amirhooshang jalali

AbstractDifferent types of basil have attracted the attention of experts due to their antioxidant properties and supply of vitamins. To select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. The effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area.IntroductionBasil (Ocimum basilicum L., 2n = 2x = 48) as a member of the Lamiaceae family has annual and perennial varieties and more than 60 species are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Fresh food, medicinal, cosmetic and spice uses for this plant are mentioned and the amount of its essential oil varies from 0.1 to 0.45% depending on the variety, weather conditions and soil. In the comparison of 12 purple and green basil genotypes in Isfahan and Mazandaran provinces, the yield of the second harvest was higher in all genotypes, and in addition, the genotypes in the two regions showed completely different reactions, so that the (Mazandaran 2) genotype in Isfahan region was the lowest (11 t.ha-1) and It produced the highest yield (29.6 t.ha-1) in Mazandaran. Comparing some characteristics of purple and green basil in hydroponic conditions in Ahvaz, it was found that purple basil was superior to green basil in terms of chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the compatibility and selection of the advanced purple basil population in Isfahan province.Materials and MethodsTo select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. In order to prepare a suitable substrate, land preparation including plowing and two disks perpendicular to each other was done. Chemical fertilizers of urea (150 kg.ha-1), triple superphosphate (100 kg.ha-1) and potassium sulfate (70 kg.ha-1) were used based on the soil test. All the phosphorus and potash needed at the time of planting and nitrogen in divided form, 75 kg in each field at the time of plant activity, 75 kg were given as top dressing fertilizer one month later. To measure the yield, 50 cm from the sides of the plots were considered as margins and the rest of the plot was used to measure the yield. The performance of different harvests was recorded separately for each variety. To measure the final leaf area, eight plants were selected from the middle of each plot before harvesting, and finally, the total average for the total plots was calculated for each genotype. Composite variance analysis of traits was performed with SAS software version 2.9 and the averages were compared with Duncan's multiple range test.Results and DiscussionThe effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area.ConclusionThe presence of indigenous masses of crops are considered among the blessings of God in our country. Purple basil is one of the plants that has significant genetic diversity in the country. Results The present study showed that Dastgerd purple basil population along with Ghaemshahr purple basil population and Isfahan purple basil population were significantly superior to the genotypes used in this research with 22177, 18418 and 18397 kg of fresh yield, respectively. The acceptable performance of these genotypes and their compatibility with the weather conditions that have led to the production of four crops during the growing season can support the consumer market well.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the most important crops in Iran during the 2018-2019 crop year, occupied more than 5,864,000 ha of the country's agricultural lands, of which 1,932,000 ha were irrigated. Wheat cultivation in various regions of the world is impacted by a variety of abiotic stresses, among which drought stress (particularly after the pollination stage) is regarded as one of the most significant factors. In the majority of regions of Iran, there is typically sufficient moisture and suitable temperature for wheat growth in autumn and winter, but high temperatures and a lack of water are typical in spring, coinciding with wheat reproduction. Approximately 50% of the world's grain-growing lands are zinc-deficient. Considering the importance of grains in providing the daily calories required by humans, the zinc deficiency in these lands results in a zinc-deficient diet.

The present study was conducted at the Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station in Isfahan to determine the effect of drought stress in the pollination stage, with and without zinc spraying, in the two cropping years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. For the study, a split plot experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replications was employed. The primary factor consisted of three irrigation levels (full irrigation, and stop irrigation at the pollination stage with and without zinc foliar application), while the secondary factor was comprised of 11 wheat genotypes (two lines and 9 cultivars). In both years, the test site was chosen in areas of the station that had been fallow the year before. The land preparation process included plowing, discing, and leveling. Using a furrower, furrows with a stack distance of 60 cm were created during the final phase of land preparation. In accordance with the soil analysis, 100 kg ha-1 of potassium fertilizer (in the form of potassium sulfate) and 100 kg ha-1 of phosphorus fertilizer (in the form of triple superphosphate) were applied. Before planting, stemming, and before the emergence of spikes, 280 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer (in the form of urea) was applied in equal proportions at three separate stages. This study measured the number of days to physiological maturity, the duration of the grain filling period, grain yield, number of spikes per unit area, number of seeds per spike, weight of 1,000 seeds, and zinc element efficiency. SAS were used to perform statistical analsysis, while Excel and Word were utilized to create graphs and tables. The means of the studied characteristics were statistically compared using Duncan's multi-range test at the 1% and 5% probability levels.

The interaction of stress and genotype on the number of days to physiological maturity, grain yield, and 1000-grain weight (at 1% level), as well as the effect of moisture stress on spike length at 1% level were significant. In three genotypes of Pishtaz, Backcross Roshan, and Alvand, zinc foliar application increased yield by 11.7%, 14.8%, and 15%, respectively, compared to moisture stress conditions without zinc consumption. Compared to the control treatment, the grain filling period was 33 and 30.6% shorter in the water stress treatment without zinc consumption and with zinc consumption, respectively. Among genotypes, zinc consumption efficiency ranged from 86.95% to 95.03%. This study revealed that under drought stress, foliar application of zinc can mitigate the negative effects of stress, but the response of various cultivars varies in this regard.

According to the findings of this study, zinc foliar spraying can enhance plant performance and mitigate unfavorable conditions caused by moisture stress. Nevertheless, genotypes react differently in this field. In this regard, genotypes such as Pishtaz, Backcross Roshan, and Alvand performed better. The increase in spike length and number of seeds per spike in response to zinc foliar application under stressful conditions were the primary causes of the yield enhancement. In drought-stressed conditions, zinc foliar application also contributed to an increase in seed yield due to a higher 1000-seed weight. Additionally, it should be noted that the effects of drought stress are closely related to ambient temperature and heat stress, and that additional experiments considering the combination of these two factors can yield more accurate results.

In order to compare the effect of sowing date on plant growth, development stages and forage yield of three Astragalus cyclophyllon G. Beek ecotypes, a study was conducted in 2010-2011 cropping years in Hanna station, Semirom county, Iran. Three Astragalus ecotypes were originated from Hanna, Golpayegan and Chadegan in Isfahan province, Iran. Seeds were sown in spring and autumn sowing dates using split plot design based on completely randomized blocks in three replications. The results showed that the effect of year was not significant, but the ecotype by sowing date interaction effect was significant on yield and yield components (P<0.01). The required temperature units such as Growth Degree Days (GDD) for spring and autumn sowing dates were 2848°C and 2793°C, respectively. The effect of sowing date on emergence percent and forage yield was significant (p<0.05). Regardless of the ecotype type, the percentage of seed germination and forage yield in autumn sowing were 51 and 60% higher than spring sowing date, respectively. The dry weight of Hanna ecotype in autumn cultivation was 1280 kg ha-1, which was 55.8% and 58% higher than Golpayegan and Chadegan ecotypes, respectively. The reason for the increased yield in Hanna ecotype was of a higher ratio of its leaves. It was concluded that cultivation of Hanna ecotypes due to its higher forage production was recommended for cultivation in dryland farming and also to prevent its extinction in the study region.

In this experiment, an advanced population obtained by crossing and periodic self-selection in the two populations of cantaloupe (Samsouri and Yellow Beetle Melon), with three cantaloupe (Samsouri, Zamche and Shahabadi) and Muskmelon Yellow Beetle cultivars, in three province of Tehran, Isfahan and Golestan for quantitative and qualitative evaluation were compared. The area was moldboard-plowed and disked before planting. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each plot was planted two lines at intervals of 3 m and a length of 15 meters and planting depth was 2-3 cm. Irrigation was conducted based depletion of 50 percent of moisture in rooting depth. Cantaloupe and muskmelon seeds populations used in the experiment were prepared of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. Number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight, fruit skin thickness were measured by randomly selecting 10 fruits from each plot. The fresh yield was determined by harvesting surface equivalent to five square meters of each plot. Fruit sugar content was also measured randomly on 10 fruits from each plot by a refractometer. The firmness and shelf life of the fruits were evaluated based on the degree of spoilage of 20 fruits in two 6-day and 9-day periods under normal conditions. Percentage of rotten fruit was recorded in each period. The data were subjected to combined analysis of variance by SAS and means Fisher’s Protected LSD (5%) was used for mean separation.The effect of year on experimental traits was not statistically significant, but the effect of area on yield traits, number of fruits and percentage of fruit brix was significant at 1% level. The effect of genotype on all experimental traits was also significant at 1% level (except for fruit brix at 5%). Yield was significantly higher in Varamin and Isfahan than in Gorgan. The amount of this increase in Varamin and Isfahan compared to Gorgan was 41.6% and 34.2%, respectively. One of the main reasons for this increase was the higher number of fruits per plant. Differences in yield of cantaloupe genotypes in different regions may sometimes range from 10 to 76 t ha-1. Yield and number of fruits per plant of hybrid population were 16.20 t ha-1 and 2.34 number, respectively, which was not significantly different from Semsuri cantaloupe, but was significantly higher than other experimental populations. The fruit weight of hybrid populations (1.09 kg) was similar to Semsuri cantaloupe but was less than that of Muskmelon yellow beetle (1.83 kg) and Jaju populations (1.95 kg). In the United States, Brix 9 is considered good and Brix 11 is very good for cantaloupes but Brix is less than 10 for less attractive customers. The diameter of the ovarian cavity in the hybrid population was 6.76 cm, which was 32, 14.7 and 36% smaller than the populations of Shahabadi, Muskmelon yellow beetle and Jaju, respectively. In terms of fruit diameter, hybrid populations with 30.85 mm fruit diameter had a higher diameter than Semsuri population (28.78 mm) and a smaller diameter than Shahabadi population (37.94 mm). Percentage of fruit waste produced after 6 and 9 days was 3.3% and 10.5%, respectively, which was significantly lower than Semsuri and Shahabadi and Jaju melons but similar to beetle muskmelons. The hybrid population was similar with Semsuri population in number to fruit per plant, but in terms of percentage of Brix (fruit sugar) is closer to beetle Muskmelon, and most important after fruit harvesting shelf-life was similar to beetle Muskmelon and much higher than to semsuri.

Fort the purposes of this study, data were collected using a questionnaire on crop rotations in Isfahan Province alongside field observations and commonly used indices. It was found that the rotations common in all the three cold, temperate, and warm climatic zones identified in the province were often short-termed with two or three crops grown. The temperate zone, however, is characterized by 30 dominant types of rotation. Land use efficiencies of 43-98%, 60-95%, and 50-81% were recorded for the temperate, warm and cold zones, respectively. Production efficiency in the rotations was found to have declined to levels below 40 kg per rotation day depending on the type of crop grown, cultivation of small grains such as wheat and barley or certain oilseeds such as rapeseed and safflower, and fallow periods allowed between rotations. The presence of high-yield forage crops (such as fodder corn), especially when combined with tuberous crops (such as sugar beet) and summer crops (such as watermelon and honeydew melon), was found to increase the production efficiency of the rotations (sometimes to more than 200 kg day-1 in the temperate zone). Water productivity in crop rotations across the three zones rarely ever exceeded 6 kg m-3. Crop diversification in the rotations, therefore, seems to be the most urgent measure that should be taken in the three climatic zones. Finally, more extensive cultivation of tuberous crops in the temperate and warm zones as well as wider growth of pulses in the cold zones seem not only to be feasible but also economically rewarding.

Anousha cultivar is results of a cross-pollination of Agria and promising colon 397009, and various field and laboratory experiments during 12 years in the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute Karaj, Iran. To release Anousha variety, single plant selection, visual assessment, preliminary and advanced yield trials, adaptability test, study on resistance to fungi, bacteria and viruses was carried out in different places such as Karaj, Ardabil, Hamadan, Esfahan and Mashhad (Jolgehrokh). Although, Anousha cultivar had superiority to the Agria in terms of yield, but scatter Bi-plot analysis with respect to average yield and relative coefficient of excellence showed that its relative coefficient of excellence was almost the same as that of the Agria. The yield of Anousha cultivar in an on-farm study in Hamadan and Ardabil areas was 12.9% and 12.4% higher than that of Agria (check cultivar), respectively. Anousha cultivar is highly resistant to PVY and PVX that are very important and harmful viruses around the world. The reaction of Anousha to Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani (race AG-3), Rhizoctonia solani (race AG-4) and Rhizoctonia solani (potato black scurf) is semi sensitive, semi tolerant, tolerant and semi tolerant, respectively. The tuber dry matter of Anousha is 2% more than Agria and is excellent for frying and processing purposes. Anousha as a new potato cultivar is suitable for spring cultivation in the cold and moderately cold regions of Iran.

The phenomenon of reduced potato yield have increased in recent years under adverse conditions, such as water stress. The effects of water stress on yield and yield component of three potato cultivars have been evaluated in this study during 2019 growing season. This investigation has been arranged as split-plot experiment, based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Rozveh Agricultural Research Station (Chadegan, Isfahan, Iran). The main-plots are assigned to irrigation levels (75% and 100% field capacity) and sub-plots to potato cultivars (Marfona, Agria, and Atousa). To ensure the initial establishment of the plant and prevent severe crop failure, one additional irrigation has been performed at the establishment stage, with two supplementary irrigations performed at the tuber initiation stage for all plots. There has been a significant interaction between irrigation level and cultivars for tuber yields (α<%1) as well as other traits (α<%5). In water stress conditions, yield and water use efficiency of Atousa, new cultivar, are more than the other cultivars. Marketable yield of Atousa cultivar is about 40% higher than Marfona and Agria cultivars. The new cultivar produces 6.53 kg of tubers per cubic meter of water, while water use efficiency for Marfona and Agria is only 4.82 and 5.02 kg m-3, respectively. In conclusion, it is suggested that Atusa cultivar in both water stress and in normal conditions is more suitable for cultivation in the study area than in Marfona and Agria cultivars.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an indeterminate plant that growth and harvesting of multistage fibers along with the seed is possible in one crop season. Cotton, however, is a salt tolerant plant, but salinity, especially in dry and semi-arid regions of the world, can lead to a loss of production of this plant. Reduction of cotton yield due to use of saline irrigation water in surface irrigation methods was reported at 0, 10, 25 and 50% in salinity levels of 5.1, 6.4 and 8.4 and 12 dS m-1 respectively. Salinity stress can affect the growth of germination and plant growth, and reduce the amount of photosynthetic active radiation absorbed by the plant and consequently photosynthesis and yield. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation water salinity on vegetative growth and yield of two cultivars and six cotton mutants produced in the nuclear power research institute.

This research was carried out in 2013 using split plot experiment in randomized complete block design with four replications at Rudasht salinity and drainage research station in Isfahan. Irrigation water treatments at three levels (4, 8 and 12 dS m-1) consisted of main plots and two varieties of Varamin and Shayan along with six mutants of cotton were sub plots. Saline water is supplied from drainage water with a salinity of 25 dS m-1 from the Rodasht saline research station, which was mixed at the site of the project with river water (maximum 2 dS m-1) in the place of special reservoirs and transferred to the sweets after delivery. It has been transmitted to the experimental plots by pipelines. The measured traits during the study were: the amount of light received in the middle and the bottom of the plant's canopy using a light meter at 7 am and 13 pm, the number of bolls per plant, lint percentage (fiber weight to seed weight ratio), harvest index and yield. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS software and means were compared by Duncan's multiple range test.

The effect of salinity treatments on number of bolls per plant and yield was significant at 5% level, but the effect of salinity interaction and genotype on yield and yield components were not statistically significant. Based on the results obtained in the morning, the amount of light received in the floor of canopy in treatments of 12, 8 and 4 dS m-1 were 329, 317 and 303 foot candle and at noon were 358, 348 and 310 foot candle, respectively. Shayan cultivar with the yield of 2852 kg ha-1 had the highest yield, but there was no significant difference between the yield of this cultivar and the other mutants used. One of the negative effects of salinity stress is the reduction of plant leaf area due to the reduction of plant cell pressure potential and the result of this process is the reduction of absorption of active photosynthesis radiation. In this case, the amount of light received to the canopy cover of the plant increases. Therefore, measurements of light in the floor of canopy can be considered as a measure of vegetation growth. In general, Varamin varieties and mutants such as LM1676 and LM1321 are among the genotypes with higher foliage than the other genotypes with less light in the center and floor of canopy. Therefore, less light in the floor of canopy (more foliage) does not necessarily mean more economic yield. The number of bolls per plant in salinity treatments of 4, 8 and 12 dS m-1 was 6.92, 6.75 and 4.49, respectively.

According to the results, most cotton mutants used in this study have good potential and can be considered as promising mutants to introduce new cultivars, especially in cases where available water sources are not of appropriate quality. Given that these mutants are produced by gamma rays, it seems that the use of this method can be considered as an appropriate approach in expediting the introduction of new cultivars of cottons. Key words: Bolls per plant, Canopy, Lint percent

Spinach (Spinaciaoleracea L.) is considered as a green leaf with fresh and canned consumption, a significant source for vitamin C, vitamin A, carotenoids, flavonoids, folic acid, calcium and magnesium.According to statistics, 4479 hectares of Iran agricultural land were devoted to spinachand the average yield per hectare is equal to 42.18(FAO, 2014).Different regions of Iran havegenetic diversity of the spinach landraceand cultivation of this plant relieson the use of the landraces.Among the different spinach landraces, a landracescalled seed barbed (Spiny), has a significantimportancebecause of some desirable characteristics.Thisstudy was conductedfor comparison of five spinach landracein Isfahan, showedthat spiny seed Varamin with 47.8 tons per hectare fresh yield allocated the highest yield.The number and size of leaves and side branches are the most important components of plant yield.Due to the fact that about 70 percent of total dietary nitrate intake per person per day will be provided through the leafy vegetables,considering the amount of accumulated nitrate in spinach is very important.To evaluate the yield and yield components of eight Iranian spinachlandrace, and two varieties of leafy American and German experiment was conducted for two years.
This research was performedfor two years, in Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station of Isfahan to evaluate the yield and yield components of eight Iranian spinachlandraces(Varamin prickly seed, Sari, Ghaemshahr, Babul, Kashan, Najaf Abad, Varamin 88 andArdestān), and two American and German leafy cultivars. Randomized complete block design with three replications was usedfor each year and the results were reported based on two-year combined data analysis. In full leaf development stage and before the harvest of each plot, 10 plants randomly were selected and measured attributes: number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and length of the petiole. In order to assess yield, after removing two distance of half a meter from each side, two central rows of plants per plot (surface equivalent to two square meters) were analyzed. Nitrate content of samples wasanalyzed using ion analyzer. Data statistical analysiswas performed using SAS software and means were compared by Duncan’s multiple rangetest at 5% probability level.
Result and Yield, leaf length, petiole length and height (at 1% statistical probability level) and number of leaves and nitrate content (at 5% statistical probability level) were statistically significant. Spiny seed Varamin with 53.49 t ha-1 fresh yield, produced to the highest yield. In other research according to the environmental conditions and variety, spinach fresh yield have been reported from 18.6 to 44.8 t ha-1. It looks different mass spinach; produce the highest yield in specific geographic environments. In a similar study that was conducted underIsfahan weather conditions, spiny seed Varaminlandraceproduced 47 830 kg ha-1 fresh yield. Range in plant height was from 24 cm to 30.33 cm in Najaf Abad, and Sari landraces, respectively. When spinach was encountered with optimal climate conditions, achieved the maximum height that led toa positive impact on fresh yield. Ardestānlandrace produced the lowest number of leaves (10.67)among the landraces/varieties had been studied. In a similar study of 29 spinach genotypes the leaf number were varied from 12 to 23. Petiole length range between varieties/landraces was from 9.84 to 18.33 cm. Although the petiole length, is a desired trait for mechanized harvesting, but in case of improper management of nitrogen fertilizer can be considered as an undesirable trait. Leafy Varaminlandracewith 231 and 462 ppm nitrate in blade and petiole, respectively, had the lowest and German cultivar with 583 and 1182 ppm nitrate in blade and petiole, respectively, had the highest nitrate accumulation. Despite the differences between the varieties/landraces,the contentof nitrate in petioles was greater than the leaf blade (about 1.6 times) in spinach. Higher concentrations of petiole nitrate compared to the blade considered in many research, and in caseof poor management fornitrogen fertilizers, it may increase up to6 times. In any case, leafy cultivars such as German have been modified for mechanized cultivation and have long petiole with nitrate content. That's why their petioles are separated in the industrialprocessing. It is better fresh petioles of spinach isolated or sufficiently boiled to reduce nitrate levels. According to the results obtained in this study among the examined populations of spiny seed Varaminlandraces, leafy Varamin, Najaf Abad, and Sari can produce yields similar toGerman variety and so are suitable for the production of spinach in Isfahan province.

In order to evaluate the influence of two different cultivation methods included of Entezari and spring planting a one year study (2014-2015) was carried on in Rozveh agricultural research station (Chadegan-Esfahan) using the split plot, based on a randomized complete block design with four replications.Two methods of planting included of Entezari and spring were considered as the main plot and three new varieties of chickpeas (Hashem, Azad and Arman) and local control were subplots. The yields of Arman, Azad and Hashem varieties in spring planting were 1220, 1070 and 1010 kg ha-1, respectively, which significantly was higher than the native cultivar (702 kg ha-1). Azad cultivar in Entezari planting method with 1709 kg ha-1 grain yield, relative to the native varieties and also than the Arman and Hashem had significantly higher performance. In spring and Entezari planting, water use efficiency was in the range of (0.39 to 0.67), and (0.15 to 1.5) kg seed m-3, respectively. The use of all three new varieties of chickpea for spring planting and Azad cultivars for autumn planting in the experimental region (and similar areas) was superiority and could have important role in increasing water use efficiency.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an annual plant and auto tetraploid and belong to the family of Solanaceae. World production of this plant in 2014 was 385 million tons per year; about 40 percent of this amount is in Asian countries. Potato crop needs water to grow to 400 to 850 mm, although some researchers have reported the level of 900 mm. Potato crop as drought-sensitive plants may yield loss even in the partial stress of water, and the reason for this is the superficial roots and low power plants for reconstruction after water stress. Water use efficiency (sometimes also called transpiration efficiency) can be defined as the ratio of the potato tuber yield to evapotranspiration. Water use efficiency in potato-based evapotranspiration has been reported 1.9 -5.3 kg m-3. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potato crop water demand and water use efficiency in Isfahan province.
This research was carried out in different cities of Isfahan province where cultivation of potatoes was widespread in 2014-2015. According to UNESCO, where the three main criteria of classification of the water regime, type of winter and summer type are considered, 28 climate zones are present in Iran and of these; six areas include more than 90 percent of the country. Accordingly, for the cultivation of potatoes in Isfahan province, three main climatic zones can be detected. Crop evapotranspiration is influenced by weather conditions and stages of plant growth and represents the amount of water needed in a healthy plant on a farm without water restrictions. Evapotranspiration was calculated from the following equation: ET crop=∑ Kci×EToi. In the above formula Kci and Etoi were crop coefficient, and the reference evapotranspiration, respectively. Data analysis was performed with the completely randomized design for each zone, and the means were compared by Duncan's multiple range tests (at 5% level).
Analysis of data related to different cities in three climatic potatoes A-C-W, A-K-W and SA-K-W in of Isfahan province was indicated that significant differences in the rates of water and water productivity level of 1%, and water consumption in different phonological stages in 5% level. In the climate of A-C-W (including 6 cities) water requirement has a range of 4674 (Mobarakeh) to 5432 (Isfahan) cubic meters. In this climate, a range of water productivity based on three methods of drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and furrow irrigation, was (4.03-5.77), (3.52-5.04), and (2.99-4.28), respectively. These numbers were in the range of values reported by other researchers (4.9-9.3 kg m-3). Water stress condition in the region is one of the reasons for high water productivity. In A-K-W climates (including 5 cities) the net water consumption per hectare was from 4609 (Natanz) to 5257 (Shahin Shahr). The SA-K-W climate (including 10 cities) the highest water requirement (6426 m3) and the lowest productivity in furrow irrigation (1.79 kg m-3) were related to Tiran and Dehaghan, respectively. On average, the water requirement of potato in three regions A-C-W, A-K-W and SA-K-W, was 5044, 5078 and 5703 m3 ha-1, respectively.
According to the results obtained in this study contrary to current advertising about the water requirement of potato, in the case of proper management of the farm, and improved the water productivity, the potato is crop similar with other crops in rotations. Even with furrow irrigation methods, water productivity in three regions A-C-W, A-K-W and SA-K-W (based on kg m-3) was (2.99-3.94), (1.96-2.3) and (1.79-2.61), respectively. This index is more than what has been reported for grains such as wheat and barley. In potato rather than the need for water to be considered as a limiting factor, pricing strategies instability, poor management of potato planting in some areas, lack of processing industries and the lack of written policies exports are facing difficulties.

The fresh, steamed and boiled spinach were used because of antioxidant compounds that have great biological value. This plant is usually rich in nitrates that can play an important role in reducing heart attacks. Each year, more than 30% of the area under cultivation leafy vegetables in Iran, was allocated to spinach. Spinach growing in both spring and autumn or summer, has poor quality due to stem production. Higher spinach yield have been reported in autumn cultivation (compared to spring or winter planting). The nitrogen-rich lands, little light condition, excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers and plants during the growing season short cause some plants like spinach, are faced with the problem of nitrate accumulation. The accumulation of nitrate in vegetables will be different depending on the species and genetic differences.
This research was conducted for two years in Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station of Isfahan in order to determine the most suitable planting prickly seed spinach. Each year, of experiment was based on randomized complete block design with four replications and the results were reported based on two-year combined data analysis. Five planting dates at intervals of 15 days from the beginning of September had been adjusted. Prickly seed spinach was prepared from Seed and Plant Improvement Institute. In full leaf development stage and before the harvest of each plot, 10 plants randomly were selected and measured attributes including number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and length of the petiole. In order to assess yield, two central rows of plants per plot (surface equivalent to two square meters) were analyzed after removing two distance of half a meter from each side. Nitrate samples were analyzed using ion analyzer. Statistical analyses of the data, correlated traits were performed using SAS software and comparisons of means using LSD at 5%.
Result and According to the results, year had no significant effect on traits. 5 September sowing date, GDD=571 was diagnosed as the best spinach planting date yielding 43 tons per hectare. Delayed planting date of 5 September to 22 October showed significant yield reduction and the amount of nitrate accumulation in plants also increased linearly. Number of leaves can be changed as one of the main factors influencing the performance of spinach according to cultivar and environmental conditions and in some studies they were ranged from 12 to 23. Amounts of nitrate accumulation in spinach were 2675, 2898, 3189 and 3571 ppm of fresh weight in different planting date of 5 September (571 GDD), 22 September (354 GDD), 6 October (193 GDD) and 22 October (84 GDD), respectively. The different sowing date, petiole nitrate accumulation varied from 3513 to 4680 ppm. Nitrate accumulation was ranged from 2135 to 3125 ppm wet weight in leaf blade. Different planting dates can influence on the length of day and intensity of light and thus can affect the amount of nitrate in plant. After planting date of August 22, temperature and radiation also reduced, and therefore it is natural that reduce the activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase and be more prepared conditions for nitrate accumulation. According to the World Health Organization, the uptake of nitrate and nitrite per kg of body weight daily allowance, equal to 0.06 and 0- 7.3 mg has been reported. The quality of light received by the plant also had an effect on nitrate accumulation, and red light compared to blue light has a greater role in stimulating the enzyme nitrate reductase activity and thus is more effective in reducing nitrate accumulation.
Climatic conditions affect the quantity and quality of vegetative organs. The results of this study showed that unsuitable spinach planting date will reduce not only yield, but also increases the concentration of nitrate (over 2500 ppm of fresh weight) and it may causes risks for consumers.

Basil(Ocimumbasilicum L.)is a diploid plant with48chromosomes. Basil isthe aromatic annual herbofthe Lamiaceae familyofleafy vegetablesandhas mentionedand originated inIndiaandIran. Basilhasiron, calcium, magnesium, potassiumandvitamins Aand B. More than 60 varietiesof basilhave been identifiedthathavegreenleavesandredto purple.The performance of15varietiesof basilin Mazandaran province were studied, genotypescollected fromSari(darkgreen) withthe23.63 tha-1(fresh weight) had thehighestyield. In comparison, 38the massbasil, withtwocultivars(Opal andKashkanyLulu), localpopulationsofmanyof the traits(e.g.,length and width ofleavesandfresh and dry weight) showed superiority than cultivars. Incomparing the performance of38varietiesof basilinItaly, drymatter yieldper hectarerangedfrom1812 to6165kg ha-1thatthis wasmore attributestobegenetic aspects. Landraces ofbasilhavevaluabletraitssuch asdrought resistance, saltresistance, resistancetodisease, resistancetocoldandheat. In order to achieveoptimalpopulationpurple basil with high-performance inIsfahan andMazandaran, the present studywas conducted usingsomeof the populationinthese two provinces.
The number of populations of purple basil wasstudied toselect superior genotypes according to the yield and adaptation to climatic conditions in two provinces at Agricultural Research Station Gharahil of Mazandaran and Kabootarabad of Isfahan. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications with seeds collected from two areas of the province (a total of 12 varieties of basil) during one year. Land preparationwas consisted ofplowanddiscperpendicular to each other(for crushinghunk) and thenlevelingandplotsofland. Inprovinces, nitrogen, phosphorusandpotassiumfertilizerwas used based on soiltest.In this experiment,harvest time was4st. for every two region. Duringthe growing seasonweed controlwascarried outmechanically.
Result and In both areas, the yield and plant height (at 5% statistical probability level) and the number of leaves per plant (at 1% statistical probability level) were statisticallysignificant. In Isfahan area, Ghaemshahr red basil mass yield was 17.1 t ha-1, but the yield of this mass were not significantly different with Farah Abad, Bahnamiri, Dastgerd, Mobarake, Ardestan and Dorche. The yield of Mazandaran 1,Mazandaran 2 and Najaf Abad masses were 11.61, 11.02, and 11.10, respectively, that had the lowest performance among the masses. In Mazandaran region, in most cases, the yields of all 12 purple basil mass were twotimes or more than doubles in the Isfahan region. The yield of Mazandaran 2 mass was the lowest in Isfahan region, but had high performance (29.6 t ha-1) in Mazandaran region. In both regions, Ghaemshahr, Neka, Behshahr, Mobarakeh and Ardestān purple basil masses had the highest yield. In Isfahan, plant height rangedfrom19.67(Ardestan) to28.00cm, while thisrange in Mazandaran region was 29.7to41.7cm. In a studyin Turkey,a highest height for purple basil without water limitation was38.6cm. Basil plant height has a positive and significant correlation with performance and in addition to genetic factors, environmental characteristics, in particular the amount of moisture available to plants can also have a significant impact on plant height. Among all12 genotypes tested, the number of leaves were 53 (Dastgerd) to 73.7 (Behshahr), and the number of leaves rangedfrom 48.3 (Behshahr) to 78.3 (Mazandaran 1)in Mazandaran. Usually the soil areas withhigh fluctuations in moisture and air (comparison Isfahan with Mazandaran), leaves hada smaller number and leaf area. The number of branches of genotypes was from 12.6 to 16.3in Isfahan region and in the Mazandaran region was from 6.3 to 9.3. Reduce the number of branches in Mazandaran (1.5 to 2 times less) related to radiation exposure in the area and its difference with radiation in Isfahan.Usually the weather of Isfahanis sunnyanddirect sunlightwhereas the weather of Mazandaran region iscloudy. In both regions, the greatest contribution performance harvest was in second and third harvest, respectively (although yields were higherin Mazandaran region). The lower yield at first harvest can attributed with opportunity when it is necessary for plant establishment. The fourth harvest yield loss can be two reasons, one terminate of plant growth and aging, and other high temperature at this time. Although basil is a plant that originated from warm zones, but increased plant maintenance respiration can occur at high temperatures is an issue that should be considered.

Spinach is an important leafy vegetable in the cold season, and despite the fact that is considered as low-calorie food source contains significant amount of minerals such as iron, and vitamin A and C. According to the University of Utah 3.8 dS m-1 is salinity tolerance threshold for the spinach and yield decrease that have been reported by 10%, 25% and 50% at 5.5, 7 and 8 dS m-1 salinity. The necessity to supply adequate potassium has been demonstrated in salinity conditions. In salt stress conditions, foliar application of K in spinach, reduces the harmful effects of salt and increase the ratio of potassium to sodium (1.61 to 2.72). Foliar application of K with prevent of potassium transfer from root to shoot is causing continuation of photosynthesis and reduce the effects of salinity. Absorption of potassium from the leaves depends on the type of used compound. In this context, characteristics of plant (leaves with a waxy composition, duration of growth and leaf area) are important. 100 kg ha-1 of potassium in salt stress conditions by reducing the absorption of sodium, increased salt tolerance on the sunflower.
In order to evaluate the foliar application of K on the yield and yield components of spinach in salt stress condition, a study was conducted in 2012 by using split plot randomized based on complete block design with four replications at Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station. Three levels of irrigation water salinity consisted of a control (2 dS m-1), well water with salinity (4 dS m-1) and well water with salinity (8dS m-1) arranged in main plots and two levels of control and foliar applications of potassium fertilizer containing potassium oxide solubility in water (2.5 ml per liter) arranged in subplots. Statistical analysis was conducted by using SAS software and statistical tests were compared with Duncan at 5 percent.
Result and The results showed that the yield of spinach with foliar application of K and 4 dS m-1 salinity was equaled 35300 kg ha-1 which had not significantly different from control treatment. Foliar application of K and 8 dS m-1 salinity, and also 8 dS m-1 salinity and without foliar potassium, had 20.2 and 38% yield reduction, respectively. In salinity 2.1, 4 and 8 dS m-1 plants m-2 were 40, 38.1 and 29.1, respectively. Leaf dry matter percent was improved with foliar application of K in 8 dS m-1 salinity. Effect of potassium, as modulators of salt in spinach, by researches of Shannon and Greve (24) and Kaya et al (14) have also been emphasized. Spinach leaves number was from 11.4 to 16.7 in different treatments. Foliar application of K in 4 and 8 dS m-1 salt treatment was increase in the number of leaves. This increased in treatment of 4 and 8 dS m-1 was 15.3 and 28.9 percent, respectively. In both saline treatments of 4 and 8 dS m-1, leaf length was positively affected by the application of potassium but in salinity 4 dS m-1 (unlike the eight salinity dS m-1) leaf width was not affected by the potassium spraying. The ability of plants to maintain intracellular potassium to sodium ratio leaves in certain extent is necessary for a salt tolerance. In fact, the application of potassium in salinity conditions by increasing the concentration of the K in organs is a kind of acclimation to the salt stress and activates repair mechanisms of the damage against of stress agent. The length of tail leaves in 4 dS m-1 salt was not significantly affected by the spraying of potassium while in 8 dS m-1 salinity, spraying potassium led to an increase of 28 percent in length of leaf tail. The effect of K application on the dry matter content in the 8 dS m-1 salinity was statistically significant. Potassium is the most abundant cation-forming in many plants (typically more than 10% of dry weight) and less than 10 grams per kg-1 of dry weight appear deficiency symptoms in most plants.
According to the results, in salinity conditions, the foliar application of K can be used as a factor to reduce the harmful effects of salinity. While the lack of fresh water for irrigation in arid and semi-arid crops has become a challenge, attention to the moderated mechanisms of the harmful effects of salt, is one of the approaches to face the challenges ahead.

The term of Mulch, is the German word (Molsh) means the soft, however, not soft, and made of plant debris or synthetic substances. Many positive effects attributed to the use of plastic mulch such as adjusting the temperature in the root environment, conserve moisture, reduce weeds, increase root growth, reduce soil erosion, and soil condensation and improve germination and early plant establishment. The use of mulch can reduce the harmful effects of salt in plants.
To evaluate the effects of black and clear polyethylene mulch on yield and yield components of melon in salinity stress condition, a study was conducted in 2011 using split plot randomized based on complete block design with three replications in Varamin region. Three salinity levels of irrigation water of 2, 5 and 8 dS-1 as main factor and three plastic mulch treatments (no mulch, clear mulch and black mulch) were considered as sub-plots. At harvest and after determining the yield and number of fruits harvested from each plot, the average number of fruits per plant was measured and fruit pulp thickness was recorded with calipers.
Results The results showed interactive effects of salinity and mulch on fruit yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, days to first harvest and fruit soluble solids percentage were statistically significant. In salinity levels of 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1, fruit yield increased, respectively, 19.6, 59, and 45.4 %in clear mulch compared to control. Similarly these increases for the black mulch were equal to 15.7, 41.9, and 21.4 percent, respectively. With 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1 salinity levels, fruit yield in the first harvest were 7.44, 7.72, and 6.98 t ha -1, respectively, which was significantly higher than without mulch and black mulch. Mulch can reduce evaporation and increase the level of moisture in the soil and thereby dilute the salt and reduce the harmful effects of salinity. Some researchers believe that increase in crop yield by using plastic mulch than plant debris mulch is due to the simultaneous increase in moisture and soil temperature. Effect of plastic mulch on soil temperature and crop yield depends on the color and usually transparent plastic are more effective in this regard than black polyethylene mulch. In terms of rising temperatures in the microclimate around the plant roots, transparent mulches are more effective than dark mulches. Unlike dark mulch, clear mulch have minimal absorption of light, approximately 85 to 95 percent .The inner surface of clear mulch is covered with water that the short wave passes and outgoing long wave radiation is absorbed from the soil and thus prevent heat loss. Water use efficiency with use of clear and dark mulches in compared to control treatment was increased by 17.3 and 13.4 %, respectively. Under salinity conditions, plastic mulches can reduce the harmful effects of salinity. Water use efficiency in salinity 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1, respectively, were 12.6, 7.6 and 3.1 kg m-3.Research results indicated that when water use efficiency based on the economic performance expression (e.g. present study) reduced water use efficiency but when water use efficiency expressed based on the total dry weight, water use efficiency is independent of salt concentration and the amount of water use efficiency is the function of plant and plant yield.
For using salty water, which may be unavoidable for many agricultural areas, use of mulch (especially transparent mulch) can have a significant role in increasing yield and more efficient utilization of water. From a practical perspective, in areas where irrigation water quality has declined due to reducing the level of the underground water table, the indiscriminate use of water resources and similar cases and use of these resources will lead to a gradual increase in soil salinity, application of mulch with the impact on the soil water content prevent of crop yield loss and cause earliness product.

This research was carried out at Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran (Kabootar abad) for two years (2006-2007). The experiment was conducted as a split plot arranged in randomized block design with four replications. Treatments were four levels of N fertilizer [110, (160 = Soil and Water Research Institute recommendation), 210 and 260 kg ha-1] as main plots, and four rates of P fertilizer [23, (46= Soil and Water Research Institute recommendation), 70 and 92 kg ha-1) as subplots. Results showed that consuming 110 kg N fertilizer, production would be similar to other levels of​​ N treatments. So this treatment is both economically and environmentally, is recommended. But, the nitrogen concentration in leaves was significantly reduced in this treatment. Unlike the results of nitrogen fertilizer, reduced of phosphate fertilizer consumption (compared to the recommended amount of Soil and Water Research Institute) caused a significant reduction in yield. This lower performance was associated with a reduced number of capitula per plant and weight of capitula. In this treatment, the phosphorus concentration in leaves remained constant but the amount of phosphorus in the 0-30 cm soil depth was reduced significantly. In this study the interaction of nitrogen and phosphorus on yield was not statistically significant.

Nitrogen is one of the most limiting nutrients for cereal production in many parts of Iran. The effects of crop residue incorporation [0 (control), 25 and 50% of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)] and nitrogen (N) levels (0, 150, and 300 kg ha-1) on corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency were investigated at Agricultural Research Station, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran for two years (2009-2010). The experiments were carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The results showed that with increasing nitrogen fertilizer (from 150 to 300 kg ha-1) and crop residues (from 25 to 50%), RNE (Recovery N Efficiency) and ANE (Agronomic N Efficiency) were reduced. Application of nitrogen more than 150 kg ha-1 increased the amount of nitrogen loss from 69 to 121 kg ha-1. There was a liner relationship between the amounts of nitrogen higher than 150 kg ha-1, and the NHI (Nitrogen Harvest Index), but adding more than 50 percent of crop residues caused no significant difference in the NHI. The maximum grain yield was obtained in plants treated with 300 kg N ha-1 and 25 percent of crop residues incorporation. According to results, the use of 25% of crop residue and 150 kg N ha-1 due to acceptable yield, reduce nitrogen loss and increase the efficiency of nitrogen better than other treatments.

Pulses crops with nitrogen fixation ability have a special place in the crop rotation. In order to compare the agronomic characteristics of five promising lines of pinto beans with Sadri and local Khomein cultivars as control a study was conducted at 2011- 2012 cropping seasons، in three cities of Fereidoonshahr، Dehaghane and Semirom in Isfahan Province. Randomized complete block design with four replications was used for the study. In Fereidoonshahr area، yields of KS21191، E9، and E10 hopeful lines were respectively، 3035، 3412 and 3455 kg ha-1، without significantly different from Sadri control cultivar، but were respectively 37، 21. 8 and 20. 3% less than Khomein local varieties. In Dehaghane area، yields of all hopeful lines were significantly less than both control cultivars. In Semirom region، hopeful lines of E9 and E10، respectively، with yields of 2900 and 2720 kg ha-1 had equivalent yield with two control varieties. Number of pods per plant and seeds per pod were the two major components that explain a significant part of the difference between the genotypes. Trend of harvest index change were similar in the two regions Dehaghane and Fereidoonshahr and Khomein local cultivars، respectively with 42. 8 and 38. 8 HI percent، had the highest HI values. In Semirom region، harvest index for Sadri and Khomein cultivars and lines E9 and E10، were 37. 1، 36. 8، 35. 8 and 36. 5 percent respectively. According to the results of this study، yield of E9 and E10 lines، in both Fereidoonshahr and Semirom regions، and yield of KS21191 line، only in Fereidoonshahr can be equal with the yield of control cultivar. The promising lines of this study were not appropriate for the Semirom area.

In order to investigate the effect of water stress at heading stage on grain yield and yield components of eight wheat cultivars, in 2008 year a research was conducted in the two regions Esfahan and Ardestan by using split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications which that two irrigation treatments included custom and late season water stress were main factor and 8 wheat varieties formed a subplot. In Esfahan region and adequate moisture conditions, SW-82-9 line and Pishtaz cultivars respectively with 10500, and 10630 kg ha-1 yields, had a significantly higher yield than other cultivars, but in water stress conditions, yield loss were respectively 8 and 14.9 percent. In water stress condition of Ardestan region, yield loss of SW-82-9 line and Pishtaz cultivars were 16.3 and 15.8 percent, respectively. In water stress condition of Esfahan and Ardestan regions, number of grains per spike and harvest index in SW-82-9 line were (33.8, 28.3) and (0.49, 0.44) respectively. Stress tolerance index range was 0.71 to 1.34 in Esfahan region and 0.56 to 1.22 in Ardestan area. According to the results of all three indicators, stress tolerance index, mean productivity and geometric mean of yield, SW-82-9 line could be produced grain yield similar to Pishtaz cultivars, and therefore had the potential to culture in both Isfahan and Ardestan regions.

To investigate the effect of water treatment and plant density on yield and yield components of two cotton cultivar، a two-year experiment (2006-2007) was carried out in Esfahan Agricultural Research Center. The use of a split plot factorial based on complete block with four replications for study. Two irrigation levels 135 (I1) and 180 (I2) mm of cumulative pan evaporation Class A، from flowering stage to the end of growth were assigned as main plots and treatment combination of two varieties of Mehr and Oltan of cotton and plant spacing 12، 15 and 18 cm (respectively، 120. 95 and 80 thousand plants ha-1) were assigned made up as subplots. The results showed that both cultivars Mehr and Oltan in the density of 95 thousand plants per hectare in I1 irrigation treatments، respectively، with 2805 and 2745 kg ha-1 of yields produced the highest levels of yield compared to other treatments. In the I2 irrigation treatment and 95 thousand plants ha-1 density، Oltan cultivars producing 2119 kg ha-1، and had lowest yield compared to other treatments. In both cultivars in 95 thousand plants ha-1، between the two treatments of irrigation levels، no significant differences in terms of leaf dry weight. The results showed that irrigation after flowering phase until the end of growth، based on 135 mm evaporation basin A and the density of 95 thousand plants ha-1 can be proposed، for both cultivars studied.

To investigate the effect of K fertilizer on yield and yield components of three watermelon cultivars, a two-year study (2007-2008) was conducted in Ardestan Agricultural Research Center (Isfahan province) by using of split plot randomized based on complete block design in three replications. Three watermelon cultivars (‘Sugar baby’, ‘Charleston Grey’ and ‘Mahbubi’), were assigned as main plots and four K fertilizer levels (zero, 50, 100, and 150 kg K.ha-1) were assigned as subplots. Two and three times higher than consumption of K fertilizer (100 and 150 kg K.ha-1) in compared to normal conditions (without salinity), led to a 24.8 and 18.5 percent increase in yield of ‘Charlston Gray’ and ‘Sugar Baby’, respectively. The highest fruit yield (39112 kg.ha-1), was obtained using 150 kg K.ha-1 in ‘Charleston Gray’ cultivar. Potassium applications at all levels, increased fruit number in ‘Sugar Baby’ and fruit weight in ‘Charleston Gray’, were considered as the main reason for increasing yield. By increasing of K application, the ratio of Na/K in the leaves from 0.61 to 0.33 and in the stems from 0.81 to 0.4 was decreased. The results indicated that in saline conditions, higher levels of K fertilizers can reduce the deleterious effects of salinity and thus may improve watermelon yield.