contrary, the highest salinity tolerance threshold was observed in Shokoufeh (5.80 dS/m), Shahrood12 (4.84 ds/m) and 1-25 (4.80 ds/m).The highest yield reduction slope was observed in 13-40 (8.05%), A200 (7.86%), and Nonpareil (7.55%) genotypes, respectively. In contrast, the lowest yield reduction slope was observed in Shahrood 12 (5.60%). Overall, the results showed the level of salinity that reduced the yield by 50% in Shahrood 12, Shokoufeh, and 1-25, were 5.05, 4.43 and 3.55 dS/m greater than GF677 rootstock (without budding), respectively. EC50 in Shahrood 12, Shokoufeh, 1-25 and GF677 was observed in salinity intensity of 13.23, 12.59, 11.71 and 8.16 dS/m. It should be noted that in previous studies, 100% decrease in yield was reported by salinity level of 7 dS/m, while in Shahrood 12 and Shokoufeh cultivars budded on GF677 rootstock, we observed only 12% and 9% yield reduction by salinity of 7 dS/m. Therefore, we suggest that Shahrood 12 and Shokoufeh cultivars budded on GF677 rootstock could be cultivated in areas with moderate salinity.

Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria Scop.) is an attractive ornamental species that has medicinal properties. In this study, the effects of different levels of salt on plant growth and cow manure and vermicompost on increasing the salt tolerance of plant were investigated. In a factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD), three levels of organic amendments (1- soil, 2- 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v vermicompost, 3- 80% v/v soil + 20% v/v cow manure) and three levels of salinity (1, 4 and 7 dS.m-1) with three replications per treatments were applied. In this experiment, media without organic amendment was considered as control. Results showed that increasing soil salinity levels progressively decreased the growth characteristics and fresh and dry weight of plant. The highest height and diameter were observed in control plants and in 1 dS.m-1 salinity. Vermicompost treatment better than control and cow manure increased fresh and dry weight of shoot. The highest fresh and dry weight of shoots by 230.8 and 123.36 g respectively, were obtained in the highest salinity level (7 dS.m-1) and vermicompost treatment. In moderate and high levels of salt stress (4 and 7 dS.m-1) vermicompost better than cow manure could increase leaf area. Cow manure and vermicompost could reduce sodium and chloride of leaf to control and increase its potassium. Generally, the use of cow manure and vermicompost could improve the growth characteristics and nutrient absorption of plant under salt condition compare to the control.