farhang razavi

This research investigates the impact of organic and chemical fertilizers on the total production and morphophysiological characteristics of Mentha spicata L., a medicinal plant, during two growing seasons in 2021. The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design at Zanjan University's research farm, employing treatments of vermicompost (at rates of 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare), urea (at rates of 50, 100, and 150 kilograms per hectare), and a control treatment. Significant differences were observed in all measured indices between the fertilizer treatments and harvest times. Particularly, the application of vermicompost at a concentration of 10 tons per hectare significantly enhanced fresh and dry weights, stem height and diameter, number of branches, percentage and yield of essential oils, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity compared to other treatments. The urea treatment also significantly increased chlorophyll b, leaf width, and length compared to other treatments. Enzyme measurements conducted during one season revealed the highest levels of the APX enzyme in the vermicompost treatment (15 tons per hectare), the CAT enzyme in the vermicompost treatments (10 and 15 tons per hectare), and the SOD enzyme in the vermicompost treatment (10 tons per hectare) during the second harvest. Conversely, the control treatment exhibited the lowest levels across all measured traits. Overall, the results highlight the beneficial effects of using organic and environmentally friendly fertilizers in improving essential oils content, physiological traits, and the overall yield of M. spicata L., suggesting their potential for enhancing sustainable agriculture practices and medicinal plant productivity.

Catharanthus roseus L. is a valuable medicinal plant renowned for its potent anticancer compounds, i.e., vincristine and vinblastine. The efficient mass production of this plant can be challenging due to limitations in conventional propagation methods. Tissue culture techniques offer a promising alternative, and optimizing plant growth regulator (PGR) treatments can play a crucial role in achieving successful in vitro propagation. In this study, we investigated the effects of several PGR combinations, i.e., NAA, BAP, and 2,4-D, on the morpho-phytochemical attributes and antioxidant activity of in vitro grown Catharanthus roseus L. var. ‘Ocellata’. The plants were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results demonstrated that applying PGRs, either alone or in combination, significantly improved the morphological characteristics. The NAA treatment caused the highest plant height, number of branches and leaves, and root diameter. Notably, the treatment with 2,4-D resulted in the highest photosynthetic pigment content compared to the control. Moreover, the treatments with NAA + BAP and NAA + BAP + 2,4-D exhibited the highest levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in both roots and leaves. Regarding antioxidant activity, the DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed the highest radical scavenging percentages, i.e., 74.21% (NAA + 2,4-D) in leaf samples and 78.08% (NAA + 2,4-D) in root samples. These findings emphasize the potency of PGRs in optimizing tissue culture protocols for Catharanthus roseus L., thus facilitating the production of superior-quality plants with enriched medicinal properties. This study contributes to the advancement of sustainable and efficient cultivation of bioactive compounds from Catharanthus roseus L. using tissue culture techniques.

The application of natural organic compounds without harmful environmental effects in the production of horticultural and agricultural products is considered as a new method to reduce waste before and after harvesting, increase the storage life and maintain antioxidant activity in developed agriculture. As regards, this study investigated the impact of foliar applications of brown macroalga extract on antioxidant enzyme activity and mineral uptake in 'Hayward' kiwifruits.

Four treatment levels of brown macroalga extract (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L) were applied at three distinct phases, occurring 110, 125, and 140 days after full bloom. Fruit samples were stored at 1±0.5°C with 95% relative humidity for 90 days, with measurements taken every 30 days.

Results revealed that the 3 g/L extract treatment significantly increased the uptake of calcium (47.82 %), nitrogen (20.52 %), potassium (12.06 %), phosphorus (19.81 %), and iron (25.77 %) compared to the control. The extract demonstrated a substantial effect on all recorded traits. Among the applied treatments, 3 g/L of brown macroalga extract concentration had the best effect in reducing electrolyte leakage (25.10%), malondialdehyde accumulation (96.73%), hydrogen peroxide content (54.54%) and increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (50.42%), catalase (84.90%), ascorbate peroxidase (79.02%), and peroxidase (49.40%) compared to the control in 90 days of storage.

Research limitations: 

No limitations were found.

Originality/Value: 

The results suggest that the 3 g/L brown macroalga extract concentration holds promise for enhancing the quality of 'Hayward' kiwifruits.

Xenia plays an important role in increasing yield and improving the quantitative and qualitative traits of nut fruits and is widely used in breeding programs. This study was conducted as factorial based on completely randomized block design. The first factor is pollen in four level, and the second factor is cultivar in four level with three replications. In this study, Ronde, Atrak, Ganjeh and Nemsa cultivars were used as the maternal and the Gerde- Eshkvarat, Ryasnet, Daviana and Negrate cultivars were used as pollinizers; Self-pollination of main cultivars was also used as a control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different pollen grain sources on some chemical and biochemical compounds of hazelnut kernel. The results showed that the interaction of pollen grains and cultivar on hazelnut kernel compounds was significant. The highest percentage of oil in Daviana × Ganjeh (65.93%), protein in Ronde × Daviana (17.75%), potassium in Ryasnet × Ronde (366.68 mg.100g-1), calcium in the Ryasnet × Ronde (336.53 mg.100gr-1) and phosphorus in Daviana× Ronde (370.87 mg.100g-1), phenol in Riacent×  Atrak (3.45 mg .g-1), total unsaturated fatty acid in Atrak × Daviana (91.56%), total saturated fatty acid in Gerde- Eshkavarat× Atrak (12.34%) were observed. The results showed that Daviana and Ryasnet pollen grains were suitable for pollination of the studied cultivars and they could be used as suitable pollinizer.

The present research was conducted to investigate the efficacy of preharvest NaHS application as foliar spraying on the quality and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruits cv. Hayward during cold storage. In the present investigation, the effects of a preharvest treatment with H2S donor NaHS in four levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM) at 110, 125, and 140 days after full bloom on nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') were evaluated during 90 days of storage at 1 °C and 90% relative humidity. Sampling was done to measure the desired traits during four periods of 0, 30, 60 and 90 days after storage. The results showed that NaHS treatment had a significant effect on the evaluated traits. At the end of 90 days of storage, NaHS treatment prevented fruit weight loss and maintained fruit firmness in comparison to the control. The percentage of electrolyte leakage and the amount of accumulated malondialdehyde (MAD) in all concentrations of NaHS was lower in comparison to the control. Preserving ascorbic acid content and increasing the activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) lead to higher production of total phenol and flavonoids and improve the antioxidant capacity of fruits. NaHS treatment decreased the activity of polyphenol oxidase in comparison to the control. NaHS at 1.5 mM showed the best effect among the applied treatments. According to the obtained results, this concentration can be recommended as a suitable treatment to maintain the quality of kiwifruit cv. Hayward.

Anthocyanins are important compounds in strawberry fruit quality. There are different genes involved in the production and accumulation of these metabolites. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar application of iron, determine the optimal concentration and study its effect on the expression pattern of genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins of strawberry fruit of Camarossa cultivar during developmental stages. The experiment was factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. So that, first in a preliminary experiment strawberry plants were sprayed with 14% iron chelate at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, and 2000 µmol/L. Then properties were evaluated after foliar application. According to the results, fruits sprayed with iron at a concentration of 1400 μmol/L showed the highest level of total anthocyanin. Also, the application of selective concentrations of iron accelerated the ripening of fruits, which in the end, a concentration of 1400 μmol/L was considered as the optimal concentration. Increased expression of FaSUT1, FaMYB1, FaPAL, FaCHS genes and decreased expression of FaMYC1 gene in fruits treated with iron chelate 14% at a concentration of 1400 μmol/L can be a reason for increased accumulation of anthocyanins. Therefore, in order to produce strawberry greenhouses and cultivate them in a soilless environment, according to the results of this study, in order to increase anthocyanins contents, a concentration of 1400 μmol/L of iron can be suggested by foliar application.

Cornelian cherry fruit is an important source of vitamins and antioxidant compounds, and the prevention of the reduction of fruit nutritional value, appearance quality and firmness during the post-harvest period is one of the important issue in this fruit. The effect of phenylalanine postharvest treatment (0, 2, 4, 6 mmol), and different storage times (7, 14 and 21 days) on maintaining the physicochemical properties of cornelian cherry fruit during storage as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications was investigated in current research. Immediately after treatment, the fruits were placed in a cold storage at 2±1 °C and relative humidity of 85±5%. Based on the results, the maximum content of anthocyanin (2.6 mg CYN-3-GLU/100g FW), flavonoids (13.16 mg QE/100g FW), total phenol (371.8 mg GAE/100g FW), soluble solids (17.66 %) in the third week and maximum content of ascorbic acid (26.89 mg/100g FW) were accompanied by 2 mmol phenylalanine. The lowest amount of H2O2 (0.36 µmol/100g FW) and the percentage of frostbite, and also the highest amount of proline (0.36 mg/g FW) were observed with 6 mmol phenylalanine treatment in the third week. The results showed in order to achieve the important goal of storage cornelian cherry in the cold storage, which maintains the desired physical and chemical characteristics of this fruit and has a longer shelf than storage at normal temperature, 2 mmol phenylalanine can be the most appropriate treatment.

Pollination is one of the most critical stages for kernel formation in nut fruits, and without pollination, most fruit will be blanks, so that, to commercial production of hazelnut orchards, should be used two or more cultivars as pollinizer. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenology of flowers, xenia and metaxenia in four commercial hazelnut cultivars and select a suitable and compatible pollinizer for four commercial hazelnut cultivars.

This study was conducted as a two-factor factorial in a completely randomized design. The first factor is pollen, and the second factor is four cultivars having three replications in the period of 2019-2020 in Astara Horticultural Research Station. Gerde Eshkvarat, Riasnet, Daviana and Negret were used as pollinizer cultivars and Ronde, Nemsa, Ganjeh and Atrak cultivars were selected as maternal cultivars. In addition to open pollination (control), self-pollination of maternal cultivars was performed. At the time of fruit ripening, 100 nuts were harvested from each treatment, the variables related to the quantitative characteristics of the fruit, and the nut kernel were determined.

The results of phenology showed that the cultivars were protanderious and the opening time of male flowers (catkins) and shedding of pollen grains were from mid-January to March 24. The opening time of female flower clusters and stigma ready to accept pollen grains varied from January 19 to March 31. The study of xenia and metaxenia in this study showed that the quantitative traits of nut and kernel were strongly influenced by the sources of pollen grains. Increased fruit set and kernel percentage by 87% and 49.84% and the percentage of fruit drop decreased to 31.65% and blank nut by 10.86%. However, when pollen grains of Gerde Eshkorat cultivar were used, the percentage of fruit set, nut and kernel weight and percentage of kernel decreased to 75.86%, 2.48 g and 46.64%, respectively, and the percentage of blank nut with 15.60% and dropping fruit increased by 41.6. In the case of self-pollination, the percentage of fruit drop and the amount of blank nut increased, and the percentage of fruit set, nut, kernel weight, and kernel percentage decreased.

Based on the results, the source of pollen grains affected nut and kernel characteristics of hazelnuts through xenia and metaxenia effects. The effects of treatments on important components of hazelnut yield (nut and kernel weight, kernel and fruit set percentage, fruit drop and blank percentage) were remarkable and it was statistically significant at the 5% probability level. Therefore, for the economic production of hazelnut orchards, pollinizer cultivars should be used that overlap with the main cultivars in terms of pollination period and genetic compatibility.

The most important factors affecting the blossoming of trees in temperate regions is the amount of temperature received by the buds. In order to evaluation of chill and heat requirement in flower buds of three cultivars of sweet cherry (Zard mash-had, Zoodras and Siah Shabestar) and one genotype of sour cherry, an experiment was conducted at the flower biology laboratory of faculty of agriculture, Tabriz University in 2015.From the 3rd of Aban, branches of one year old with diameter and length of about 1 and 30 cm recpectively, each week after harvest from the tree were transferred to the growth chamber. The weight changes of buds during the dormancy were evaluated weekly and analyzed in a randomized complete block design with 5 replications so that each cultivar was selected as a main plot and four varieties and different sampling dates were selected as sub factor.5 different models were used for estimating of chilling requirement and also GDH model was the basis for determining the heat requirement of the bud. In all models sour cherry had the lowest (752 hours) and Siah Shabestar (961 hours) had the highest chilling requirement, and also Zoodras and Zard Mash-had were 780 and 867 hours. Sour Cherry and Siah Shabestar had the least and the most heat requirement (4053 and 5458 GDH) respectively and the value of this feature was 5421 and 4614 respectively, for Zard Mash-had and Zoodras. Also the highest and lowest fresh and dry weights before and after placement in the growth chamber were observed in Siah Shabestar and sour cherry respectively.

In order to investigate the effects of postharvest application of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on physicochemical attributes of cornelian cherry fruit, a factorial experiment was performed based on completely randomized design with three replications (each replication including 60 fruits). Treatments included NaHS (0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 mmol) and different storage times (7, 14, and 21 days). The fruits were placed in the refrigerator (at 2°C and relative humidity of 85%) immediately after treatment. Physical and biochemical variables were measured within an interval of seven days. According to the results, the maximum amount of anthocyanin (2.27 mg/g FW) and ascorbic acid (26.8 mg/100g FW) and the minimum amount of H2O2 (0.41 µm/100g FW) were obtained by 0.6 mmol of H2S. Also, H2S (1.2 mmol) was more effective in terms of maintaining the total phenol (414.13 mg GA/100g FW). Weight loss with H2S 1.8 mmol was significantly less than other treatments and accompanied with the highest amount of flavonoids (27. 9 mg QUE/100g FW) and proline (0.24 mg/ml). Fruits treated with H2S were able to maintain better physical and biochemical attributes in comparison with control fruits. Referring to the important of cornelian cherry storing at cold storage conditions in terms of maintenance of the firmness, appearance quality and long shelf life with low frost damage, H2S 0.6 mmol should consider as the favorite treatment level.

Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) is an important subtropical fruit appreciated by consumers due to its excellent qualitative attributes and its nutritional properties, especially high ascorbic acid content, which provide health benefits. A balanced fertilization of macro- and micro-nutrients for plant nutrition is essential for enhancing fruit yield and quality (Ashouri Vajari et al., 2018). Foliar application is a complementary method for plant nutrition and is mostly used in cases where the plant urgently needs a certain element and also in early spring when the absorption of elements from the soil is low due to low root activity. Also, in cases where the soil conditions are not suitable for the absorption of elements, it is a relatively easy method and it yields quickly. Nitrogen, boron and zinc have the greatest effect on pollination, fertilization and fruit formation. In early spring, due to the cold soil temperature and the lack of sufficient leaves on the plant, the absorption of these elements from the soil is less and therefore it is necessary to provide these elements to the plant by foliar application. However, there is little information concerning the effect of nitrogen, boron and zinc application on golden kiwifruit. Thus, this research was carried out to determine the effects of preharvest urea, boric acid and zinc sulfate application on quality and some mineral nutrients concentration in golden kiwifruit.

The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Astara. Experimental treatments include: control (spraying with water), urea with a concentration of 1.5%, zinc sulfate (2000 mg L-1), boric acid (1500 mg L-1), urea 1.5% + zinc sulfate (2000 mg L-1) 1.5% urea + boric acid (1500 mg L-1 the composition of urea was 1.5% + zinc sulfate (2000 mg L-1) which in three stages of plant development including the beginning of bud swelling (early March), the beginning of sepal splitting (Late April) and the rapid fruit growth stage (early June) were sprayed. Fruit were harvested at commercial maturity in the morning and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to to the fruit analysis laboratory at Zanjan University, and subjected to physicochemical analysis.

The results showed that foliar application of the mentioned compounds had a significant effect on the amount of total soluble solids, fruit dry weight, fruit firmness, ratio of soluble solids to total acid, ascorbic acid, total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of fruit. All studied traits except soluble solids and the ratio of solids to total acid increased due to foliar application of nutrients. Foliar application of urea, boric acid and zinc sulfate alone or in combination increased these elements in leaves and fruits. The best treatment was for combined foliar application of 1.5% urea + sulfate on 2000 mg L-1 + boric acid 1500 mg L-1 that all the traits measured in this treatment had the highest. According to the obtained results, it can be stated that the simultaneous use of urea, boric acid and zinc sulfate increases the quality and antioxidant capacity of golden kiwifruit.

Conclusively, combined foliar application of urea (1.5%) plus zinc sulfate (2000 mg L-1) and boric acid (1500 mg L-1) at three stage can be used effectively to improve leaf nutrient status and nutritional quality of golden kiwifruit.

Pomegranate (punica granatum L.) is one of the subtropical fruits and sensitive to chilling injury, so preservation of that in cold storage is associated with some limitations. In this study the impacts of Aloe vera gel (0, 40 and 80 %) on chilling injury, nutritional quality and decay of pomegranate fruit, during 90 days at 4 ºC and 85-90 % relative humidity were evaluated. Sampling to determination of intended criteria were done at 30, 60 and 90 days of cold storage. Results showed that Aloe vera gel decreased the chilling injury and decay incidence significantly and the lowest level of chilling injury (11.6 %) and decay incidence (18.66 %) were observed in fruits with 80% of Aloe vera gel treatment after 90 days of storage. Also this treatment controlled well the levels of malondialdehyde (as an indicator of membrane lipids peroxidation), electrolyte leakage, and weight loss. Furthermore, 80% of Aloe vera gel treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase and preserved the ascorbic acid content at higher level. High levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were observed in Aloe vera gel treated pomegranate fruits, as a result of a higher activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and a low activity of polyphenol oxidase. In conclusion, applying of Aloe vera gel in 80 % concentration, as an natural cover, could increase cold stress tolerance and preserve nutritional values of pomegranate fruits during the storage period.

Quality and nutritional value reduction after harvest, limit shelf-life of cornelian cherry fruit. In this study, the mechanism employed by hot water (HW) treatment (42 °C, 10, 20 and 30 minutes) on retarding senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality thus prolonging the storage life of cornelian cherry fruits during storage at 4±1 °C for 21 days was investigated. Result showed that the cornelian cherry fruits treated with HW 42 °C/20 min effectively slowed the process of senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality, with enhanced ascorbic acid contents. Cornelian cherry fruits treated with HW 42 °C/20 min via increasing ROS scavenging molecule accumulation or enzymes activity such as ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione–s–transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase was accompanied with lower lypoxygenase activity leading to decreasing H2O2 accumulation and all of them results to enhancing membrane integrity revealed by lower malondialdehyde accumulation and electrolyte leakage. Finally, postharvest HW 42 °C/20 min treatment can be introduced as auseful strategy for supplying cornelian cherry fruits with higher bioactive molecules accumulation along with maintaining membrane integrity and prolonged storage life.

Apricot fruit is a carbohydrate-rich commodity and is a good source of fibers, essential minerals, vitamins and organic acids. It is also rich in bioactive compounds i.e. polyphenols and carotenoids that have certain antioxidant character in biological system. It is consumed in fresh, dried and frozen forms or used for the preparation of jam, juices, nectars and extruded products. Therefore, apricot being an attractive nutritious fruit is appreciated by consumers and farmers all over the world and has gained great economic importance over the years. Apricot is a climacteric fruit that presents a high respiratory and metabolic rate and, among stone fruits, is the one that presents the highest ethylene emission. One of the major problems of apricots is the rapid postharvest softening, which limits its storability and marketability. These features results that, at the postharvest, have an extremely short shelf-life of only 1-2 weeks in the cold storage, and pass quickly from maturity to overripe. One of the major problems of apricots is the rapid postharvest softening, which limits its storability and marketability. For this reason, to have acceptable quality fruits, they must be stored with adequate techniques to limit the post-harvest losses. As apricot production and export increase, demands for practical methods of post-harvest quality retention are necessary to improve the post-harvest quality of apricots during postharvest life. Several pre- and postharvest technologies have been used to control postharvest losses, but the use of chemicals as fungicides is restricted in most countries and consumers demand agricultural commodities without pesticide residues. Consumers around the world demand for food of high-quality, without chemical preservatives, and extended shelf life. Therefore, an increased effort has been made to develop new natural preservatives and antimicrobials. Many storage techniques have been developed to extend the marketing distances and holding periods for commodities after harvest. Among these technologies, edible coatings are traditionally used to improve food appearance and preservation. Edible coatings are thin layers of edible material applied to the product surface in addition to or as a replacement for natural protective waxy coatings and provide a barrier to moisture, oxygen and solute movement. They are applied directly on the food surface by dipping, spraying or brushing. Edible coatings are used to create a modified atmosphere and to reduce weight loss during transport and storage. In fact, the barrier characteristics of gas exchange for films and coatings are the subjects of much recent interest. Recently, researchers have developed a gel based on Aloe vera that prolongs the conservation of fresh fruits. This gel is tasteless, colorless and odorless. This natural product is a safe and environmental friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives such as sulfur dioxide. This gel operates through a combination of mechanics, forming a protective layer against the oxygen and moisture of the air and inhibiting the action of micro-organisms that cause food-borne illnesses through its various antibacterial and antifungal compounds. Aloe vera gel-based edible coatings have been shown to prevent moisture and firmness losses, control respiratory rate and delay ripening process slow oxidative browning and reduce microorganism proliferation in fruits. Present study was conducted to evaluate the increasing of apricot storage time, introducing suitable cultivars based on Aloe vera gel coating, effects of Aloe vera gel on the qualitative characteristics of fruit and obtain the optimum concentration of Aloe vera gel required to coating apricot fruits.

Therefore, a factorial experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with four replications. The evaluated factors including cultivars “Dorosht-e Malayer” and “Ghermez-e Shahrood”, concentrations of Aloe vera gel [control (non-gel coating fruits), 25% and 33%] and storage time [0 (Harvest), 7, 14 and 21 d)]. Moreover, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), fruit firmness, pH, percentage of weight loss, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content were determined during storage time.

The results showed that treatment of apricot fruits with Aloe vera gel, especially at 33% concentration, significantly enhanced vitamin C content, titrable acidity, antioxidant capacity and improved tissue firmness, but also reduced soluble solids, weight loss and pH content. Moreover, it was found that vitamin C content, titratable acidity and fruit tissue firmness significantly decreased during storage time, while soluble solids content, weight loss and antioxidant capacity significantly increased. Among the cultivars, “Ghermez-e Shahrood” cultivar had higher soluble solids content, weight loss, pH and antioxidant capacity during storage time, whereas “Dorosht-e Malayer” cultivar had higher titrable acidity, tissue firmness and vitamin C at the end of storage time. double and triple interaction effects of evaluated factors significantly affected all characteristics, except in antioxidant activity, where just storage time had a significant effect. It was found that the highest vitamin C content in “Dorosht-e Malayer” and “Ghermez-e Shahrood” was obtained at the end of the second week in coated fruits with 33% of Aloe vera gel. TSS content in fruits of “Dorosht-e Malayer” cultivar that coated with 25% and 33% of Aloe vera gel was less than “Ghermez-e Shahrood” cultivar, while Aloe vera gel had no significant effect on TSS content in “Ghermez-e Shahrood” cultivar. Aloe vera gel had no defined pattern on TA concentration but generally, “Dorosht-e Malayer” fruits had higher TA concentration comparing “Ghermez-e Shahrood” fruits During the storage time, the fruit weight loss and firmness were higher in “Ghermez-e Shahrood” as compared with “Dorosht-e Malayer”, however, in the both evaluated cultivars, treatment with Aloe vera gel had a significant positive effect to controlling of fruit weight loss and firmness. Furthermore, coating with Aloe vera gel improved the antioxidant capacity in both evaluated cultivars.

Overall, according to the results, it can be concluded that as compared with “Ghermez-e Shahrood” cultivar, “Dorosht-e Malayer” cultivar showed better quality based on the evaluated parameters and maintained its quality for a longer time. As a conclusion, considering the positive effects of Aloe vera gel, it can be in order to increase the shelf-life and maintaining the quality of apricot fruits.

Iron is considered as a micro-element with essential roles in plant metabolism and also, is a cofactor in the function of antioxidant enzymes. The strawberry is one of the favorite fruits throughout the world and maybe classified as a functional food as it is a rich source of phytochemicals and vitamins. Therefore, nutrition of foliar minerals is of particular importance for the rapid supply of plant nutrients. The aim of this study was to the determination of optimum concentration and evaluation of the pre-harvest application of iron on some antioxidant enzyme activities and qualitative characteristics of strawberry fruit during developmental stages.

The experiment was factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. This experiment was carried out at the University of Zanjan in the spring and summer of 2018. Firstly, in a pretest, the effect of different amounts of iron was investigated (0-200-400-600-800-1000-1200-1400-1600-1800 and 2000 μmol/L) at 3, 6, 9 and 12 days after the foliar application in some of the characteristics. Then, the concentration of 1400 μmol/L was considered as the optimum concentration. Finally, data analysis was done using SPSSver 22, and means were compared by Duncan’s multiple range tests at 5% level of Probability.

Results showed that chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, catalase, peroxides, and ascorbate peroxidase were significantly increased by iron treatment in comparison to the controls. Besides, strawberry fruits treated with iron in comparison to the controls exhibited lower, MDA, and H2O2 content. But it had no significant effect on SOD enzyme, pH, and soluble protein. In addition to the above results, the application of 1400 μmol/L iron accelerated fruit ripening for several days. The main reasons for the effect of the treatment can be related to the increase in iron content in the plant, the decrease in competition between vegetative and reproductive growth, as well as better photosynthetic efficiency. According to the results, the application of iron during the fruit growth stage increased the activity of most antioxidant enzymes and improved the quality of strawberry fruit. These results are in agreement with those obtained by Pestana et al. (2013) and Zaerei et al. (2016) of strawberry growth and crop yield improved by foliar application of iron chelate. The experiments demonstrated the beneficial effects of foliar Fe-EDTA application on some antioxidant enzyme activities and qualitative characteristics of strawberry fruit during developmental stages. Generally, for the production of strawberry greenhouses and its cultivation in hydroponic, according to the results of this study, a concentration of 1400 μmol/L can be suggested by the spraying method.

In recent years, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic four-carbon signaling amino acid, has been employed as a safe strategy for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest life. In addition to applying GABA as exogenous safe procedure, heightening cellular GABA shunt pathway activity also is pivotal for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest life. Low temperature storage is widely employed for prolonging postharvest life of fruits and vegetables accompanying by keeping sensory and nutritional quality. Tomato is one of the most important horticultural crops, which exhibits higher benefits for human health but being endemic to subtropical climates, they are very vulnerable to chilling injury. Cold storage application is normally employed as a regular low-cost real postharvest technology. Owing to its great socio-economic significance, great efforts have been done by researchers to attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits during low temperature storage employing safe strategies such as melatonin, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, nitric oxide, and gibberellic acid. Attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits by postharvest treatments may attribute to keeping safe membrane integrity representing by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation occurring by eliciting endogenous polyamines, proline and nitric oxide accumulation by activating CBF1 signaling pathway, hampering phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes activity, activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes activity resulting in higher ascorbic acid and glutathione accumulation, maintaining endogenous GA3 homeostasis occurring by higher CBF1 signaling pathway concurrent with higher endogenous salicylic acid accumulation, which not only are pivotal for conferring chilling tolerance in tomato fruits but also are crucial for preserving sensory and nutritional quality.

Tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Izmir) were picked at the mature green stage in Zanjan Province, Iran, and transported to the fruit analysis laboratory at Zanjan University. In the laboratory, the fruit was screened for uniform size, maturity, and absence of mechanical damage. Fruits (1440) were divided into four groups, each consisting of 360 fruits. The experiment was done in triplicate in which each replicate consisted of 120 fruits. The exogenous GABA applying was done by immersing of fruits in GABA at 0, 0.1, 1, and 5 mM for 15 min at 20 ˚C. Then, fruits were air dried at room temperature and stored at 4 ± 0.5 ºC (85–90 % RH) for 28 days. After assessment of chilling injury every 7 days during storage at 4 ˚C followed by shelf life at 25 ºC for 3 days, biochemical analyses were performed.

In recent experiment, we showed that the exogenous GABA applying, especially at 5 mM, is beneficial for attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits during storage at 4 ºC for 28 days which was associated with higher membrane integrity representing by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Keeping safe membrane integrity in tomato fruits in response to exogenous GABA applying may ascribe to triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes activity giving rise to higher endogenous ascorbic acid accumulation concomitant with promoting phenylpropanoid pathway activity representing by higher phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity giving rise to higher phenols and flavonoids accumulation and superior DPPH scavenging capacity.

Therefore, exogenous application of GABA not only is proficient for attenuating chilling injury but also is beneficial for preserving nutritional quality of tomato fruits during storage at 4 ºC for 28 days.

As one of the most important nuts, hazelnut (Corylus avellana L. ) contain a valuable set of antioxidants and nutrients. The quality of hazelnut kernel was strongly affected by kernel compounds. The antioxidant capacity and biochemical compounds depends more on the cultivar, climatic conditions and the interaction between climatic conditions and genotypes. The present study was conducted to determine the quality properties including vitamin C, antioxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoid and mineral element in 11 cultivars and genotypes included seven imported cultivars (Ronde dupimont, Negreta, Segorbe, Sivri, Morfineski, Fertile decotard and Sochi), and four local Iranian genotypes (Eshkevar1, Eshkevar2, Eshkevar3 and Eshkevar 4) in the Rudsar Eshkevarat region in 2017. Analysis of variance results were showed that there was significant difference (P≤0. 01) among examined cultivars for all characters and showed high genetic variation in all of the studied cultivars. Correlation analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlation among some important traits. According to the cluster analysis dendrogram performed by "Ward" method, cultivar and genotypes of hazelnut in Euclidian distance 27 were classified into four clusters.

The strawberry is one of the favorite fruits throughout the world and may be classified as a functional food as it is a rich source of phytochemicals and vitamins (Olsson et al., 2004). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Fe-EDTA fertilizer on PAL enzyme activity and antioxidant properties of strawberry fruit during developmental stages.

The experiment was factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental factor was consisted of iron chelate (Fe-EDTA) in 1400 µmol/l level. This experiment was carried out at University of Zanjan in 2018. Finally, data analysis was done using SPSS 22 and means were compared by Duncan’s multiple range tests at 5% level of probability.

Results showed that ascorbic acid, TSS, phenols and flavonoids were significantly increased by Fe-EDTA treatment in comparison to the controls. In addition, strawberry fruits treated with Fe-EDTA exhibited higher DPPH and PAL enzyme activity concomitant with higher phenols and flavonoids accumulation. The interaction was significant in all properties. These results are in agreement with those obtained by Pestana et al., (2010) and Amaliotis et al., (2002) of strawberry growth and crop yield improved by foliar application of iron chelate.

Generally, the findings of current study elucidated that the use of iron chelate had strong impact on PAL enzymatic activity and quality properties of strawberry fruits during ripening stages in this study. Keywords: Iron chelate, antioxidant characteristics, PAL, Strawberry fruit

 The ability to tolerate cold will not be possible without stopping or inducing sleep, which is one of the important steps in the life cycle of plants in temperate regions. This period is one of the important factors in preventing cold damages in winter and spring in temperate regions. Various studies in controlled conditions on plants have shown that in plants, when entering and leaving this period, various changes occur in materials such as proteins, enzymes and hormones. In order to control the harmful effects of active oxygen species, plants have defense mechanisms. Catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes are a defensive team whose common goal is to defend against the destructive effects of active oxygen species. This study was carried out to determine the chill requirement and its relationship with the changes in the activity of antioxidants enzymes and proline.

 The experiment was conducted at agricultural Research Station of Khalat-Pooshan and the Laboratory of Flower Biology and Physiology of Fruit Growth in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Tabriz University in 2015-2016. Flower buds needed for testing were selected from ‘Siah Shabestar’, Zard Mashhad, Zoodras cultivars and a local genotype of sour cherry. Once a month, enough buds were harvested and until the experiments began, they were kept inside the freezer inside an aluminum foil at -80 ° C. In order to estimate the chill requirement, four replicates (4 geographic directions) from each cultivar and from each replication four branches with the same length and diameter were removed. The amount of chilling accumulation and chilling requirement in each month was calculated according to Utah model. In order to estimate fresh weight, four replicates in each cultivar were selected and in each replication five buds were selected from different parts of the branch. The statistical design used in the determination of the chill requirement was a randomized complete block design. Enzymatic and proline data were analyzed in a completely randomized design as factorial

 Chill requirement: Based on the Utah model, the chill requirement of sweet and sour cherry cultivars contains Zard Mashhad, Zoodras and Siah Shabestar were calculated 752, 780, 867 and 961 CU, respectively. There was a significant difference in the activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes between cultivars and different sampling times at 1% probability level. Siah Shabestar cultivars with the highest chill requirement had the lowest SOD enzymatic activity and Zard Mashhad and Zoodras were intermediate cultivars in terms of enzymatic activity. Sour cherries, which had the least chill requirement, showed the highest levels of SOD enzyme activity. This is consistent with the results of some researchers regarding apricot stated that the low chill apricot cultivars had the highest SOD enzymatic activity. The sour cherry had the highest amount of POX enzymatic activity with the least amount of chill requirement, and also Siah Shabestar has the least chill requirement. Like the two previous enzymes, the activity of catalase was highest in sour cherries and the lowest was observed in Siah Shabestar. In terms of the presence of free proline, there was no significant difference between the Zard Mashhad cultivars and Zoodras, while there was a significant difference between these two cultivars and Sour Cherry and Siah Shabestar. Zoodras cultivar has the highest and our cherry has the lowest amount of free proline. Between different cultivars, in terms of fresh weight of buds, there is a significant difference at 1% probability level before and after placement in the growth chamber. The increase in fresh weight of sour cherry and Zard Mashhad, Zoodras and Siah Shabestar cultivars were 25, 27, 31.5 and 33%, respectively. The highest fresh weight before and after placement in growth chamber was observed in Siah Shabestar and sour cherry was the lowest. In all the cultivars, the activity of all three enzymes were initially at maximum (369 CU), then, with the cooling of the air and the initiation of deep dormancy, the activity of these enzymes were greatly reduced (820 CU) and then again increased in the activity of this enzyme (963 CU), which is similar to other studies.

Conclusions :

The results of this study showed that the antioxidant metabolism in plants is influenced by seasonal cycle changes and enzymatic activity changes depending on temperature, so that sour cherry with the least chill requirement has the most activity of the enzyme catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and Siah Shabestar, which have the most chill requirement, have the least enzymatic activity. Accordingly, the enzymatic antioxidant system activity of the flower buds was relatively high at the beginning of the dormancy period, but decreased during the end of dormancy. Also, the amount of free proline at the end of dormancy and the stage of dormancy breaking was highest and the lowest was in the deep dormancy period.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the most popular soft fruits worldwide. It is a rich source of health promoting compounds such as essential macro/micro-nutrients, polyphenols, anthocyanin, vitamins and amino acids, while showing a high antioxidant capacity. Preharvest applications of calcium lactate and potassium sorbate have shown to be promising as a tool to improve the quality and extend the shelf life of various fruits. To our knowledge, however, little information is available regarding the effect of calcium lactate and potassium sorbate on strawberry fruits. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of foliar application of calcium lactate and potassium sorbate on important quality characteristics and antioxidant properties of ‘Armas’ strawberries.

This research was performed at a commercial orchard on 2-year old strawberries in Marivan, Iran in 2015. The experiment was arranged as factorial based on randomized complete block design with two factors and four replications. The first factor included different levels of calcium lactate (0, 0.5 and 1%) and the second factor included different levels of potassium sorbate (0, 0.5 and 1%). Foliar spraying was performed in three stages: three weeks before commercial harvesting, at initial coloring, and one week before harvest. Fruit were harvested at commercial maturity and immediately transported to the laboratory at University of Zanjan and subjected to physicochemical analysis. Differences among means of data were analyzed by Duncan’s test at p ≤ 0.05 (n = 3). All statistical analyses were performed with SAS version 9.4.

The results showed that the combination of calcium lactate and potassium sorbate (0.5 Percent concentration) treatment significantly (P £ 0.01) increased the total anthocyanin content of the whole fruit, reuslting into further attractive fruit color and market than the control. It also increased antioxidant properties up to a level of 57.07%. On the other hand, the application of this treatment (calcium lactate and potassium sorbate 0.5 Percent) significantly increased the total flavonoid content, total soluble solids, flavor index (1.1 Percent) and calcium lactate (1 Percent). Potassium sorbate increased total phenol, total acidity, and fruit acidity significantly compared to other treatments and control (P £ 0.05).

In general, the results of the present study showed that a preharvest application of calcium lactate and potassium sorbate increased firmness, nutritional quality, and antioxidant potential of strawberry fruits. Thus, the use of these two materials is recommended to improve the qualitative and antioxidant properties of strawberry fruit.

Apples are an important source of polyphenols in the human diet and the consumption of this fruit has been linked to the prevention of degenerative diseases. This study deliberation of the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of some cultivars of apples cultivated in Zanjan province were measured as a suitable strategy for their evaluation in 2017. The total phenol content, total flavonoid, anthocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoid, antioxidant properties, pectin, soluble solids, total acid and flavor index in the skin and pomace of nine apple cultivars (Malus domastica) including "Top Red", "Granny Smith", "Dellbar Stewal", "Golden Primorz", "Idared", "Red Delecious", "Red Starking", "Jonagold" and "Golden Delicious" were evaluated and clustered. According to the cluster analysis based on the accumulation of phenolic substances in the skin of fruits, there was no significant difference between Granny Smith and Red Delecious cultivars and had at least a significant difference with Top Red. The results showed that the amount of phenolic compounds in fruit skin was higher than pomace, and the amount of these compounds were distinct in various cultivars. The highest amount of total phenol, chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoids and anthocyanin was measured in fruit skin. As the final result, the highest amount of skin phenol (6.4 mg.kg-1), pectin (2.31%), skin chlorophyll (80.82 mg.g-1) and antioxidant properties (83.73%) were observed in Granny Smith variety compared to the others.

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused a lot of environmental problems, so the use of organic and humic compounds, especially fulvic acid, has been considered in the production of horticultural crops. This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of foliar application of fulvic acid on quality and antioxidant properties of grapevine cv. Fakhri at four levels (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/l) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Grapes were cultivated in a traditional traning system. The vines were sprayed at three stages: 1- Berry formation, 2- Lag phase, 3- Veraison. After harvesting, (Brix 20) qualitative and antioxidant properties of fruits were evaluated. Results of the experiment showed that 2.5 g/l of fulvic acid significantly increased soluble solids, vitamin C, soluble sugars, total phenol, antioxidant capacity of fruits, chlorophyll and leaf potassium content while 10 g/l of fulvic acid increased only titratable acidity of fruits. With increasing fulvic acid concentration evaluated traits decreased, so that 10 g/l fulvic acid did not show significant effect on improving qualitative and antioxidant properties of fruits. Application of fulvic acid did not show significant effect on fruit flavonoid, and carotenoid, phosphorus and nitrogen contents of leaves. As final result, fulvic acid treatment had an important effect on improving the qualitative and antioxidant properties of Fakhri cultivar and 2.5 g/l had the highest effect which is recommended to be considered as a best concentration.

In order to investigate the effect of different nitrogen sources on some quantitative and biochemical characteristics of Saffron Petals, an experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications on the Research Farm of University of Zanjan. The treatments were Azotobarvar-1 bio-fertilizer (containing free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii) with two levels (0.1 and 0.2 percent), Nitrokara (containing symbiotic and free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azorhizobium caulinodan) with two levels (1 and 2 percent) and combinations of both of them with four treatments (1percent Nitrokara 0.1 percent Azotobarvar-1, 1 percent Nitrokara 0.2 percent Azotobarvar-1, 2 percent Nitrokara 0.1 percent Azotobarvar-1, 2 percent Nitrokara 0.2 percent Azotobarvar-1) compared to control and one nitrogen level (40 kg/ha). The results showed that the highest yield of petals and stigma were obtained in 0.2 percent Azotobacter while the highest average dry flower weight resulted in 2 percent Azorhizobium treatment. The highest leaf nitrogen content and total chlorophyll were obtained in 0.2 percent Azotobacter and 40 kg/ha of nitrogen treatments. Also 40 Kg/ha nitrogen resulted in the highest leaf area. The highest antioxidant, total phenol and anthocyanin of tepal were achieved in 0.1 percent Azotobacter while the highest amount of flavonoid was observed in 1 percent Azorhizobium. The results showed that the application of all treatments increased yield of saffron petals. The 0.2 percent Azotobacter was the best treatment in terms of quantity of petal yield and 0.1 percent Azotobacter resulted in highest antioxidant content and therefore it can be recommended

It is important to understand the structural events associated with flower morphogenesis in horticultural plants, because it has many aspects of practical horticultural significance. Information about different stages of flower initiation and development is important for better management of the vineyardsand fruit set. Knowledge of floral ontogeny in kiwifruit is also important for the establishment of breeding programs and for the understanding of the evolutionary processes involved in the development of the floral organs. The main objective of this study was documentation of the differentiation stages of flower buds for better understanding of morphological and external changes in (Actinidiadeliciosa[A. Chev.] C.F. Liang &A.R. Ferguson var.deliciosa) cvs.Hayward (female) and Tomuri (male).
The experiment was carried out over two years in a mature 'Hayward' and ‘Tomuri’ kiwifruit vineyard at the Citrus and Subtropical Research Center of Iran (Ramsar city). Pistillate and staminate flowers development was followed from the stage of undifferentiated primordia, present in the axils of leaf primordia in dormant buds since mid-March to early June 2015 and 2016. Equally buds in diameter and size from sixth to twentieth buds on one-year old cane of Hayward and Tomuri selected at 5 to 7 days intervals. They were sampled and fixed in a solution of formalin, ethanol 70%, glacial acetic acid (2:5:1 FAA) then stored in refrigerator. Fifteen buds of each sample dissected under a Nikon SMZ645 stereo zoom microscope. The very dense pubescence within the buds was removed manually without damaging the axillary flower primordia. The remaining pubescence was removed using dissecting needles. Various stages of flower differentiation were explained with principal growth stage 5 of BBCH scale.
The first signs of the flower on Tomuri were observed 2 days before bud swelling stage (01), on the March 12th, about one month before bud break in 2015. While in the Hayward variety the first signs of the flower primordia were observed on the March 21th of 2015 (9 days later). At the beginning of bud swelling (01), flower primordia begin to differentiation and at advanced bud swelling stage (03), bracts and sepals initiated. As development proceeded, different parts of flowers initiated acropetally. Lateral flowers were formed in the bud break (07), before initiation of petals. In advanced budburst stage (09) stamen primordia appear almost immediately after petal initiation, as two whorls in 'Hayward' and as three whorls in the Tomuri cultivar. Stigma initiated in the open cluster stage (10) in Hayward cultivar about 24-25 days after bud swell stage. The process of differentiation of buds and reproductive organs in the second year was the same as the first year with the exception that differentiation began earlier than that in the first year. Climatic conditions were affected flower development and in the second year primordia differentiation began earlier two days in Tomuri and six days in Hayward than those in the first year. The advanced budburst stage (09) in Tomuri 9 days and in the Hayward 10 days was occurred earlier than that in the first year. Unlike other tree fruits, flower induction in the kiwifruit occurred about 6 months before flower initiation. Flower primordia differentiation initiated shortly before bud break stage and approximately two months before full bloom. Flower initiation and differentiation time may be partly estimated with external changes of buds development. According to cultivar, chilling and heat requirements and climatic conditions during the research, flower initiation and differentiation period have fluctuation. A reason for the difference between the development stages and different varieties can be caused by the chilling and heat requirements. The more heat requirement, the longer reproductive meristem differentiation period.
An understanding of the flower initiation and development is very important for the research and management of fruit trees. A knowing of flower initiation and differentiation can be developed corrective vineyard management and practices in crisis period and prepared breeding programs. Tomuri initiated and developed their floral organs earlier than those in Hayward. Different external changes in the bud may be partly used to estimate of flower development status. The results showed that flower initiation and differentiation in buds coincided with the beginning of development and elongation of bud in the early of spring.