alireza samadzadeh

Sesame is one of the oldest crops and probably the oldest oilseed in the world. In most regions, the landrace and local masses of sesame are used. To increase production and yield, the production of modified cultivars for different agricultural climates is extremely important.

Seven genotypes included Isfahan, Sirjan, Fars, Oltan, Jiroft, Sabzevar, TS-3 and 21 hybrids that were obtained from them were studied in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Birjand under the drought stress conditions during 2015-2018. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications as a 7 × 7 one-way diallel. In this study, several traits were measured. These traits were including plant height, height to the first fruiting capsule, number of capsules per plant, number of sub-branches, number of leaves, leaf length, number of seeds per capsule, capsule length, capsule weight, capsule width, days to 50% and 90% flowering, days to physiological maturity, thousand seed weight, oil percentage, protein percentage, amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, biological yield, economic yield and harvest index.

The investigation of the adequacy of the additive-dominance model showed that the model was sufficient in the traits including plant height, capsule length, capsule weight, number of leaves, number of sub-branches, number of capsules per plant, economic yield, biological yield, days to 50 flowering, days to 90% flowering and days to physiological maturity, and therefore diallel analysis was done on these traits. Hayman's variance analysis showed that were significant component a (additive effects of genes) in all traits and component b (dominant effects of genes) in all traits except plant height. Also, were significant the component b1 (mean dominance effects) in most traits except plant height, number of auxiliary branches, number of capsules and seed yield, the component b2 (other dominance deviation due to the parents) in most traits except plant height, number of auxiliary branches and number of capsules, and the component b3 (residual dominance variation) in all traits except plant height. The investigation of genetic parameters showed significant additive genetic component (D) and dominanant genetic components (H1 and H2) in most traits. Also were significant the component F (average covariance of additive and dominance effects) and the component h2 (the overall dominance effect of heterozygous loci) in half of the traits. The average degree of dominance (√ (H1/D)) in different traits was observed as additive, incomplete, and over dominance. In all characteristics, except capsule weight, the ratio of genes with positive and negative effects (H2/(4H1)) was not equal to 0.25; therefore, in all traits, increasing and decreasing genes did not have symmetrical distribution among parents. The ratio of dominant and recessive genes in parents ((√(4DH1)+F)/(√(4DH1)-F)) was more than unity in most of the traits, so there was an uneven distribution of dominant and recessive genes in most of the traits. The number of dominant gene groups (h2/H2) was obtained from 0 to 2.04; therefore, all traits were controlled by one or two gene blocks. Broad sense (hb2) and narrow sense (hn2) heritability were high in all traits.

In the traits studied, the type of action of genes controlling the traits, the ratio of dominant and recessive genes, the ratio of genes with increasing and decreasing effects, additive effects and dominance were variable and were different in most of the traits. Generally, most traits were controlled by genes with additive and dominant effects. The high heritability estimate indicates the promising news of the studied genetic materials in future studies. Therefore, among these materials, better genotypes can be selected for the climatic conditions of Birjand, so that it can be further investigated in the future.

To investigate the genetic structure of different sesame traits, 7 genotypes, including Ardestan, Sirjan, Fars, Sabzevar, Jiroft, Oltan and TS-3 were studied in the form of a 7 x 7 one-way diallel design in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture at University of Birjand during 2015-2018.The traits measured included plant height, height to the first capsule, number of auxiliary branches, number of leaves, leaf length, days to 50 % flowering, days to 90 % flowering, days to physiological maturity, number of capsules per plant, biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, number of seeds per capsule, capsule weight, capsule length, capsule width, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, oil and protein percentage.Hayman′s variance analysis showed that there were significant components a, b and b3 in all traits and components b1 and b2 in most traits. Parameters D, H1, and H2 were significant and the parameters F, h2 and E were not significant for most traits. The average degree of dominance (√H1/D) showed incomplete dominance and over dominance for all traits. The H2/(4H1) parameter was less than 0.25 in all traits except the day to 50 % flowering, suggesting that increasing and decreasing genes did not have symmetrical distribution among the parents. The parameter (√(4DH1)+F)/√(4DH1)-F ) showed symmetrical and asymmetrical distributions for the studied traits. In most of the traits, there was a dominant gene block controlling the traits. Broad sense and narrow sense heritabilities ranged 0.47-0.99 and 0.17-0.98, respectively. In general, all traits were controlled by genes with additive and dominance effects, so it is possible to select and produce hybrids in sesame. Considering that Fars, Oltan and TS-3 genotypes had the most dominant alleles, it is recommended that in future studies, attention should be paid to these three genotypes.

In recent years, due to the excessive consumption of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertilizers and common methods of crop production, problems have arisen that have led to more attention to sustainable agriculture.Zeolite is one of the natural minerals that also has nutritional value and can be considered a step towards achieving sustainable agriculture.

In order to investigate the effect of type and amount of zeolite on the yield of common millet, an experiment was conducted in the crop year of 2017-17 at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University. This factorial experiment was performed using randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Experimental treatments included two types of calcium and potash zeolites in two forms of powder and granules, which were considered at two levels (5 and 10 tons per hectare) with a control treatment without zeolite. In this study, common millet (Pursu) was used for cultivation.

Number of clusters per plant: Analysis of variance of data showed that the effect of treatment on this trait was not statistically significant at the level of 5% probability. However, the control treatment had fewer clusters than the potassium powder and granular treatments of 10 tons per hectare and the calcic powder and granule treatments of 10 tons per hectare. Also, the control treatment had more clusters than the calcium granular and powder treatments of 5 tons per hectare and the potassium granular and powder treatments of 5 tons per hectare. Comparison of the average effect of zeolite content on the number of clusters per plant showed that increasing the application of zeolite from 5 tons per hectare to 10 tons per hectare caused a significant increase in the number of clusters per millet plant at a probability level of 5%.
Thousand-grain weight: Analysis of variance of 1000-grain weight data as a treatment, to compare with the zeolite control treatment showed that the effect of zeolite treatment on millet 1000-grain weight was significant at 5% probability level. The results of factorial analysis of variance showed that the simple effect of zeolite type on 1000-grain weight was significant at 5% probability level. But the simple effect of zeolite content as well as the interaction effect of type and amount of zeolite on this trait was not significant.
Grain yield: The results of analysis of variance of grain yield data to compare treatments containing zeolite with control treatment without zeolite showed that the effect of zeolite treatment on grain yield was significant at the level of 1% probability. The results of factorial analysis of variance showed that the simple effect of zeolite content at 1% probability level and the effect of type and amount of zeolite at 5% probability level on grain yield were significant. But the simple effect of zeolite type had no significant effect on this factor. The results of comparing the average amount of zeolite on grain yield showed that increasing the amount of zeolite increased millet grain yield at a probability level of 5%.
Water use efficiency: The results showed a significant effect of zeolite treatment on water use efficiency at a probability level of 1%. The results of variance for water use efficiency showed that this trait was significantly affected by the simple effect of zeolite content and the interaction between type and amount of zeolite at 5% level but the effect of zeolite type on it was not significant. The results of comparing the average amount of zeolite on water use efficiency showed a statistically significant difference between the application of 5 and 10 tons per hectare of zeolite at the level of one percent.

The results showed that the application of different types of zeolite caused a significant increase in 1000-grain weight and number of grains per panicle at a probability level of 5% and grain yield, water use efficiency at a probability level of one percent compared to control treatment (no application of zeolite). Increasing the application of zeolite from 5 to 10 tons per hectare significantly increased the number of spikes per plant, number of seeds per spike, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield and water use efficiency. Therefore, with the optimal using of this fertilizer, the effects of drought stress on plants are somewhat reduced and it is recommended for using in dry areas.

 Wheat is one of the most important and strategic plants that is important because of nutritional value. The knowledge of genetic control and inheritance of yield components is essential to selecting the best breeding method. Therefore, comprehensive and accurate information about the genetic parameters controlling yield components should be considered in deciding to select the appropriate breeding method to maximum grain yield.

 The seven genotypes, including Alvand, Anfaram9, Chamran2, Back Cross-Roshan, Ofogh, goods and local variety Sorkh-Dane and 21 hybrids from them was studied in a 7 × 7 one-way Diallel designs during 2015-2016.

 Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes. Griffing's diallel analysis showed that the general and specific combining ability was significant in all traits. The best genotypes were BC-Roshan and Sorkh-Dane and the worst genotypes were Ofogh and Ghods because of general combing ability. BC-Roshan × Chamran2 and Alvand × Ghods were the best hybrids and Ofogh × BC-Roshan, Ofogh × Sorkh-Dane and Anfarm9 × BC-Roshan were the worst hybrids in most traits. Hayman's variance analysis showed that the additive and non-additive component of variance were significant in all of the traits. Based on Hayman's variance analysis, the heterosis (b1 component was significant) and unequal frequency of dominant and recessive alleles (b2 component was significant) were seen in most traits. Based on Hayman's variance analysis, the specific combining ability (b3 component was significant) of all traits was significant and emphasized the results of Griffing analysis. The results of this research indicate that for the introduction of a new variety or varieties in the Southern Khorasan region, it is recommended to use the local variety Sorkh-Dane in crossing in the figure. 

 The present study showed that although the local cultivar Sorkh-Daneh does not have a high economic yield, but it has a high general and specific combining ability in mating with other cultivars. Therefore, it is recommended to use this local cultivar in mating with other cultivars so as not to be forgotten.

Recognition and understanding the genetic control of traits, combining ability and genetic structure are directly related to the success of breeding programs. For this purpose, a 7 × 7 one-way diallel design was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The measured traits were included plant height, height to the first capsule, number of days to 50% and 90% of flowering, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, number of days to physiological ripening, number of branches, leaves number and length, 1000-seeds weight, capsule weight, length and width, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, biological andeconomic yields, harvest index, oil and protein percentage. Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes and diallel analysis showed that the additive variance of all traits and dominant variance of all traits except height to the first fruit-bearing capsule were significant. The oltan cultivar was the best and Ardestan genotype was the worst genotype in terms of general combining ability. Sabzevar×TS-3 and Sirjan×Fars were the best hybrids in most traits. The general heritability was between 0.90 to 0.96 for biologic yield and number of branches, respectively and narrow heritability was between 0.36 to 0.91 for the number of branches and harvest index, respectively. The analysis of variance by Hayman method confirmed the results of Griffing analysis.

Synthetic hexaploid wheats (SHWs), amphiploids resulting from the crosses between durum wheat and Aegilops species, are valuable resources for enhancing wheat genetic diversity and useful for the exploitation of alleles outside the primary wheat gene pool. In this research, 50 SHW lines along with five bread wheat cultivars as controls (Onfarm4, Arg, Ofogh, Narin, Backcross Roshan) were evaluated based on different morpho-phenological traits in the laboratory and research field of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran. The results of analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between different genotypes for the studied traits except for the tiller number, indicating the existence of genetic diversity among genotypes. The estimated heritability for different traits ranged from 26% to 90%. Comparison of mean between SHW lines and the control cultivars showed that there were statistically significant differences for most of the studied traits except for spike length, tiller number and 1000-grain weight. Cluster analysis based on Ward's minimum variance method classified the studied genotypes into three clusters. Biplot diagram based on two principal components that accounted for 53.09% of the total variations also confirmed the grouping from the cluster analysis. The results of this study showed that the general superiority was related to the control cultivars, but high genetic diversity was observed among the synthetic wheat lines for many of the studied traits and therefore the superior lines for important traits can be selected as parents to produce new wheat cultivars in the future breeding programs.

Introducing of new crops which are adapted to environmental stresses is one of the most effective methods for sustainable crop production and food security in arid regions. Accordingly, the possibility of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) production as a drought- and saline-tolerant, pseudocereal has high importance (Bagheri, 2018). This plant is able to develop even in regions where the annual precipitation is between 200–400 mm. The planting season of quinoa varies from August in the Andean highlands, extending through December, and in some areas from January to March. Quinoa sowing density may vary according to the region. For example, it has been reported to range from 0.4 to 0.6 g m2 in Bolivian Altiplano, and from 0.8 to 1.4 g m2 in Ecuador (Jancurova et al., 2009; Ruiz et al., 2014). Considering the possibility of high adaptation of quinoa to the dry climatic conditions of Iran, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of its cultivation in Birjand region, and in the first step the effects of planting date and density were investigated on its growth and yield.

In this research the effects of sowing date (5th, May, June and July) and plant density (15, 30, 45 and 60 plant per m-2) was studied on vegetative and reproductive growth of quinoa (Titicac cultivar) using factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design, with three replications, in Birjand, Iran, during 2017. Planting was done in rows with 30 cm distances and the variable intervals on the row based on the related density. Irrigation was applied in time intervals of 10 days and 130 kg ha-1 Urea (46% pure N) also was used during plant growth. In the last of vegetative phase six plants were sampled randomly and then some vegetative (plant height, plant dry weight, number of lateral branches) and reproductive (panicle number, length and dry weight, grain number per plant, 1000-grain weight) traits were measured. The remained plants were used to measure grain yield, biological yield and harvest index. Data analysis was done using SAS 9.2 and means were compared by LSD test in 5% level of probability.

The simple and interaction effects of planting date and density was statistically significant on most vegetative and reproductive indices of quinoa including plant dry weight, number of lateral branches per plant, biological yield, number of panicle (cluster) per plant, length and weight of panicle, grain number per plant and grain yield. Plant dry weight decreased with increasing plant density up to 60 plant per m2 and planting in July. The number of panicles (cluster) per plant decreased due to the increase in plant density from 15 to 60 plant per m2 (by 19%) and movement from spring cultivation to summer planting (by 75%). This decrease was somewhat moderated by increasing the number of sub-cluster per cluster. The highest number of grain per plant (806 grain) was obtained in density of 15 plant per m2 and planting in early May. The highest and the lowest grain yields were obtained from May planting date with a density of 45 plants per m2 (380 kg ha-1) and planting in July with a density of 15 plants per m2 (25 kg ha-1), respectively. Against grain yield, planting in July had no negative effect on biological yield, so that, its maximum value (1968 kg ha-1) was obtained from mentioned planting date and density of 45 plant per m2. The main reason for reduction of grain yield in June and July planting dates was the occurrence of high temperatures during pollination period of the plant.

Overall, density of 45-60 plants per m2 and sowing of quinoa in May brought the best conditions for its growth and yield. However, grain yield in this treatment was also considerably lower than the actual yield of the plant, and therefore evaluation of other autumn, winter and summer planting dates is require. Observations showed that the approach of the quinoa pollination period to a high temperatures, disturbed pollination and consequently grain production declined sharply. Keywords: Harvest index, Lateral branch, Panicle, Plant height, Grain yield.

The production of new and compatible cultivars to different environments is one of the most important goals for the breeders. The crossing new cultivars and the selection of superior genotypes for desirable traits among their offspring is a method that has always been used by breeders. 28 genotypes obtained from the crossing of a 7 × 7 one-way diallel experiment consisting of seven parents (Alvand, Anfarm9, Chamran2, BC Roshan, Qods, Ofogh, local variety Sorkh-dane) and their 21 hybrids were investigated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research field of the Faculty of Agriculture of University of Birjand (Iran) under non-stress and drought stress conditions. The analysis of variance showed a significant difference among genotypes for all traits. Mean squares of GCA and SCA were significant for all traits under non-stress and stress conditions, so, there were additive and non-additive components of heritable variance in all traits. The BC Roshan parent had the high combining ability and Ofogh parent had the lowest combining ability in most traits in non-stress and stress conditions. In both conditions, BC-Roshan × Chamran2, Sorkh-dane × Qods and Ofogh × Anfarm9 hybrids had the highest yield and yield dependent traits. Hayman's variance analysis showed that component a (additive genetic diversity), component b (dominance genetic diversity), component b1 (heterosis), component b2 (heterosis specifically for each parent), and component b3 (specific dominance deviation per cross) were significant in both conditions in all traits.The Hayman's analysis confirmed the results of Griffing's analysis.

Increasing the grain yield is the most important goal for breeders. Since grain yield has a polygenic heritability, it's difficult to study and so often breeders use the yield components to improve it. In order to investigating the genetic analysis of yield and it’s related traits in wheat, a 7×7 one-way diallel design was carried out in drought stress condition at research field of the University of Birjand, Iran, in 2015-2016. The genotypes included seven parents (Alvand, Anfaram9, Chamran2, Back Cross-Roshan, Ghods, Ofogh and local variety Sorkh-Dane) and 21 hybrids. Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes in all studied traits. Griffing;s diallel analysis showed that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability(SCA) of the parents for all studied traits except for harvest index were significant. The analysis of variance by Hayman’s method showed that the component a (additive variance), component b (dominance variance), component b2 (unequal frequency of dominant and recessive alleles) and component b3 (specific combining ability) were significant for most of the traits. Also,the component b1 (heterosis) was significant in all traits, except for harvest index, peduncle length, biological yield, stem weight and spike weight. The results of this research showed thatthe local varieties Sorkh-Dane and Alvand were the best and Anfrarm9 and Ofogh were the worst varietiesfor general combing ability. Also,the hybrids Ghods×Sorkh-Daneand Anfarm9× Alvandwere the best and Ofogh ×Sorkh-Daneand Chamran2 ×Sorkh-Danewere the worst hybrids for specific combining ability in Birjand weather conditions.

Foliar application of phytohormones and nutrients can affect the saffron vegetative growth and its tolerance to environmental stress. In order to evaluate the role of salicylic acid and potassium nitrate foliar application on saffron growth, a two years' study (2014-16) was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with four replications at Sarayan faculty of agriculture, university of Birjand. In this study, different levels of salicylic acid (0.5, 1 and 2 mM) and potassium nitrate (250, 500 and 1000 mg L-1) plus control (distilled water) was sprayed twice during plant growth. Based on the results, the highest chlorophyll a (6.93 mg/g FW) and chlorophyll a/b obtained at plants treated with 1000 mg L-1 of potassium nitrate, which had no significant difference with level of 2 mM Salicylic acid. The highest chlorophyll b content was obtained at 0.5 mM salicylic acid (1.084 mg/g FW) that showed no significant different with 1 mM treatment. All levels of salicylic acid and potassium nitrate reduced the electrolyte leakage percentage. Moreover, the highest amounts of daughter corms fresh weight (3.9 g), number of leaves (8 leaf per plant), and leaf length (33.81 cm) were gained at concentration of 2 mM salicylic acid. Overall, it can be concluded that foliar application of salicylic acid and potassium nitrate is an appropriate strategy in saffron cultivation which can reduce the effects of thermal stress (reduce in electrolyte leakage) and increase replacement corm growth and leaf extension

IntroductionRoselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is an annual herbaceous plant which grows properly in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Sepals are the main commercial part of roselle with unique brilliant red colour and flavor which are containing many nutritional compounds such as anthocyanin and vitamin C. Accordingly, sepals commonly are used in food industries for production of beverages, juices, jams and syrup (Duangmal et al., 2008; Sanjari-Mijani et al. 2015). Therefore, production of high quality sepals via the good agronomic practices is an important topic in roselle cultivation. So far, the effect of irrigation management (Rahbarian et al. 2011), mycorrhizal inoculation (Sembok et al. 2015) and humic acid application (Sanjari-Mijani et al. 2015) on some qualitative and quantitative indices of roselle has been evaluated in some studies. However, the impacts of mentioned factors on colour characteristics of dried sepals including hunter color values, colour intensity and hue angle has not been studied. Therefore, due to the impact of colour on marketability and drug quality, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of water availability, mycorrhizal symbiosis and humic acid application on colour indices of dried sepals in roselle.
Materials and methodsIn this experiment, the influence of irrigation regimes [irrigation after 100 mm (normal irrigation) and 200 mm (deficit irrigation) pan evaporation], humic acid application (0 and 4 kg.ha-1) and mycorrhizal inoculation (Glomus versiforme, Glomus intraradices and control) were studied on colour characteristic of roselle sepals. For this purpose an experiment at the form of split-split-plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out during 2015-16 at research field of Sarayan Faculty of Agriculture (33ºN, 58ºE, 1450 masl, annual precipitation of 150 mm and annual temperature of 17ºC.) in east part of Iran. Seed planting was done on 20 April using Sistan & Balochestan ecotype with 10×50 cm intra and inter-rows distances. Humic acid was used in irrigation water two times during vegetative growth of roselle i.e. 15 and 35 days after emergence. All plots were irrigated similarly two times during the first week after seed sowing and then irrigation treatments were exerted separately in each plot until November 15 when irrigation was stopped. After that, calyces belonged to each treatment were harvested and dried separately in ambient temperature and shade condition of laboratory and then were used for colour analysis. Color of dried sepals was evaluated using a colorimeter (TES 135, Shenzhen Youfu Tools Co., Ltd. - TAIWAN). Results were expressed as Hunter color values (l*, a* and b*). L is the brightness ranging from 0 (black) to 100 (white). The value a* is the redness ranging from negative values for green to positive values for red. The value b* is the yellowness ranging from negative values for blue and positive values for yellow. In addition, color intensity (Chroma), hue angle and browning index were calculated using equations presented by Duangmal et al., (2008). Finally, data were statistically analyzed using SAS 9.1 and means were compared by duncan test at 5% level of probability
Results and discussionResults showed that the effect of experimental factors was significant on most of colour indices in roselle calyces. Droughts stress reduced a* value, hue angle and chroma by 22, 53 and 15% respectively. Humic acid application also reduced the amount of hue by 63% while increased the b/a by 25%. Both mycorrhizal species enhanced the hue index by 66% compared with control treatment. Results of interaction effects revealed that the highest amount of b/a (0.19) was obtained at droughts stress × humic application × mycorrhizal inoculation, while its lowest value (0.02) observed at no stress ×no-humic ×no-inoculation treatment. In addition, the maximum amount of hue (215 º) was obtained at no water stress × humic application × mycorrhizal inoculation using Glomus versiforme. The treatment of no stress × no humic × mycorrhizal symbiosis produced the maximum amount of redness index. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between a* with chroma (.64**) and browning index (-0.71**) as well as between hue and redness index (.00**). Overall, colour quality of roselle sepals was more suitable under appropriate water supply. In addition, mycorrhizal inoculation partially reduced the negative impacts of droughts stress on calyxes colour characteristics. The reducing effect of sever water stress and the positive role of mycorrhizal inoculation on growth, yield and quality of roselle has been previously reported by other researchers (Rahbarian et al., 2011; Sembok et al. 2015). It has been reported that red anthocyanins in sepals of roselle are responsible of its brilliant red colour (Duangmal et al., 2008). Our qualitative analysis revealed that the amount of anthocyanins in drought stress condition was 12% lower than no stress treatment. Furthermore, mycorrhizal symbiosis using G. intraradices and Glomus versiforme improved the amount of this index by 20 and 5%, respectively (data are not presented). These observations are in accordance with the trend of redness change in dried sepals. Accordingly, it seems that more redness and a*, hue angle in no stress and inoculation treatments is because of more anthocyanin content in related plants. This finding is also understandable from positive regression relation between redness index and sepals anthocyanin content.
ConclusionsConsidering to colour characteristics and regards to yield and qualitative indices such as anthocyanin and vitamin c content (data are not presented), it seems that appropriate water availability and use of mycorrhizal symbiosis are two good strategies for roselle production.

Saffron production will be increased in arid regions by providing sufficient water through appropriate agronomic strategies. Therefore, in this investigation the impact of different rates of super absorbent polymer (SAP) including 0,10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg ha-1 was studied on saffron flowering traits during two growth cycles. Results showed that the influence of experimental factor was significant on almost all studied indices in both years. Number of flower was on average 22% more than control when 30-40 kg ha-1 SAP was used. Flower yield in the first growth cycle was higher in 40 kg ha-1 (24.9 g.m-2) and in the second one in 30 kg ha-1 (89.4 g.m-2) SAP application, while these values in control treatment were 19.7 and 71.2 g.m-2 for the first and second seasons, respectively. Altogether in two years application of 40 kg ha-1 SAP produced the highest fresh stigma style yield (4.54 g.m-2) compared with the control (3.47 g.m-2). SAP application at the rates of more than 30 kg ha-1 increased dry stigma yield in average of two years (0.45, 0.50, 0.49 and 0.44 g.m-2 for 0, 30, 40 and 50 kg.ha-1 treatments, respectively). In addition, SAP usage at the rate of 40 kg ha-1 produced the highest number (12.6) and weight (86 g per plant) of replacement corms at the end of second growth season. In total, it seems that SAP consumption can be considered as a suitable option for improvement of saffron flowering in areas affected by drought stress.

The use of corms with appropriate weight is one of the main factors in the flowering of saffron. Thus, the impacts of six organic (OS) and conventional (CS) production systems on the growth of saffron replacement corms was studied during one growth cycle from October 2015 up to May 2016 in this experiment. The experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications and six treatments including low, medium and high input organic systems as well as low, medium and high input conventional systems. A transition period of 24 months was considered in the chosen field before corm planting. Based on the results of an analysis of variance, the effect of experimental treatments was significant on the growth properties of most replacement corms (RC). The results of means comparison revealed that the differences within each organic or conventional system were insignificant but they were found to be considerable between the two OS and CS production systems. Total RC weight per clone and the number of flowering buds per RC in the OS production system were on the average 40% more than that of the CS production system. The amount of mean RC weight for OS and CS was 4.75 and 2.54g, respectively. The percent of RC with weight of less than 5g in the CS production system was higher than that of the OS production system (70 vs. 84%), while the percent of RC in 5-10g (13 vs. 14.5%) and more than 10g (3 vs. 15.7%) categories in the OS production system were more than that of the CS production system. The mean value of flowering buds had a significant correlation with the total RC weights per clone (.58**), mean RC weight (.64**), number of small RC (-0.57**) and number of large corm per clone (.61**). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the mean RC weight with the number of RC per clone (-0.55**), the RC weight per clone (.73**), the number of small RC (-0.89**) and the number of large RC per clone (.81**). Overall, the employment of OS had a significant positive effect on the growth of saffron replacement corms especially on mean corm weight and the number of flowering buds.

Saffron that is an important medicinal plant of Iran is influenced by several environmental stresses. Therefore, the consumption of appropriate hormonal and nutritional compounds can reduce the negative impacts of stresses on it and improve the growth and yield of the plant. For this purposes, an experiment was carried out based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications to study the effect of Salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) and Potassium Nitrate (0, 250,500 and 1000 ml.g-1), in the research field station of the College of Agriculture, the University of Birjand, Iran, in the growing season of 2015. The indices evaluated included flower and corolla fresh weight, stigma weight and length, leaf length, corm and cormel weights and diameter, chlorophyll florescence parameters and total chlorophyll content. The results showed that the highest amounts of Fv, Fv/Fm, Fv/Fm (117, 0.27 and 0.44, respectively), total chlorophyll (0.85 µg.g fresh weight), flower and corolla fresh weight (36.9 and 32.1 g.m-2, respectively), stigma weight (4.2 g.m-2) and length (29.6 mm) and leaf length (37.7 cm) were obtained at 2 mM level of salicylic acid, while the highest Fm was recorded at 0.5 mM salicylic acid. In addition, pretreatment with 1000 mg.l-1 potassium nitrate increased the amounts of cormel weight and diameter by 30% and 19% compared with the control, respectively. Generally, the results of this experiment indicated an enhancement in saffron growth and yield, affected by corms soaking in salicylic acid and potassium nitrate.

The effects of applications of humic acid and planting density on antioxidant activities and components of saffron were evaluated under field conditions. Treatments were of four levels of humic acid (0, 5, 10 and 15 Kg.ha-1) and three densities of planting (50, 75 and 100 corms.m-2). The experiment was designed in randomized block design with three replications at the research station of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Birjand during the growing season of 2015. Petal antioxidant compounds (antioxidan, total phenol and Anthocyanins) and active ingredients of saffron (picrocin, safranal and crocin) were influenced by humic acid and planting density treatments. The highest antioxidant activity (69.7%) was obtained in plants treated with 5 kg.ha-1 humic acid with a planting density of 50 corms.m-2. However, no significant difference was found in phenol content under different treatments. The highest anthocyanin content (46.4 mg.100 g-1) was observed in 10 kg.ha-1 humic acid with a planting density of 75 corms.m-2. Picrocin content was influenced in response to humic acid planting density and the highest value (40.60%) was obtained from 15 kg.ha-1 humic acid with a planting density of 75 corms.m-2. The highest safranal (20.1%) and crocin (55.57%) were obtained in plants treated with10 kg.ha-1 acid humic, while the lowest values were recorded in the control (15.70%) and (43.12%) respectively. Thus, the results showed that humic acid and planting density have strong impacts on antioxidant compounds and active ingredients of saffron under field conditions.

Two field and laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and irrigation management on seed and essential oil yields of Cumin, as well as the impact of water quality on water holding capacity of SAP. Salinity had a negative effect on the amount of water absorbed by SAP (335 and 59 g H2O per g SAP, for distilled water and solution of 0.5% NaCl, respectively). SAP application (30 kg.ha-1) along with three times irrigation at sowing, flowering and seed filling stages increased the amounts of seed and essential oil yields by 2.79 and 3.05 times, compared to control. Positive effects of SAP were related to enhancement of soil water holding capacity (120 gr irrigation water per gr SAP), leaf area duration (one week) and subsequently grain filling period.

The purpose of present study was identifying superior cotton varieties (Gossypiumhirsutum L.) under drought stress and normal conditions using GGEBiplot and GTBiplot. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and 14 treatments under normal and stress conditions in the research station of Birjand University in 2013-2014. Cotton genotypes were: Armaghan, Oltan, Bakhtegan, Sahel, Soyecra, Shirpan603, Khordad, Deltapyn25, Mehr, Varamin, N-200, SB35, SP371, 84-39-T3. In evaluation of genotypes among traits using GTBiplot the genotype Deltapine25 was recognized as superior genotype under stress, normal and both normal and stress environments conditions for most traits including yield and yield components. Comparison of genotypes using GGEbiplot based on cotton yield showed that the genotype Deltapine25was also superior cultivar under normal and stress conditions. Based on polygons GGEbiplot, Deltapine25 and Khordad were detected as high performance genotype under both normal and stressenvironments. Also, based no cotton yield GGEbiplot introduced the Deltapine25 as an ideal genotypes.

In this study effect of irrigation managements including irrigation after 100 and 200 mm pan evaporation as normal and deficit irrigation respectively was investigated in Roselle plants. Effects of humic acid (including 0 and 4 kg ha-1) and mycorrhizal inoculants (including Glomus versiforme (GV) and Rhizophagus irregularis (RI)) were also studied on growth, yield and mycorrhizal symbiosis index of Roselle plants. Drought stress reduced the amounts of morphological indices and yield components, while mycorrhizal treatment particularly RI inoculation and to a lower extent humic acid application reduced the negative impacts of water deficit on growth and yield of Roselle plants. Both inoculants of mycorrhizal fungi increased the economical yield of Roselle under drought stress condition, where the amount of calyx yield for RI, GV and control in 200 mm pan-evaporation treatment was 130, 127 and 66 kg ha-1, respectively. In addition, the highest root mycorrhizal frequency was obtained at normal irrigation × humic application × RI (95%) and the lowest value was observed at deficit irrigation × no-humic × no-mycorrhizal inoculation (31.6%) treatment. In conclusion, combined effects of experimental factors showed that seed inoculation of plants by mycorrhiza and to some extent application of humic acid are two reliable strategies for Roselle production under deficit irrigation.

Due to evaluation Yield and Its components and determining the most important treats affecting on the Yield, 12 different accessions of sesame were cultivated under both normal irrigation and drought stress by randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Farm of Birjand in 2012-2013 years. The parameters measured included the number of capsules, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, length and width of capsules, 20 capsules weight, grain weight, the weight of 1000 seeds, biological yield and economic yield. Plant height, 1000 seed weight and biological yield showed significant differences in both irrigated conditions. Darab14regard to important agronomic traitsin both conditions had a suitable situation. The correlation results showed that under normal irrigation, the number of leaves per plant (0.616**), 1000 seed weight (0.688*) and weight of 20 capsules (0.579*) had the highest correlation with grain yield. The regression result showed that Biological yield, Number of leaves and weight of 1000 seed had highest coefficients at justifying the yield, respectively. Factor analysis revealed that four factors more than 83 and 71% of total variations in all data are justified in normal and stress conditions. A cluster analysis of accessions, divided them into two and three groups in normal and stress irrigation respectively.

To evaluate the effects of manure, chemical fertilizers and their combined uses on yield and some physiological parameters of tomato varieties, an experiment was conducted as split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Faculty of the University of Birjand in 2014. In this experiment fertilizer with 3 levels (manure, chemical fertilizer and their combined uses) asseigned to main plots and three tomato varieties (Orbana, Super chief and Super majar) to sub plots. Physiological parameters under study were LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR which measured every 10 days after the seedling establishment. The results showed significant effects of fertilizer and varieties on these parameters. The highest leaf area index (3.56) was obtained by the used of chemical fertilizers and the lowest (3) by the application of manure. Orbana possessed the highest LAI (4) and Super chief the lowest LAI (2.78). In this experiment, the highest crop growth rate (CGR) belonged to Orbana by the use of combined application of fertilizers and the lowest to Super Chief by the use of manure. Plants treated with chemical fertilizer had the highest relative growth rate (RGR) and those treated with their combined application and manure stood in the lower categories. The highest total tomato yield was related to the use of chemical fertilizer and the lowest to the use of combined fertilizers. The results of this experiment can be used to emphasize the role of organic fertilizers to produce highest tomato yield, both in quantity and quality, in this region and other similar regions in the country.

To study genetic diversity and drought tolerance in sesame genotypes، an experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2010-2011 was conducted at the Agricultural Research Field، University of Birjand under stress and non-stress conditions. The aim of this study was the testing of yield، tolerance index and bi-plot analysis. Materials included genotypes Birjand، Khusf، Torbate-jam، Safi-Abad، Darab 1، Darab 14، Bandar Abbas، Yellowite، Dashtestan 2، Dashtestan 5، Line 2 and Line TN234. The irrigation was carried in 100 and 200 mm evaporation of A class pan in normal and stress conditions respectively. The compound analysis of variance showed that the genotypes were different in the most traits except for capsule length، capsule width and the number of capsules. The drought stress was affected on the most traits except for capsule length، capsule width. Mean comparisons showed that the genotypes Bandar Abbas and Darab 1 have the highest and Safiabad and Darab 14 lines have the lowest YP. The genotypes Darab 1 and Line TN234 have highest and the genotypes Birjand and Darab 14 have the lowest YS. The maximum damage of drought stress was on the capsule number، economic yield، leaf number and harvest index and the minimum damage were on the auxiliary branch number، seed weight، capsule weight، plant height and biomass. Correlation analysis showed that STI، GMP، MP and Harm are appropriate and selection on their identified darab1 and TN234 line as desirable genotypes.