farkhondeh rezanejad

 Nepeta, with 300 species, is one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae family. Seventy-five species of this genus are distributed in Iran, many of which are endemic. Due to the medicinal importance and traditional uses of its various species, much research has been conducted to identify their secondary metabolites. Nepetalactone, cineole, and phenolic compounds have been reported as their main compounds, and most have medicinal, antimicrobial, and industrial properties. The amount of these compounds varies in different parts of the plant and different species and populations. Nepeta bornmulleriHausskn. ex Bornm. is endemic to Iran and is a type specimen from Kerman province. Although secondary metabolites have been studied in many species of this genus, more research is needed on N. bornmulleri. Therefore, the morphology, quantity, and quality of antioxidant compounds and essential oils were investigated in the plant's two vegetative and generative parts.

 Vegetative (stem and leaf) and generative (flower and fruit) parts of N. bornmulleri were collected in May 2023 from Rayen city (Kerman province) at an altitude of 2450 meters. The used generative parts were 80% flowers and 20% unripe fruits. The size of the plant, its vegetative form, and the structure of the inflorescence and flower were examined and photographed with the naked eye or stereomicroscope so that researchers could identify them quickly. Biochemical compounds, including phenolic compounds and essential oil, were studied in vegetative and generative parts. Total phenolic compounds, including total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins from fresh samples, were studied by spectrophotometric method. The phenolic compounds and anthocyanins profile were investigated using dried samples with HPLC. The analysis of essential oil was done using dry samples with gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Essential oil extraction was done by distillation with water using Clevenger. The experiment was conducted in a completely random design, including two types of vegetative (stem and leaf) and generative (flower and fruit) organs with three replications.

 Morphological studies of N. bornmulleri showed that in the studied area, the height of the species is about 10-25 cm with hairy basal (rosette) leaves, apical and dense head-like inflorescence, purple-blue synpetal corolla with bilobate apex, synsepal calyx. The Androecium comprises four purple stamens of equal length (didynamous stamens) and an upper pistil with tetra-achene schizocarp fruit surrounded by persistent sepals. The total content of phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins in flowering branches (generative) was significantly higher than in leaves and stems (vegetative parts). The profile of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds by HPLC showed that ten phenolic compounds and three anthocyanin compounds were identified in the generative part, and six phenolic compounds and two anthocyanin compounds were identified in the vegetative part. The most phenolic compound observed in both vegetative and generative parts was luteolin, while malvidin-glucoside was recorded as the most anthocyanin compound. The amount of malvidin-glucoside in the generative part was twice that of the vegetative part. The percentage of essential oil in vegetative and generative parts was observed at 0.2 and 0.1, respectively. In the essential oils of vegetative and reproductive parts, respectively, 10 (69.41%) and 16 (89.29%) identified compounds and 9 (14.59%) and 4 (6.21%) unidentified compounds were reported, which in total 84% and 95.5% constituted the essential oil.The main components of the essential oil of the vegetative part include spatholenol (31.2%), 1,8-cineole (14.5%), hexadecanoic acid (10.6%), myrtenol (9.7%), caryophyllene oxide (6.4%). ) and trans-pinocarveol (4.4%). In the generative part, 1,8-cineole (31.7%), spatholenol (16.2%), myrtenol (14.14%), dihydro nepetalactone (6.92%), trans-pinocarveol (6.7%), pinocarovone (5.2%) and caryophyllene oxide (4.5%) were the main components of the essential oil.

 Based on the results, the quantity and quality of phenolic compounds, anthocyanin, and essential oil in the generative part were higher than in the vegetative part of the studied species. So, it is suggested that the generative parts of the plant be used to obtain antioxidant compounds. The amount of nepetalactone, which is significant in most species of Nepeta, was relatively low in this species, while spatholenol and 1, 8-cineole were the main compounds. Considering the numerous medicinal and industrial applications of the two dominant species combinations on the one hand and the exclusivity and limited distribution of the species on the other hand, it is essential to preserve its different populations.

Low-temperature stress leads to accumulation of proteins, osmolytes and antioxidants, which involve in plant tolerance to stress conditions. This study aimed to evaluate dehydrin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), endogenous proline and activities of antioxidant enzymes in Citrus reticulate under low-temperature stress (1°C, -1°C and -3°C) during postharvest. The results of western blot showed proteins with the molecular weight of 30.19, 36.3 and 62.25 kDa induced in response to low temperature stress. The level of endogenous proline, GABA and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and APX) also increased with decreasing temperature. The amount of GABA and proline in temperatures of -1 and -3°C more than 1°C. With reduction of temperature induces the activity of SOD and APX in C. reticulata. As a result, at -3 °C, the highest activity of SOD and APX was observed. Generally, in fruits under the temperature of -3°C, levels of antioxidants and protein accumulation increased.

Flowering transition is one of the most important developmental processes of higher plants, which is controlled by endogenous and external environmental signals. These signaling cues are perceived in leaves and shoot apical meristem (SAM) to induce flower formation. APETALA1 (AP1) is one of floral meristem identity genes that regulate the specification and formation of floral meristems and is required for sepals and petals formation. In this study, the expression of this gene in different organs of Eruca sativa as well as the effect of brassinosteroids (BRs) on flowering and the gene expression was investigated. RNA was extracted from different organs and first-strand cDNA was synthesized. Specific primers were designed based on the sequence alignment of AP1 isoform genes from other plants. In the vegetative stage, no expression was observed in different organs. Brassinosteroid treatment from 28 days (vegetative stage) to flower buds formation caused early flowering, so that the treated plants flower about 10 days earlier than the control. In addition, plant size and its organs were larger in plants treated with brassinosteroids. Evaluation of EvsAP1 gene expression in reproductive phase showed its expression in flower buds, sepals and petals but no was seen in roots, stems, leaves, stamen and gynocium. Also, the onset of expression of this gene was observed earlier, indicating that the transition to flowering and flower bud formation occurs faster in treated plants; therefore, expression occurs earlier. However, expression levels did not affected by brassinosteroids and no significant difference was observed between treated and control samples.

Maclura pomifera (Moraceae), known as souda or American mulberry, is dioecious, about 5-8 meters long that its fruits have a very sticky sap. In different areas of Kerman city, no male tree was observed and all distributed plants were female. Interestingly, these female trees, produced seeds. It has been reported that some species Moraceae produce fruits and seeds without fertilization, a phenomenon called parthenogenesis. In this study, the structure of inflorescences and flowers were investigated. Further, some flowers were covered with wax paper bags to prevent pollination. The presence of pollen in pistil tissues was studied with a fluorescent microscopy. The dense and spherical female inflorescence has about 60-70 flowers with a single- whorled perianth similar to the sepals. The sepals were tetrameric and pink at young first and become fleshy and green during growth. The pistil and perianth (sepals) surrounding it together developed to a drupe like fruit. The pistil was unicarpellate and long style. The drupe-like fruits form each inflorescence formed accessory fruit, atypical fruit, with pomaceous view. No pollen grains were observed on pistil tissues (stigma, style and ovary) by aniline blue staining. The fruits of both closed (by wax paper bags) and open inflorescences produced about 8-18 seeds. The seeds was viable and during germination produced seedlings in perlite media without any chemical or physical treatment. Seed formation without pollination and fertilization in this species confirms the parthenogenesis phenomenon; this study is the first report about the occurrence of parthenogenesis in M. pomifera.

Regulation of flowering time requires the activity of various genes that are controlled by environmental and internal cues. The FLC gene plays a key role in transition to flowering and suppresses flowering as target gene of vernalization pathway. Vernalization is a natural adaptation to ensure flowering after winter so that flowers and seeds can develop in favorable environmental conditions. In this study, identification and expression of FLC gene was investigated in rocket mustard (Sisymbrium irio). Total RNA was extracted from cotyledon leaves and cDNA was made. Specific primers were designed based on tsequence alignment of FLC homogenous genes and used for RT-PCR reaction. The identified 449 nucleotids fragment was recorded as SiFLC with accession number KT156751 in the NCBI database. Sequencing of the coding region and comparison of its putative protein (with 150 amino acids) and FLC orthologues in other plants showed their high similarity. Expression relative rate using the semi-quantitative method, in vegetative stage in young leaves, mature leaves, stems and roots was between 56-86%, which the highest (about 86%) and the lowest (about 56%) levels were observed in young leaves and stems respectively. In the reproductive stage, a decrease in expression was observed in these organs especially in leaves (about one percent). However, expression level was higher in flower buds and reached about 31%. Decreasing leaf expression in the reproductive phase indicates flowering induction. FLC higher levels in flowers, after transition to flowering, allows the next generation to reregulate its rate and respond to winter during vegetative phase

Juniperus is the second most prevalent group of conifers on Earth. The reduction in viable seeds and natural regeneration is an important problem of Juniperus. Juniperus seravschanica is important in soil protection and is very resistant to frost and drought too. In this study, seed number in cone, seed emptiness and germination were studied on filter paper, peatmoss+ perlite mixture and in field in Galuchar, sarbijan and Dalfard (Kerman province) in populations. In addition, shoot proliferation and rooting in pot and in vitro culture was assayed. The average number of cone seeds in Glochar, Serbijan and Delfard was 4.86, 3.69 and 3.21, respectively. The average number of full seeds per cone was 1.1, 0.22 and 0.1 (22, 5.96 and 3.1%, respectively) in Glochar, Sarbijan and Dalfard, showing 78, 94 and 97% emptiness, respectively. In all media, seed germination percentage was very low (2-5%). No germination was observed in seeds without cold treatment as well as without scarification (making a hole in seed coat). 20 cm young shoots, after cold treatment and rapid immersion in IBA, grew as normal until 4 week and finally dried after 5-6 weeks. The young shoots (1-1.5 cm) cultured in MS and WPM media proliferated and regenerated new branches in WPM (40% regeneration) and MS (57%) media in combination of BAP and NAA (2+3 and 0.2+3 mgl-1, respectively for WPM and MS). No rooting was observed using IBA after 24 weeks.

Environmental factors such as temperature have negative effects on the reproductive phase and can cause yield loss in Citrus species. Pollen grains play a key and essential role in the fertility of plants. Quercetin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are involved in certain biochemical functions to regulate growth and increase tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different temperatures on pollen germination and also on the levels of quercetin and GABA. The branches containing flowers of Cirus reticulata, C. sinensis, and C. paradisi were exposed to 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C for six hours and then pollen grains were collected. Levels of quercetin and GABA were quantified by HPLC. The amount of quercetin was highest at 5 °C and then decreased by increasing the temperature in all species. Also, with increasing temperature, the amount of GABA decreased in all species. The highest and lowest pollen germination was observed at 25 °C and 5 °C, respectively.

APETALA1 (AP1) gene plays an important role in promoting transition from vegetative to reproductive phase and determining the flower meristem identity. This research was conducted to investigate the AP1 relative expression in the black mustard plant (Brassica nigra L.). Also, the effect of hydrogen sulfide on flowering and its relative expression was investigated.
Total RNA was extracted from the collected samples and used to make cDNA. Specific primers were designed and used for RT-PCR reaction based on the sequence alignment of AP1 homologous genes in plants of the same family. The relative expression of AP1 was studied in the reproductive phase in different organs such as root, stem, leaf, flower bud, sepal, petal, stamen and pistil. In addition, the effect of NaHS on flowering and relative gene expression in different developmental stages in vegetative shoots, generative shoots and flower buds was investigated. The intensity of expression was measured with ImageJ software and the data were compared with ANOVA statistical analysis and Duncan's test with a confidence factor of 95%.
 
 
Studies of the relative expression of AP1 gene in different organs of the black mustard in the generative phase indicated that this gene is expressed in flower bud, sepal, petal and leaf, but no expression was observed in the root, stem, stamen and pistil. Also, its relative expression in samples treated with NaHS compared with the control group showed that the beginning of AP1 gene expression and consequently the transition to flowering is faster and earlier in plants treated with hydrogen sulfide. Thus, the treated plants had a shorter life cycle and flowered 8 days earlier. The comparison of its expression in vegetative shoots, reproductive shoots and flower buds did not show any significant difference in the same developmental stages, but expression higher levels was observed at the same sampling times in the treated samples compared with controls. No expression was observed in the control samples at the periods that the treated samples showed high expression and were in generative phase and flowering.
The relative expression of AP1 gene during developmental stages and its increase in the reproductive stage can confirm its role in the flowering process. NaHS induced flowering and in a 35-day life cycle, treated plants entered the reproductive phase 8 days earlier. Therefore, NaHS treatment, by shortening the vegetative period, stimulated the precocious expression of AP1 gene and consequently its flowering.

Juniperus species are resistant to frost and drought and have several medicinal and industrial uses. The genus has low regeneration that studies of structure and distribution of various species can helps to survey this reduction resons. J. seravshanica is distributed at different regions of Kerman province; young plants distribution is low and they are mostly seen in the crevices of mountains or rocks, but they have higher distribution in protected area of Gluchar. The leaves of young plants are arranged in whorls of 3, but during development both scaly and needle leaves are seen which the later with decussate arrangement, lignin epidermis and hypodermis and resin ducts are the main. The plant is diocious, but in some male plants, a few female cones are formed. Male cones are small, yellow, nonwoody without secretory structures and sclereids. Each cone has 8-14 scales and each scales has 3-5 pollen sacs. The pollen have mucilagenous intine. The female cones consist of attached 6-10 scales that are separated before pollination and become close again to form berries. The female cones develop into blue to brown with white coating. Many cones are dried during development, especially in the early stages. The development of the female cone takes about two years, and a set of one- and two-year-old cones are seen. The mature cone is fleshy which scleride cells form its main volume. It also has resin ducts that give it a pleasant smell. Each fruit has 2-6 seeds with hollow (empty) or immature embryos.

Plants activate antioxidant defense mechanisms under stress, which help maintain the structural integrity of cell components and possibly reduce oxidative damage. Low- temperature stress led to the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage to plants. In this study, the effect of putrescine and proline on reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the peel of three Citrus species were investigated. The results showed that with decreasing temperature, the production of reactive oxygen species and activity of antioxidants increased in three Citrus species. In both C. reticulata and C. sinensis species, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were higher compared with C. paradisi. However, the production of reactive oxygen species in C. paradisi was higher than the other two species. Treatment of fruits with proline and putrescine led to a decrease in the production of reactive oxygen species. The highest amount of glutathione peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase was observed at -3°C temperature and in fruits treated with proline 20 Mm. Exogenous application proline and putrescine increased the levels of endogenous proline in Citrus species. The levels of endogenous proline under both low temperature and exogenous proline and putrescine were higher in C. reticulata compared with two other species. Overall, the treatment of putrescine and proline has led to the improvement of defense activities in stressed plants and has significantly increased in the C. reticulata species.

Periploca aphylla is an evergreen plant and resistance to drought stress, which can grow in harsh environmental conditions in hot and dry areas of southern Kerman province, therefore, it plays an important role in preserving the environment as well as soil. In this study, soil ecological factors of plant distribution areas, plant morphology, and comparison of some antioxidant compounds in different plant organs were studied. The results showed that the plant distribution area possesses sandy, non-saline soils with neutral to slightly alkaline acidity and contains a good amount of macronutrients and micronutrients. The presence of relatively thick perianth with abundant hairs, in this plant, shows the adaptive properties to harsh environmental conditions. The released pollen grains from anther are tetrad and are bonded together by viscous materials to form pollinia. The gynoecium is a two-carpel that initially, the carpels are partially connected to each other and form two follicles fruits that develop at an angle of 180 degrees to each other. The highest total phenol and flavonoid content was observed in seeds and the highest total anthocyanin content was observed in flowers. Comparing the 8 phenolic compounds identified in different parts of the plant, the predominant phenolic compounds in shoots and seeds are hesperidin, in flowers and immature fruits, chlorogenic acid, and in mature fruits, Gallic acid. Comparing plant phenolic compounds, hesperidin and vanillin had the highest and lowest values, respectively. With respect to the fact that the various organs of this plant are rich in phenolic compounds; therefore, this plant species is introduced for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

Despite numerous reports on hard germination and growth of Bunium persicum, there is no published study on B. cylindricum. Although the amount of essential oils and phenolics is high in B. persicum, they are significant in B. cylindricum too. Plant development from seed cultivation to seed production took 3-4 years including the formation of cotyledon leaves, a uni- or bi-pinnate leaf, one tri-pinnate leaf, and two or more tri-pinnate leaves (rosette) with long petiole in the fourth year. During development, corm size increases, and in flowering years, along with rosette leaf formation, flowering stems are also formed and their number depends on corm size. Flowers were protandrous, without calyx with thin petals containing secretory epidermis. Tapetum is the secretory type and pollen is tricolporate, prolate (P/E 1.7), small size (24µm), ovate with striate-regulated sculpture. The Ovary is two-carpellate, inferior with apical placentation which its two cylindric-linear mericarps are separated acropetally from the carpophore at maturity. IntroductionBunium (Apiaceae) has about 14-17 species in Iran. Secondary metabolites of some species of Bunium, especially B. persicum, have been studied. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and other therapeutic properties of their essential oils have been reported. The presence of numerous essential oils in B. cylindricum indicates its medicinal importance. In some cases, the same names are used for different species, or different names are used for different populations of one species. In addition, some people mix fruits (seeds) of different species of Bunium and sell them as B. persicum in the markets. Therefore, the correct identification of species and their cultivation is important, particularly for species that are marketed. There are several reports about hard germination and cultivation and growth problems of B. persicum. However, there is no published study on the cultivation, life cycle, and vegetative and reproductive structures of B. cylindricum, except general descriptions in plant Flora's books. Kazemivash et al. (2020) reported that in B. persicum, the tapetum layer is secretory type; pollen grains are ovate and bi-porate; gynoecium is two-carpellate with lower ovary and schizocarpic fruits. Apiaceae pollen has been divided into five types: sub-rhomboidal (P/E=1–1.5), sub-circular (1–1.5), oval (1.5–2), sub-rectangular (2), and equatorially constricted (≥ 2). Fruit is a dry schizocarp composed of 2 mericarps that split apart at maturity acropetally. Mericarps have secretory ducts that cause good aroma and flavor in many plants of this family law. In the present study, species cultivation and seed formation were done for the first time. Further, the structure and development of vegetative and reproductive structures were studied and investigated. Materials and MethodsThe ripe seeds (mericarps) of B. cylindricum were collected from Sarduiyeh, Kerman province, Iran. They are cultivated in petri dishes, pots, and in plant habitat in a garden. Seed germination, the life cycle of the species, and different organ formation were studied until flower and seed/fruit formation. Fresh structures (corms, leaves, inflorescences, flowers, and fruits) in different developmental stages were studied and photographed using stereo and light microscopes or the naked eye. The pollen structure, P/E ratio, and pollen sculpture were studied using light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fruit size and the number of fruits in the umbellate were surveyed too. For anatomical studies, fresh flowers were fixed in FAA (formaldehyde: acetic acid: 70% ethanol, 5:5:90, v/v/v) for 24 h, washed with distilled water 4 times (each time for 5 min), dehydrated in 30%, 50%, 70%, 80%, and 100% ethanol series and embedded in paraffin. Then, 5 μm sections were cut by a rotary microtome (Micro-Tec, Germany), put on glass slides, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, observed by a light microscope, and photographed. The mean of seed germination, the polar and equatorial axis of pollen, and their ratio (P/E), as well as the average length of umbel rays and fruit, were measured. Results and DiscussionBunium is one of the medicinal plants with high economic and export value. There are no published studies on the cultivation, seed germination, and development of B. cylindricum. The study of the life cycle of B. cylindricum showed that the species produces flowers and fruits (seeds) 3-4 years after cultivation. In the first year, cotyledon leaves and a small underground part (corm) are formed, and its size increases during the following years producing compound rosette leaves and shoots. After cotyledon leaves, a uni- or bi-pinnate compound leaf with long petiole, then in the next year one tri-pinnate leaf and finally with increasing tuber size, tri-pinnate leaves (≥2) and flowering shoots are formed. There are several studies indicating hard plantation and germination of Bunium using different treatments for breaking dormancy without studying the next developmental stages till flowering. The present study optimized cultivation, seed germination, and flower and seed production in B. persicum for the first time. The abundance of flowers in broad umbellate inflorescences and secretory structures of pistils and petals help to attract pollinators confirming Linder (1998) who reported the effective role of inflorescences in pollination. Flowers were pentamerous, protandrous, without calyx with thin petals containing secretory epidermis. Tapetum was secretory type and pollen grains were tricolporate, prolate (P/E 1.7), small size (24µm), ovate with striate-regulated sculpture according to Punt et al. (2007), Cerceau-Larrival and Roland-Heydacker (2013), Başer et al. (2021), and Kadluczka et al. (2022). Studies in B. persicum indicated secretory tapetum and bi-porate. The gynoecium is bicarpelate producing a schizocarp fruit in which its two mericarps are separated at maturity. Its distinctive flavors are due to fruit secretory cavities.  ConclusionThere are several studies reporting hard plantation and seed germination of Bunium genus, especially B. persicum. In this study, cultivation, seed germination, and seed production of B. cylindricum were optimized. Seed germination was ≥ 90% and germinated seedlings produced fruits (seed) in the fourth year. Flowers were pentamerous, protandrous, without calyx with thin petals containing secretory epidermis. Pollen grains were tricolporate, prolate, small-sized, and ovate with striate-regulated sculpture. The fruit is a schizocarp consisting of two fused carpels that separate at maturity into two mericarps, each containing a single seed. Secretory ducts are distributed in the fruit pericarp.

Satureja L. is one of the typical plants of the Lamiaceae family, and its essential oil has a wide variation of composition depending on the spices, growing area and climate conditions. Recently, Satureja kermanica (Kerman savory or ezgen) has been identified as a new species from south-east of Iran using morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The essential oils have many applications in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. The analysis and identification of the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) was performed using the (GC-MS). Fifteen components were identified representing 99.6% of the entire essential oil composition, 95.39% of monoterpenes, 2.35% of sesquiterpenes and 1.86% of other compounds. The EOs of S. kermanica were dominated by the presence 51.30% thymol and 25.88% γ-Terpinene as major constitutes accounting for 77.81% of total oil components. The other compounds of essential oils were p-cymene (5.45%) carvacro (4.28%), α- terpinene (3.23%), (E)-caryophyllene (2.35%), β- pinene (1.75%), α- thujene (1.53%) and n-nonadecane (1.13%).The presence of thymol, γ-Terpinene, p-cymene, carvacrol, α- Terpinene and (E)-caryophyllene, as main essential oils in lamiaceae family, in this new species indicate to its significant activities in food, cosmetics and medicine industries.

Rosa damascena is an important commercial crop in ornamental horticulture. Also, its essential oils and phenolic compounds are used in the medicinal, food, flavor, and perfume industries. The shoot and root regeneration of axillary single-node explants was studied on 16 and 24 different media, respectively. The combinations of 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mg-1 of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) with 0.1 and 0.05 mgl-1 auxins [(2,4-D and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] and 0.1 mgl-1 gibberellic acid (GA3) were investigated for shoot induction. Shoot induction and proliferation were observed 16 and 38 days after planting, respectively. The highest shoot proliferation (100%) was obtained in the presence of 2.5 mgl-1 BAP and 0.05 mgl-1 of 2,4-D (medium 16). Root formation and growth of healthy shoots were studied on various combinations of indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) (0, 0.05, and 0.1 mgl-1) with full-strength and half-strength MS media in the solid and liquid culture media (12 media). In the optimal medium, root initiation and growth occurred 125 and 138 days after culturing, respectively. The successful rooting process occurred just in two media with rooting frequency of 31 and 53% respectively. Rooting frequency was higher in the half-strength MS liquid media than in the other media.

Fruit blankness is an important problem of pistachio cultivation, which results from many reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of soil texture, irrigation interval, and cultivar on nut quality and blankness of pistachio. The treatments included soil texture (light and heavy), irrigation intervals (24 and 48 days), cultivar (Kaleghoochi and Ahmadaghaei), and their interactions were studied. Measured traits were flower and small fruit abscission rate, nut weight, blank and semi-blank fruit percentage, splitting percentage, and ounce. Symptoms of fruit blankness were determined by anatomical study of blank fruits. Results showed that a 48-day irrigation interval produced nuts with higher quality, lower blankness percentage, higher weight and size, and higher number of split ones than the other treatments. It is assumed that plants produce more fruits by sufficient water supply, thus the competition for photosynthetic products results in smaller, lower-weight seeds. Light soil was more suitable regarding nut qualities, but flower and small fruit abscission rates were higher in light soil probably because of temperature fluctuations in this soil. Anatomical studies showed that blankness could result from a lack of fertilization (parthenocarpy) or embryo abortion (stenospermocarpy). Parthenocarpy mostly occurred in the more sensitive cultivar, Kaleghoochi, while the more tolerant cultivar, Ahmadaghaei, mostly had stenospermocarpic blank fruits. It was also determined that embryo abortion could occur at different stages of development.

The vascular system allows plants to rapidly transport water and nutrients over long distances between roots and other plant parts. It also provides mechanical support for the plant body. In this study, the effect of soil texture (light and heavy) and irrigation periods (24 and 48 days) were assayed on vascular transport defect of ovules and fruits blankness in two pistachio cultivars (Kalehghoochi and Ahmadaghae). Eight weeks after flowering, some branches were kept in disodium fluorescein solution. Then, the small fruits were sectioned by hand and studied with fluorescence microscopy for vascular defect. The rate of fruit blankness was determined at harvest time too. Overall levels of developed ovules (fruits) in each inflorescence as well as fruit blankness were studied. The fruits numbers were higher in shorter irrigation period (24 days) and heavy soil compared with longer irrigation period (48 days) and light soil. Also, the rate of vascular transport defect in ovules as well as fruit blankness were higher too. These results can be attributed to the higher number of fruits produced in high water availability and heavy soil, as optimal condition, and in results, their stronger competition for fruit filling. It was also shown that in comparison with Ahmadaghaee cultivar, the Kaleghoochi cultivar mostly through the vascular transport blocking in developing ovules (seeds) is resulted in blankness of fruits. Vascular transport defects can occur transiently and be repaired by the plant.

The transition to flowering is a major phase change in life cycle of plants. Flowering locus T (FT) gene is the final signaling target gene of the photoperiod pathway that promotes flowering. FT protein is a major component of flowering hormone (florigen). This study was performed to identify FT homologus gene in garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.). Total RNA was isolated from young leaf tissues of L. sativum in reproductive phase and was used for first-strand cDNA synthesis. The specific primers were designed based on nucleotide sequence alignment of FT homologus genes from other plants and were used in RT-PCR. The RT-PCR product were purified and sequenced. The results indicated amplification of 294 nucleotides fragment that was named LsFT and registered in NCBI database with access number KP070729. This part of FT gene codes major part of phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding Protein (PEBP) domain of FT protein that is conserved in amino acid sequence in many plants. Comparison of this deduced protein with FT homologous proteins from other species showed %61 to %94 identity. According to these results, LsFT can play a similar role as FT in flowering induction and could act as a flowering inducer gene in Lepidium sativum L.

Growing faster and mass production of seed is always notable economically, industrially and pharmaceutically. Hence, the identification of the effective genes in growth, flowering and seed production is very valuable in the plants. The CURLY LEAF (CLF) is a key gene due to its important role in flowering inhibition. In this research, identification of CLF gene in black mustard (Brassica nigra L.), due to pharmaceutical and industrial consumption and its proximity to Arabidopsis model plant, was studied. For gene identification studies, the total RNA was extracted from the mature leaves in the vegetative stage. Gene expression was studied using extracted RNAs from leaves and shoot tips in both vegetative and generative stages as well as flower buds. Identification and expression were investigated after cDNA synthesis using the designed primers and the RT-PCR technique. The results confirmed a specific fragment of 665 nucleotides recorded in the gene bank as bnCLF (KT984485). The studies of phylogenetic tree showed that the CLF gene of the black mustard has a close relation with Brassicaceae family but the most homology was observed with Brassica rapa. The higher expression of CLF was observed in leaf and shoot tip at generative phase compared with vegetative phase. Further, the highest of expression amount was seen in floral buds in generative phase than leaf and shoot tip. Therefore, it seems that it is possible to accelerate flowering in some plants by identification and repression of this gene.

Study of antimicrobial effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of vegetative and reproductive structures of A. Chamaecistus and A. austro-iranica on several fungi and bacteria

Aquatic and methanolic extracts prepared from Ajuga Chamaecistus, A. austro-iranica were tested for antibacterial activity against gram positive (Satphyloccocus aureous and Streptococus pyogenes) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Proteus vulgaris) bacteria and Aspergillus niger and fusarium solani. The vegetative and generative shoots of plants were powdered, sterilized, and extracted at 4°C with methanol and water. The concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mgml-1 of methanolic and aquatic extracts were used to detect the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). All experiments were tested three times. The antibacterial effects were evaluated using the cup-plate and antifugal activity using cup-plate and pour plate

The antibacterial effect of aqueous extracts showed that only the leaf extract (vegetative extract) of A. chamaecistus is effective on S. aureus showing that in gram-negative bacteria, the presence of a lipopolysaccharide wall causes greater resistance. Methanolic extracts of both species were more active than aqueous extracts and had antimicrobial effects on all tested bacteria as well as A. niger. In both species, the extracts of the generative parts showed a stronger antifungal effect. In different species of this genus, the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins and terpenoids that have antimicrobial properties confirms the antimicrobial properties of this species. However, the amount of their effect depends on plant and microbe species, the tested parts (plant organs), the extracts concentration, the sampling season, the sample age and soil type.

AbstractCalotropis procera (Aiton) W.T belonging to family Apocynaceae (subfamily Asclepiadoideae) is a xerophytic, perennial and evergreen shrub highly tolerant to drought and salt stresses with remarkable distribution ability in dry and hot areas of southern of Kerman province, Iran. Due to its pharmacognostic features, this shrub is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In addition, due to its importance in phytoremediation, this species is a useful bio-indicator for monitoring pollution in urban and suburban areas. In this research, the structure of ovary and fruit, structure and ultrastructure of seed and its hairs (fibers) were studied with stereo, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM (.Gynoecium has two free and superior ovaries with numerous anatropous ovules and marginal placentation. The fruits are oval shaped follicles, which their pericarp become swollen during maturity and split and invert to release hundreds of flat and brown seeds. The seeds have a tuft of silky white hairs at one end. These white fibers attached to the seeds serve to wind dispersal. The seed coat has reticulated ornamentation at early developmental stages and then during maturation, the leaf-like ornamentations differentiate among which the small prominent structures are developed.

Boron is an essential micronutrient for plants and boron deficiency is a common nutritional disorder in crop species. In this research work, the effect of boron deficiency on the amount of pigments, phenols, soluble sugars, starch, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and enzyme activity in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. cv. RGS) plants during vegetative and reproductive period were studied. Boron deficiency caused reduction of plants dry matter production and impaired development of the young leaves. The leaf concentrations of chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanin were decreased and the net assimilation rate was diminished following reduction of stomatal conductance and consequently, non-structural carbohydrates were decreased in the leaves of boron-deficient plants. In contrast, the leaf concentration of cytosolic phenolics compounds increased in boron-deficient plants associated with a rise in the leaf activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase while polyphenol oxidase was not influenced by boron deficiency. Boron-deficient plants formed distorted inflorescences with higher rate of flower drop. Pollen tube showed apical swelling with lower germination percentage in boron-deficient plants. During the anther development, differentiation of the layers of pollen sac wall impaired by boron deficiency accompanied by an earlier disintegration of the nutritive cell layer. Boron-deficient plants had less fruits with lower growth rates and smaller seeds. Our results demonstrated that during vegetative growth, boron deficiency influences mainly carbon metabolism but during reproductive growth it affects several developmental processes including germination of pollen grains, development of the siliques and filling of the seeds.

The environmental conditions which the parent plant has undergone during seed development can affect many properties of the seeds such as degree of dormancy, weight and the amount of their compounds. In this study, mature pistachio seeds of Ahmadaghaei cultivar, collected from the two cities of Rafsanjan and Shahrbabak located in Kerman Province (Iran), were compared. It was found that the seeds collected from Shahrbabak being a cooler and wetter region had a longer dormancy, although the water content of the two seed series were similar. Dehydrin proteins generally play a role in protecting plant cells against dehydration stress. Dehydrin contents of the cotyledons and embryonic axes of the two seed series were compared by western blot method using an antibody against the conserved K segment in dehydrin proteins. It was found that the cotyledons had five dehydrin versions with molecular weights of 23, 25, 32, 39 and 48 kDa, the expression of which not being influenced by environmental factors. It was found that the embryonic axes had seven other versions of dehydrin with weights of 17, 19, 20, 28, 67, 77 and 98 kDa in addition to those five versions. This shows higher protection of embryonic axes compared with the cotyledons. The 25 and 28 kDa versions had higher expression levels in embryonic axes of Shahrbabak seeds, while the 39 kDa version had a higher expression level in embryonic axes of Rafsanjan seeds.

The flowering process in plants proceeds through the induction of an inflorescence meristem triggered by several pathways. Many of the genes associated with these pathways encode transcription factors of the MADS domain family. The MADS-domain transcription factor APETALA1 (AP1) is a key regulator of flower development. The first step to understand the molecular mechanisms under the function of each gene in a plant is identification, sequencing and phylogeny analysis of that gene. For this purpose, total RNA was isolated from flower bud of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and was used for cDNA synthesis. The specific primers were designed based on nucleotide sequence alignment of AP1 homologus genes from plants of the same family Brassicaceae and were used in RT-PCR. After observing its electrophoretic pattern and ensuring the quality of PCR product, the amplicon was sent for sequencing. After receiving the results of sequencing, the sequence examined with BLAST, MUSCLE, Gene Runner and MEGA6 softwares. The results indicated amplification of 787 nucleotides fragment that named LsAP1 and was recorded by accession number KP070728 in NCBI database. The studies show high similarity and overlapping of gene bank sequences with LsAP1 illative protein. According to these results, LsAP1 may play a similar role as AP1 in flower induction and could act as a flower meristem identity gene in Lepidium sativum L.

Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. is deciduous or nearly evergreen tree that is highly valuable due to showy and beautiful flowers, resistance against extreme temperature and drought, medicinal properties, wood production and ... Morphology, ecology and propagation of this species in Golparaky plain of Jiroft was studied. The highest of its distribution in middle east is seen in this plain that has been introduced as genetic reservoir. The species grows on sand dunes and sand loams or stony places of river bed. pH of area soil is equal 7.5 and its EC is 1/3 desi zimen m -2. The amount of micro- and macro-elements and organic carbon of soil was lower than standard. Root branches are long and various which produce new plantlets using vegetative propagation even in distances of 30 m farther. The inflorescence is raceme-cyme, flowers are odorless, protoandrous and contain heteromorph stamens and adnate perianth. In the middle of flower is seen a well-developed nectary disc producing about 1 ml nectar of odorless or purple color. Flowers are cross pollinated but no pollinator was observed in pollination season. The species is fruitless and seedless although flowers seemed normal. Root branches endanger due to floods and soils of sandy and loamy. The seed absence, less vegetative propagation and losing of vegetatively propagated seedlings due to grazing by cattle and sheep and increasing dry and high increase its treat risk. Thus, its protection should be taken seriously. Also, it is recommended to consider to its vegetative reproduction.

Mazafati cultivar of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important cultivars cultivated in Kerman province particularly in Bam. Studies of floral ontogenesis are key elements for understanding sex determination and its control, evolutionary relationships within the palm family and with respect to other monocot groups, as well as in angiosperms as a whole. Development of generative structures was studied using cyto-histological methods. Flowering behavior within single shoots is Pleonanthy in which flowering branches appear in leaves axils and continue to be produced as the palm continues its extension. Initial developmental stages occur while spathes are hided in leaf axil. Female spathes are smaller and have brighter flowers compared to male ones. Flowers contain three sepals and three petals that are distinguishable in shape. In staminate flowers, a rudimentary gynoecium and in pistillate flowers, a sterile androecium was observed suggesting a possible evolutionary movement from an ancestral hermaphrodite flower to the situation of unisexuality and dioecy. Secretary tapetum is degenerated during pollen differentiation. Middle layer degeneration occurs after pollen formation and during its development, thus, somewhat later compared to polygonum type. Phenolic idioplasts are observed in anther parachyma especially in connective location. Their size and number increase during maturation, extended to dehiscence place. Pollen grains are prolate, spindle shape and monocolpate. The gynocium is tricarpellate and apocarpous that only one carpel develops and the rudiments of other two may be observed with fruit. Anatropous ovule contains two integuments, sclereids and idioplasts containing calcium oxalates crystals (raphids) and phenolic compounds.