fatemeh bidarnamani

Snapdragon flower is one of the beautiful ornamental plants that are also cultivated for medicinal purposes. The use of chemical fertilizers and their negative effects on human health have led to the advancement of the use of biological and organic fertilizers in agricultural products. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the application of fertilizers and mycorrhizal traits of two varieties of snapdragon flower in 2021–2022 in the greenhouse of Agriculture Research at the Research Institute of Zabol. The experiment was conducted in a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The investigated factors included the varieties (yellow and red flowers) and fertilizer treatment (Glomus intraradices, Glomus mossaea, supermycoplus and control). The results of this study showed the effect of variety was significant on all phonological traits, except in the time of four-leaf formation. Fertilizer treatment also had a significant effect on all phenology traits, while the interaction of variety and fertilizer treatment was significant only on two phenology traits: time of first leaf formation and four-leaf formation time. The red variety led to the occurrence of phonological traits earlier than the yellow one, in most of the phonological traits. The results showed that the yellow variety was superior to the red variety in all the physiological traits except for the phenol of the leaf and the flavonoid of the flower. Supermycoplus was better than the control and the mycorrhizal fungi, in the traits of: The phenolic, flavonoid and DPPH of the leaves and the flavonoid of the root, among the fertilizer treatments. In general, the use of biofertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi is recommended due to their positive effects on the physiological traits of snapdragon flowers.

Scophularia striata Boiss plant from Scrophulariaceae family. In western states of Iran, a plant of Snapdragon has traditional medical usage. It utilize as a disinfectant and for treatment of stomach ulcer, infection of eyes and ears in the western regions of the country. Different parts of the Scophularia striata have different medicinal properties. So that the leaf extract of the plant has an inhibitory effect on the growth of fibroblasts and its seed extract stimulates the growth of the cell.

Spatial distribution and species diversity of Scophularia striata was evaluated in Siahkouh region of Dehloran in 2020 with the aim of determining the appropriate distribution pattern of sampling and selection of the environmental factors affecting the species diversity of medicinal plants. Random sampling carried out according to w pattern in three altitudes (205-605, 605-1005 and 1005-1405 m) and two directs: West and East. Spatial distribution was evaluated by distribution indices, Taylor and Iwao models and diversity indicators.

Different parts of Siahkuh Dehloran region have different distribution and diversity and with increasing the distribution height, the Scophularia striata becomes random and the diversity of species was uniform. All comparative methods showed that the distribution in the elevation class 1405-1005 was not significant. Shannon-Wiener and Simpson species diversity index also showed significant differences in three altitudes and two East and West directions of Siahkuh region. The results showed the highest value of Taylor and Iwao coefficient in west direction of altitude 605-1005 were 1.05 and 1.06 for Taylor and 1.18 and 1.17 for Iwao respectively, which Iwao model fitted better than Taylor model according to R2 and P obtained from 605-1005 altitude. Other indices values indicated the most amount of coefficient was in 205-605 m altitude and west direction. There are significant differences between the values of diversity indices in 3 altitudes and 2 directions of West and East (P≤0.05), too. The most and lowest amounts of Shannon-Weiner index were 0.76 and 1.23 for 205-605 and 1005-1405 m altitudes, respectively. Also, among the various indices, Morisita was better than others to show the distribution pattern of the Scophularia striata.

The results showed that spatial distribution of the medicinal plant S. striata was cumulative in different indices and distribution pattern was randomly, species diversity decreased and uniformity amount enhanced by addition of altitudes. By comparing the diversity of species and distribution of Scophularia striata in other regions of the country and comparing with the results of this research, the best conditions can evaluate for physiological growth of the plant in terms of temperature, altitude, amount of sunlight, soil conditions etc. The results of the present study can also be used in studies related to modeling the sampling of medicinal plants and suggesting suitable breeding species to restore the vegetation of degraded species. Evaluation the distribution pattern in different plants can help to preserve rare species of medicinal and ornamental plants. Especially in the case of endangered plants, whether by humans or by livestock or natural disasters, the largest number of plant species can be found with similar research, in an area with a specific distribution pattern to achieve its full purpose with cost reduction used to maintain that species. In addition, determining the distribution pattern with the study of species diversity in different regions can help the researcher to determine what environmental or soil conditions in that region have caused the growth of these particular species, and the relationship between these plants. It is even possible to try in breeding programs for cossing between similar species and genera with close relationship to increase species diversity in that area and reduce the risk of extinction in the coming years.

To study the effective morphological and physiological characteristics and the cognition of main factors affecting pollination yield and seed production of phalaenopsis orchid, five varieties and their crossing were studied in a greenhouse of the Agriculture Institute, Research Institute of Zabol on 2019-2022. Eight morphological and physiological characteristics of pollination were evaluated in this research for three years and their grouping was according to a completely randomized design. The results of cluster analysis with the method of UPGMA based on the maximum distance between the clusters, 25 pollination states were divided into two groups. The results of detection of function analysis significantly correlated with cluster analysis. Also, factors analysis showed that two main factors fitted 77.1% of the data variation considered in the breeding of characteristics with the most variations in each factor. Morphological characteristics such as fresh weight of capsule (FWC), capsule volume (CV), and weight of seed in capsule (WSC) had the most positive variations between factors, and physiological traits such as TCS (Time to Capsule formation Sign) and TPS (Time to first Pollination Sign) showed the most negative one. The most amounts of FWC, CV, and WSC characteristics belonged to Nottingham× Nottingham with 9.66 g, 23.5 cm3, and 3.58 g, respectively and in the cross-pollination of Andorra× Nottingham with 8.67 g, 20.8 cm3, and 3.4 g respectively. The results of the factors analysis showed the importance of morphological pollination characteristics (FWC, CV, and WSC) and physiological traits (TPS and TCS) in the indirect selection of desired genotypes for pollination of orchid varieties.

Thymus daenensis Celak. is an aromatic species with medicinal properties that is native to the northwest, center, and southwest of Iran. In Iranian traditional medicine, the infusion and decoction of the aerial parts of Thymus species are used to produce tonic, carminative, digestive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant substances, as well as to treat colds. This plant's essential oil contains several active compounds, the most important of which are thymol, paracemen, beta-caryophyllen, carvacrol, and gamma-terpinene. Among the numerous techniques used to increase the production of active compounds in essential oil, bioelicitors are the most acceptable. This study examined the impact of biological elicitors, chitosan and salicylic acid, on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Thymus daenensis. This research was designed in factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications during the 2016-2017 crop year at the institute of agricultural research in University of Zabol.  The first experimental factor was chitosan (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM) and the second factor was salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM). Thyme seeds were collected from the natural areas of Hamadan province in autumn 2015 and then was cultivated in December 2016 in 3 Kg pots containing equal parts garden soil, sand, and cow manure. Foliar elicitation was performed in two stages, every seven days, 4 months  after planting (10 cm plant height), at the stage of full bloom. The pigments of photosynthetic organisms were measured using spectrophotometry. The Folin–Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride methods were used to measure the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, respectively. Using the Diphenyl Picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, antioxidant activity of extracts was determined. The essential oil was extracted using a clevenger-type apparatus and water distillation for 3 hours. The data were analyzed using SAS statistical software (Ver. 9.1), and the mean of the treatments was compared using Duncan's multiple range test. The effects of chitosan, salicylic acid, and their interactions on morphological and phytochemical parameters were significant. Salicylic acid and chitosan treatment produced the highest levels of fresh weight, dry weight, inflorescence length, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The highest total phenol content was found in chitosan and salicylic acid (67.91 mg GA/g DW) (with concentrations of 1 and 1.5 mM, respectively). The greatest amount of total flavonoids (4.79 mg Q/g DW) was obtained when chitosan and salicylic acid were applied together (1.5 and 1 mM, respectively). The combination of chitosan and salicylic acid exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (98.13%) (both of them in 1 mM concentration). In addition, elicitation with salicylic acid (1.5 mM) produced the highest amount of essential oil (1.33 % V/W), a 47% increase compared to the control. The use of these elicitors can improve the yield and quality of Thymus daenensis. According to the findings, foliar application of salicylic acid and chitosan at a concentration 1.5 mM higher than other treatments had a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of this plant by stimulating the plant's physiological cycle and photosynthetic pigment synthesis. By increasing vegetative growth, it increased photosynthetic efficiency and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Given the positive role of biostimulants of salicylic acid and chitosan in achieving a higher quantitative and qualitative yield in thyme, it is recommended that these compounds be used as the best option for achieving sustainable agricultural goals and reducing environmental risks.

Tulipa is one of the most important bulbous plants in the world which is highly distributed in many parts of our country. This research was conducted to explain the correlation of canonical functions between morphological and phytochemical traits of two species of wild tulips: Tulipa montana var. montana (with red flower) and T. montana var. chrysantha (with yellow flower) collected from the altitudes of Qeydar city of Zanjan province. Measured phytochemical traits were phenol, flavonoids and antioxidants of flowers and bulbs and chlorophyll a in both varieties of tulip, morphological traits such as petal length, bulb diameter, fresh weight of plants, plant height and the height of rhizome. Data analysis was performed to determine the correlation relationship and Wilks' Lambda, Pillai's Trace, Hotelling-Lawley Trace and Roy's Greatest Root tests were used to define the relationships between variables. The results of this study showed that three functions were only fitted between four canonical functions and the highest special value was 224 and it belonged to Roy's Greatest Root. Three first canonical variables of morphological traits fit 91% of the canonical correlation between variables which this rate of correlation is higher than phytochemical traits. The highest percentage of fitness (0.76%) in morphological traits was belonged to the first canonical function; which shows the first canonical function fit the canonical correlation relationships in morphological traits better than others. Also, comparison of two types of traits in red and yellow tulips showed that morphological traits can establish a significant relationship with the canonical correlation better than phytochemical traits. Analysis of canonical correlation equations displayed that the amount of phenol in bulb and petal flavonoid decreased with a coefficient by reduction in petal length. Also, the amount of phenol in petal, flavonoid in bulb and antioxidant in petal enhanced by reduction of petal length. Phenol in tulip bulbs and antioxidant amount of petal showed a direct correlation with tulip bulb diameter. Also, reduction in tulip height reduced the amount of petal and bulb’s phenol, bulb flavonoid and petal’s antioxidants, while the content of petal flavonoids increased significantly. Based on the result of this study, researcher will select the best plant according to their ultimate goal of producing or collecting wild tulips, considering the relationship between morphological and phytochemical traits.

One of the current problems of treating bacterial infections is increasing their resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause significant mortality compared to non-resistant bacteria. Therefore, the use of olive, luffa, and sage medicinal plants, due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties against 10 human pathogens, was the target of this research. For this purpose, a completely random experiment was conducted in three replications. Traits such as phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant and the diameter of the growth zone were measured. Data analysis was done using Statistix10 software and charts using Excel software. The highest amount of flavonoids (398.02 micrograms per gram of dry matter) was found in olive fruit and the lowest amount (255.78 micrograms per gram of dry matter) was obtained in sage leaves. Methanolic extract of olive leaf with an average diameter of 8 mm of non-growth zone had the greatest effect on inhibiting the growth of Hafnia alvei.  Methanolic extract of sage leaves with an average diameter of 14 mm of non-growth zonehad the greatest effect on inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Methanolic extract of luffa seed with an average diameter of 12 mm of non-growth zone had the greatest effect on inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methanolic extract of olive fruit with an average diameter of 18 mm of non-growth zone had the greatest effect on inhibiting the growth of Bacillus cereus. The results of the present research showed that Luffa, olive and sage plants and even their different tissues were effective in treating some pathogenic bacteria such as Hafnia alevi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the growth of Bacillus cereus. Also, it is recommended to conduct more research on various compounds of these plant extracts by extracting the effective ingredients of this plant extract and other plants.

Purpose:

 Coir dust was utilized to manufacture soilless mixture for ornamental plant reproduction. Coconut coir provides more air and moisture to the root zone. Growing medium with coir does not shrink from container walls upon drying.

Method:

 This study was performed in a greenhouse, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Zabol during 2019-2020; the experiment carried out on a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 8 months of measuring and 3 replications. Treatments had contained equal volume ratio of coco peat+ rice hull; coco peat + spent mushroom compost, cocopeat + leaf mold, coco peat + perlite. Measurable factors like plant height, stem diameter, number of new leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves and the amount of chlorophyll were assessed for comparison of pothos growth, and finally plants had compared as stated by their general form and morphology too. Characteristics were analyzed with SPSS software and mean comparisons were represented by Duncan test in P≤ 0.05.

Results:

 The findings showed that the variables such as substrate, months of measuring and their interplays had significant effects on all factors (except stem diameter). Mainly, media containing leaf-mold characteristics such as plant height, leaf number and leaf area were better than the others. The results of cocopeat + spent mushroom compost were nearly similar to cocopeat + leaf-mold, but two other media didn’t show good growth after 8 months. On the other hand, growth rate of the plants improved by warming the air from autumn to summer and the most growth rate were related to July.

To evaluate the effects of different concentrations of salicylic acid and nano iron chelate on the mucilage and carbohydrate values as well as some morpho-physiological traits of Viola aodorata L. species, a factorial experiment was defined based on randomized complete block design with three replications. After planting the seeds in pots, experimental treatments included foliar application of salicylic acid at three levels (0, 0.75 and 1.5 mg / L) as well as nano iron chelate at two levels (0 and 1 g / L) was applied at seedling stage. According to the results, the highest amounts of carotenoid, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b as well as the total chlorophyll, protein and catalase were observed in specimen treated with 1.5 mg / L salicylic acid. Moreover, the highest amounts of sodium, copper, mucilage and fresh plant weight were detected in specimen treated with 1g / L iron nano chelate. The results also demonstrated that the highest amount of carbohydrate was found  in specimen treated with 1.5 mg / L salicylic acid and 1 g / L nano-iron chelate. In this investigation, the foliar application of salicylic acid (1.5 mg / L) and iron nano chelate (1 g / L) led to a 12 and 19 percent increase in the plant height compared to the untreated sample, respectively. Therefore, treatment with salicylic acid and nano-iron chelate could be recommended to increase the growth and medicinal properties of this plant species.

According to statistics, Sistan region is one of the arid and low water areas. And the issue of water shortage and drought is one of the crises that threaten the Sisan region in the near future. Water and poverty are closely linked, so a strong assessment of water stress is essential to identify areas in need and develop appropriate interventions to reduce poverty. The Water Poverty Index (WPI) is a tool for assessing water stress by linking physical estimates of available water levels with socioeconomic incentives for poverty. It is also a comprehensive tool for managing and evaluating water resources. This study presents the application of water poverty index (WPI) to estimate and compare water stress levels in 5 cities of Sistan region in 2021-2022. The results of the study show that the average poverty index in the cities of Sistan region in the same weight condition is 0.48 and, in the weight, according to AHP method is 0.43. The water poverty index varies from 0.60 to 0.23 among the cities of Sistan. hirmand city has more water stress compared to other cities. In order to deal with water poverty in Sistan region, management and optimal use of water resources, especially in drought conditions, is very important.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Rod-shaped Gram-negative and strict aerobic bacterium that can causes infection in the urinary system, respiratory system, middle membrane of the skin, soft tissues, bacteremia, etc. Ceftolozan-tazobactam (C/T) is an effective antibiotic in controlling of this bacterium. But recently, reports of the emergence of resistant strains have created a serious challenge in the fight against infections caused by P. aeruginosa. ampC is one of the main genes for β-lactamase synthesis. Studies have shown that Ceftolozane-tazobactam has better outer membrane permeability and improved stability against chromosomal ampC β-lactamase than do other β-lactam antibiotics. Considering the importance of ampC in the process of P. aeruginosa resistance to the Ceftolozane-tazobactam antibiotic, the co-expression network of ampC was reconstructed and the resistance emerging process was analyzed. 31 genes in the beta-lactamase process in P. aeruginosa showed correlation with ampC. Network topology analyzes showed that five genes ampC, ampD, poxB, ampR and nagZ have the highest importance in the network. ampC gene had the highest number of direct connections with other genes in the network with 16 connections. Eight pathways had the highest number of representatives among genes. Based on the statistical analysis of the significant pathways among the studied genes, it seems there is a direct relationship between pyruvate metabolism and resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Results showed ampC is the main gene for resistance to Ceftolozane-tazobactam. Although studies have shown that poxA and poxB genes do not have a significant effect on P. aeruginosa resistance to the antibiotics, the importance of these two genes in the reconstructed network emphasizes that more studies should be conducted on them.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) that belongs to the Meliaceae family has many medicinal properties such as treatment of skin diseases, hypoglycemia, hypertension, cancer, and AIDS. In this study, to investigate the effect of different solvents on the quantity and quality of phytochemical properties of neem collected from Bahoklat area in Chabahar city, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in 2021. Ethanol, methanolic,
n-hexane and acetone extracts of neem leaves and fruits were prepared by cold maceration method. Total phenol content, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were measured by folin-cicalto reagent, aluminum chloride colorimetric and diphenylpicrylhydrazyl free radical scaving (DPPH) methods, respectively. The results showed that the effect of organ type, solvent type and their interaction on all measured traits was significant. Based on the results, the highest amount of total phenol (48.22 mg Gallic acid / g dry weight) was reported in acetone leaf extract, and the lowest amount (2.76 mg Gallic acid / g dry weight) was reported in hexane extract of fruit. In addition, the highest amount of total flavonoids was observed in acetoin fruit and leaf extracts (4.71 and 4.61 mg Quercetin / g dry weight, respectively) and the lowest amount (3.22 mg quercetin / g dry weight) was obtained in the hexane extract of fruit. The highest and the lowest antioxidant activity was detected in ethanolic leaf extract (94.77%) and acetone extract of fruit (12.02%), respectively. Therefore, neem leaf is suggested as a useful source of phenolic compounds and natural antioxidants.

The global burden of cancer is increasing due to aging, population growth, poor nutrition, inadequate exercise, as well as high-risk behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. According to the World Health Organization, in 2008, the ASR (Age Standardized Rate) of cancers of both sexes (according to the global reference population) in Iran is 107.7 per 100,000 population, and its five most common cancers are stomach, breast, colorectum, Bladder, and leukemia. According to global ASR statistics, the most common cancers in both sexes are 181.6 and five cancers are lung, breast, colorectal, stomach, and prostate. With the increase in life expectancy and the increase in the aging index in the population of Iran, it is expected that the incidence of various cancers will increase in the coming years and a lot of humans and financial capitals will be wasted. On the other hand, with the advancement of technology in bioinformatics and molecular techniques, a lot of information has been obtained that will help in the early detection of cancer. Meanwhile, despite much research on cancer and its treatment, this disease is still one of the biggest health problems in human societies.

This research has been prepared in the form of a library, also articles reported in authoritative sources such as Springer, Elsevier, PubMed, Nature, etc. in 2021.

Alfalfa extract and Aloe vera L. have been used to treat breast cancer and prevent dermatitis. Nigella sativa and boron have been used in the treatment of prostate, breast, cervical and lung cancers. Wild pistachio has been shown to affect colon cancer cell line. Artichokes improve the liver, bile, lower cholesterol and blood lipids. The leaves of the Hedera plant (Hedera pasuchovii G.Woronow) have been shown to affect breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and uterus (Hela) as well as blood lymphocytes. Bakhtiari savory has been effective on Hela cancer cell line.

Considering that chemical drugs used in the treatment of cancer, in addition to creating drug resistance the study of medicinal plants and factors of natural origins, such as compounds derived from medicinal plants used in the treatment of cancer is one of the most important objectives of the present study.

The Phalaenopsis orchid is the most popular genus of Orchidaceae family with high marketability due to its butterfly shape and attractive flowers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cultivar, explant type, plant growth regulators and culture medium on in vitro propagation of Phalaenopsis orchid. Experiment was conducted using 4 combined treatments of benzyladenine (BA) and indolebutyric acid (IBA) (BA 2 and 4 mg L-1 with IBA 0.5 and 1 mg L-1), 2 culture media (MS and Chen), 2 types of explants (leaf and stem), and 5 commercial cultivars of Phalaenopsis orchids. The findings revealed that the studied factors had significant effects on leaf and root primordia initiation, number of protocorms, and number of leaves and roots. Among the investigated cultivars, 2 cultivars: Nottingham and Dubrovnik showed earlier leaf and root primordia initiation. Two treatments including BA+IBA (2+0.5 mg L-1 and 2+1 mg L-1), and Chen culture medium showed faster primordia initiation significantly different from the other treatments. Leaf explants produced more protocorm than stem explants. The highest number of protocorms was belonged to Nottingham cultivar, and the treatment of BA+IBA (2 to 1 mg L-1) on Chen culture medium. The number of leaves and roots of in vitro plantlets were significantly affected by various factors so that, Dubrovnik had more leaves and the Nottingham had more roots than the other cultivars. The highest number of leaves was observed in BA+IBA (2+0.5 mg L-1) treatment, while the highest number of roots was belonged to BA+IBA (2+1 mg L-1) treatment. Comparing the media, Chen medium showed more positive effects on leaf and root number than MS medium. The results of this study indicated that the success of regeneration of Phalaenopsis cultivars in vitro is influenced by the characteristics of the cultivar, medium, and plant growth regulator treatments. Nottingham cultivar and leaf explant showed better regeneration rates in vitro. Increasing the concentration of BA from 2 to 4 mg L-1, increased the time required for leaf and root primordia initiation and prolonged the in vitro cultivation period.

Because many plant extracts have a significant inhibitory effect on pathogenic microorganisms, so we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts on Bacillus cereus isolated from soil.

The chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), hyacinth (Hypericum perforatum L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), yew (Taxus baccata), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) plants were collected and identified in the botanical laboratory of the University of Zabol. To prepare the ethanolic extract, 40 g of dried leaves of plants were used in 400 cc of ethanol. Different strains of B. cereus used in this study were isolated from soil and identified by biochemical, bacteriological, and growth tests as well as standard tests. Antimicrobial effects were investigated by diffusion method in Müller Hinton agar medium using 6 mm paper discs according to Bauer and Kirby instructions as well as microdilution. Statistix ver10 software was used for statistical calculations. Mean comparisons were performed using the LSD at the 1% level, and Excel was also used to draw the figures.

The diameter of the growth inhibition zone of plant extracts against B. cereus at a dilution of 100 ppm was investigated, and it was found that different extracts had different effects on inhibiting the growth of B. cereus (P < 0.01). LSD test showed that thyme (T. vulgaris L.) had the highest (15 mm) effect on growth inhibition of strains 2 and 3 of B. cereus and the lowest (1 mm) effect on growth inhibition of strain 1 of B. cereus. The lowest MIC and MBC of thyme (T. vulgaris L.) against B. cereus samples were 3.1 and 6.2 ppm, respectively.

Considering the side effects of chemical drugs and antibiotics, as well as the potential effect of medicinal plant extracts, especially T. vulgaris L. on B. cereus, it is recommended that T. vulgaris L. may inhibit the growth of B. cereus.

Phalaenopsis is an important genus of orchids that is grown for economical production of cut flower and potted plants. The objective of this study is the evaluation of correlation between morphological and physiological traits of self and cross-pollination of 5 varieties of Phalaenopsis orchid. Some morphological traits were measured: Capsule length (CL), capsule volume (CV), weight of seeds in capsule (WSC), full weight of capsule (FWC) and empty weight of capsule (EWC) and physiological traits: Time to first pollination symptom (TPS), time to capsule swelling (TCS) and capsule ripening (CR). The results showed that correlation (canonical r) was 0.91 in first pair canonical variables; second and third pair canonical variables had correlation 0.68 and 0.30, respectively. The first canonical variable in physiological traits revealed 66.1% variation of physiological variables. Special values were 0.820, 1.388 and 4.850 for Wilks' Lambda, Pillai's Trace and Roy's Greatest Root, respectively. Canonical correlation was significant for physiological and morphological characteristics in all statistical tests. The first canonical variables in physiological characteristics had positive correlation with TCS and TPS, so it was resulted that if TCS was fewer, TPS and CR characteristics were fewer.  In pollinated varieties, the lowest TCS belonged to Nottingham× Nottingham and Bucharest × Nottingham; and the most CR belonged to Dubrovnik× Dubrovnik and Memphis× Dubrovnik of pollination states; Therefore, it can be concluded that white and yellow female parent require fewer and more days for capsule swelling respectively.

Nowadays, in vitro techniques are proposed for commercial and rapid propagation of Phalaenopsis species. The present study aims were investigating the quality of seed germination of 5 cultivars of Phalaenopsis orchid, and correlation of their traits in the culture medium. The study was conducted using the green and ripe seeds in terms of 5 cultivars of orchid as Dubrovnik, Memphis, Andorra, Bucharest and Nottingham in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The capsules were formed using self-pollination of flowers in each cultivar. The green seeds were harvested at the stage of completely formed capsules and the ripe ones were harvested at the stage of initial browning of the capsule shell. The seeds were cultured on Chenchr('39')s culture medium. The number of germinated and non-germinated seeds were counted 18-33 days after their culture. The following factors were measured for each treatment: germination percentage, germination rate, germination index, mean daily germination, mean germination time and coefficient of germination rate. Correlation coefficient of %98 between the measured characteristics indicated a significant correlation between germination rate and germination index. The results of cluster analysis that was conducted based on all the measured germination characteristics showed the maximum mean distance between clusters; ultimately, that separated into two groups at Euclidean distance of 1.25 which Dubrovnik and Memphis cultivars were classified in the first group and Andorra, Bucharest and Notingham cultivars were classified in the second group. The key characteristics in separating cluster among the groups were considered to be germination percentage, germination rate, germination index and mean germination time. Discrimination function analysis test confirmed the grouping among the cultivars in a 100% manner. Both Hoteling-Lawley Trace as well as Roychr('39')s Greatest Root tests showed the highest value of 5.23 to confirm the grouping. It is concluded that using cluster analysis and correlation coefficient Notingham had the highest value in germination factors based on the germination percentage, germination rate and germination index which were regarded as key traits for the breeding programs.

Five varieties of Phalaenopsis (Nottingham, Dubrovnik, Andorra, Memphis, Bucharest) were self-pollinated and crossed with each either as the male or the female parents. The five self-pollination and 20 cross-pollination states were evaluated for six phenological and morphological characteristics. Pollination was performed using an orchid pollination syringe in a greenhouse with a temperature of 20-27 ◦C, the humidity of 80% and light of 2500 lx during the 2018-2019 growing season. Nottingham under self-pollination conditions was better than other varieties and was superior to all crosses for all traits under investigation. The differences among males, females and their crosses were significant for all traits, except the time to the first pollination signs in which the effect of the female factor was not significant. In general, Nottingham was the superior variety in almost all traits and Dubrovnik was the worst variety in most traits either as male or female parents. Cross-pollination also had different outcomes in different traits. For example, for the time until swelling of the capsule, crosses Memphis × Nottingham and Nottingham × Memphis caused the capsule to fill later than the Nottingham parent. The cross Dubrovnik × Nottingham caused the capsule to fill earlier than the Dubrovnik parent. In the Dubrovnik × Nottingham cross, the weight of seeds per capsule, as an important trait, was higher than the Dubrovnik parent under self-fertilization conditions. Also, the cross-pollination was not suitable for increasing the weight of seeds per capsule in the Nottingham × Andorra cross. As an example for the capsule length, the Nottingham × Bucharest cross had smaller capsules than the self-pollination conditions of Nottingham and Bucharest. Therefore, depending on the importance of the traits under consideration in commercial production, cross-pollination can be used as a method, in addition to producing flowers with colors and shapes different from the parents, for improving the desired traits relative to one parent or both parents in self-pollination conditions.

Application of suitable substrates is important for growing ornamental plants. Mushroom compost is considered as a waste in mushroom production. An experiment was done in a completely randomized design including the following treatments: substrates containing 50% cocopeat + 50% mushroom compost, 50% composted forest trees+ 50% mushroom compost, 50% perlite+ 50% mushroom compost, 50% leaf compost+ 50% mushroom compost and control substrate (70% agricultural soil+ 20% leaf compost+10% rice husk). The comparisons were carried out in 4 months; April, May, June and July and the the effect of different substrates were evaluated on the growing characteristics of Ficus benjamina</em> cv. Starlight.  The result showed the effect of substrate was significant on factors such as new leaf number, length and width of leaves while it wasn't significant on factors such as height, stem diameter and chlorophyll content. Also the effect of treatment time was significant on new leaf number, height, length and width of leaves, and stem diameter. The interactive effect of potting substrates and treatment time were significant on stem diameter, new leaf number, length and width of total leaves too. However, they weren't significant on plant height. Evaluation of results showed the best substrates for mixing with mushroom compost, were cocopeat, perlite and composted forest trees. Also growing indices were higher in plants that were treated in June and July compared tothe plant treated in other months. In conclusion, potting substrates such as perlite, cocopeat and composted forest trees in combination with mushroom compost are suggested to be used in the greenhouses.

This research aimed to investigate plant species diversity and spatial distribution of five dominant species i.e. Phragmites australis, Tamarix meyeri, Aeluropus littoralis, Aeluropus lagopoides and Cynodon dactylon in Hamoon international wetlands in 2015. To this end, a randomize-systematic sampling method was used according to w pattern by four strip transect at 5000 m2 at each station. The study of plant species diversity was carried by Shannon-weaver and Simpson's methods. According to the result of species diversity methods, the most amont of species diversity was observed in third station. The highest value of shannon-weaver and simpson indexes were 1.43 and 0.89 in third station, and the lowest value were 0.67 and 0.38 in first station respectively. In addition, the  spatial distribution of five dominant species was  carried by using of methods i.e. Morisita, k, Variance to mean ratio, Taylor and Iwao The most amount of P and R2 in taylor method in Phragmites australis was 0.007 and 0.921, so that these values was 0.13 and 0.301 in iwao methods respectively. The result of this research showed that distribution pattern of Phragmites australis,  Aeluropus lagopoides and Cynodon dactylon were cluster.Distribution pattern were random between Tamarix meyeri and  Aeluropus littoralis too. The result of this research showed that there is significant differences between the amounts of shannon-weaver and simpson,s methods., Also the result of distribution methods showed that the efficiency of taylor method was more suitable than iwao method due to higher accuracy for estimating of plants distribution.

Crown imperial scattered according to soil structure and organic matter in Zagros regions in Ilam. This plant has been performed an important role in the beautification of environment, tourist attraction and providing of plant essential oils which are used for the production of medicines. The current research was carried out to evaluation spatial distribution pattern of Fritillaria imperialis in Ilam (Manesht and Ghalarang regions) and comparing distance and quadrate method in 2014. Sampling program was random-systematic just four transects with 100 meters length within the extent of 4300 hectare. Distances method are including t2, Hopkins, Holgate, Johnson and Zimmer and Pielou; and quadrates method are including Taylor, Iwao, Morisita, K and CV, were used to determination spatial distribution pattern of crown imperial. Results showed that quadrate method (Morisita and CV) and distance method (Holgate and Peilou) evaluated spatial distribution pattern of crown imperial are random pattern. But the results quadrate method (Taylor, Iwao and K) and distance method (Hopkins, t2 and Johnson and Zimmer) evaluated a clumped pattern for this species in the study area. The results of analysis had been showed that the distance method more accuracy than quadrate method. Also, t2 and Hopkins indexes were the best distance method to identify pattern. Iwao and K indexes was the best one between quadrate method. Overall research results had been showed that indexes (Iwao, K, t2 and Hopkins) highest accuracy and indexes (CV, Morisita, Holgate and Pielou) had the least accuracy.

  The use of medicinal plants for remediation of heavy metals contaminated soils is an economical, cheap and effective strategy. The widespread transfer of natural materials and pollutants to different parts of the environment (soil, water and atmosphere) has imposed great pressure on the self-purification ability of the soil. Accumulation of pollutants is a concern regarding both humans and ecosystems. Among pollutants, heavy metals are particularly important because they are not decomposable and also have harmful physiological effects on organisms even at low concentrations. Soil pollution with heavy metals in human societies is one of the major environmental problems and the transfer of these elements via crop production to men affecting human population health. One of the modern and low cost methods for remediation of contaminated soils, is the use of plants. Phytoremediation is an emerging technology which utilizes plants and microorganisms in the rhizosphere to delete, modify or limit the toxic chemicals in soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water and even used the atmosphere. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytoremediation ability Thymus daenensis Celak. symbiotic with mycorrhizal fungi in polluted soils of Lead and Cadmium was by herb with. This study was conducted as a factorial exam in the greenhouse conditions. The first factor was four levels of heavy metals: lead (100 mg kg), cadmium (15 mg. Kg soil), concurrent use of lead and cadmium + control (zero) and the second factor was fungal treatments (at five levels: G. intraradices, G. Mosseae, G. fasciculatum, the simultaneous use of all three species and control-non inoculated -) in a randomized complete block design in three replications. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect of mycorrhizal fungi on Pb and Cd concentration in shoots and roots of thyme. The highest cadmium concentration in polluted soil was observed in Shoot(62/1 mg.Kg DW) inoculated with G.mosseae and root (56/1 mg kg dry weight) ) inoculated with G. fassiculatum respectively. The results showed a high ability of Thymus daenensis Celak. to absorb heavy metals from contaminated soils. Other findings of this study was more accumulation of lead in root than shoot. Based on the results, this plant is able to absorb significant amounts of lead and cadmium of bed and accumulate in roots or transfer to shoots. Mycorrhizal fungi especially G.mosseae and G. fassiculatum can improve the Cd and Pb phytoremediation of contaminated soils. Keywords: Mycorrhizal fungi, Cadmium, Lead, medicinal plants , Phytoremediation

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a plant of the Lamiaceae family which is propagated by semi-hard wood cuttings in the summer. Current study was carried out to investigate the effect of stem diameter in various rooting media. Treatments included three rooting media: perlite, perlite+ cocopeat and sand; and three stem diameters: 1-2 mm (herbaceous cuttings), 3-4 mm (semi-hardwood cuttings) and 5-7 mm (hardwood cuttings). Rooting percent, number of roots and roots length were measured. The result showed that the effect of rooting media, stem diameter and their interaction were significant (P≤ 0.01). The highest percentage of rooting, maximum number of roots and root length were observed in the treatment with 1-2 mm stem diameter; hence rooting in herbaceous cutting were significantly more effective than the semi-hardwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings. In comparing the rooting media, the highest percent of rooting (48%) was observed on perlite-cocopeat substrate, which was not significantly different to perlite substrate. However, the maximum number and highest root length was attained in the perlite substrate. Therefore, it is recommended to the greenhouse owners, in order to propagate high quality rosemary, use herbaceous cuttings on perlite substrate

To compare the effect of the substrate on the cultivation of ornamental plants, Ficus benjamina cv. star light was chosen as a model plant. Nine treatments from 8 types of substrates with 6 replications were investigated in this study. Data analysis with SPSS software in (P≤0.05) showed the effect of different month were significant on stem diameter, height, leaf number and total length of new leaves. Also application of different substrates showed the effect of substrate wasn’t significant on stem diameter and plant height, while it was significant on number of new leaf, number of new lateral shoot and total length of new leaf. The interaction between the substrates and measuring time was significant on plant height, number of new leaf and total length of new leaf, but it wasn’t significant on increasing rate of stem diameter. According to the result of this study, substrate n containing [1/3 (3 perlite sand) 1/3 (1 leaf-mold 1 rice hull 1 cocopeat) 1/3 (2 mushroom compost 1 forest trees compost 1 rotted manure)] was the best substrate as for the most number of new leaf, number of new lateral shoots and total length of new leaf, also it was in suitable situation in height characteristic. Also in different measured month, the value of plant growth was increased with enhancement in air temperature in spring and summer seasons; insofar as the most increasing in plant height and number of new leaf were observed on July. So it is better that the plants growing should be delayed to warm seasons.

Schefflera arboricola is an evergreen shrub in the family of Araliaceae. The effect of mycorrhizal fungi symbiosis and rooting media on Schefflera cuttings were investigated. Two mycorrhizal fungi species and three types of rooting media were compared. Basic plots were the media: perlite, 50% perlite +50% cocopeat and sand, alternative plots were species of mycorrhizal fungi: 1) Glomus intraradices, 2) G. mossaea, 3) mixture of the two fungi and 4) control treatment (without fungi). The results showed that the effect of different media on all of dependent variables including number of rooted cuttings, number of roots in each cuttings (NREC), root length (RL), fresh and dry weight (FW and DW) of roots were significant. The interactive effect of fungi species and culture media was also significant on the NRC and NREC. The best and worst rooting media were perlite and sand, respectively. The treatment containing G. mosseae promoted rooting at higher rates compared to the control treatment. In conclusion, medium consisting of perlite and G. mosseae fungi had promising effects on rooting of Schefflera arboricola. So greenhouse owners can use the results of this experiment for propagation of Schefflera.