gh. mohammadi

Fallowing, which is one of the common practices in Iran's cropping systems, brings negative consequences such as soil erosion and reduction of its fertility, leaching of nutrients and, as a result, groundwater pollution. In addition, this practice increases weed infestation in an environment free of competition. Planting cover crops is one of the alternative methods to increase the quality and health of the soil and produce a healthy crop with minimal use of chemical inputs. Through competition and production and release of allelopathic substances in the soil environment, these crops are also considered as a suitable tool in suppressing weeds. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of planting several species of cover crops as pure and mixed green manures on some soil characteristics and weed control.

This experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Farm of Agriculture and Natural Resources Campus, Razi University, Kermanshah. Experimental treatments included cover crops of barley, common vetch and Persian clover in pure and mixed form at 10 levels: control (without cover crop), pure clover, pure barley, pure vetch, 50% barley + 50% clover, 50% barley +50 vetch, 50% vetch + 50% clover, 30% barley + 70% clover, 30% vetch + 70% barley, and 40% clover + 40% vetch + 20% barley. In order to cultivate cover crops, the land was first prepared by plowing and disk harrowing. Then, the seeds of cover crops were planted in plots of 7 × 6 m dimensions, using a furrower. The amount of seed used in the pure cultivation treatments of vetch, clover and barley was 60, 20 and 150 kg ha-1, respectively, and in the mixed treatments, different amounts of the seeds of each cover crop were planted based on the above-mentioned ratios. On the 30th of May (one month before planting potato) and at the stage when none of the cover crops had entered seed production stage, they were incorporated into the soil as green manures in two stages (one week apart) and at a depth of 10 to 15 cm.

The results showed that the cultivation of cover crops caused a decrease in pH and an increase in soil organic carbon compared to the control treatment, so that the lowest pH (7.32) and the highest soil organic carbon content (1.76%) were obtained from the pure barley treatment. Also, treatments of 40% clover + 40% vetch + 20% barley and 50% vetch + 50% clover caused a 38% and 36% increase in soil nitrogen, respectively, compared to the control treatment. The use of cover crops increased the content of phosphorus and potassium macronutrients in the soil both before and after potato harvest, compared to the control. The use of cover crops reduced the density of weeds in 20 and 40 days after potato cultivation, and the pure barley treatment reduced the density of weeds by 53 and 54%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest potato tuber yield was achieved under the treatments of 40% clover + 40% vetch + 20% barley and 50% vetch + 50% clover. The mentioned treatments increased the tuber yield by 71.09 and 59.79% compared to the control, respectively. The decrease in soil pH may be due to the accumulation of organic matter from crop residues and the acidification process during the mineralization of these residues, the increase in the amount of electrolytes, as well as the increase of microbial respiration and thereby the release of CO2 (5, 18). The increase in soil nitrogen availability following the application of green manures may have stemmed from the increase in root nodulation, release of a larger amount of nitrogen compounds by root nodules in the early stages of crop growth and their subsequent decomposition in later stages. Also, the increased nitrogen is at least partly due to the increase of organic matter through the return of biomass of cover crops in the cropping system (21). Covering the soil surface by cover crops and hence shading reduces weed seed germination and their subsequent growth due to competition of cover crops. In addition, during the decomposition of cover crop residues, allelopathic compounds are released in the soil environment, which affects the germination of weed seeds and establishment of their seedlings (15). Green manures obtained from cover crops increases moisture storage and improves soil fertility, enhancing the growth and yield of the main crop (16).

The results showed that the cultivation of cover crops instead of fallow increased the amount of organic carbon and macronutrients, despite decreasing the soil pH, leading to improvement in the access of the main crop to the soil nutrients. Weed control was another advantage of planting these crops. In the present study, the planting of leguminous cover crops with non-leguminous plants had the satisfactory results.

Vicia hyrcanica grows in crop fields and field margins, pastures, meadows, orchards, vineyards, uncultivated areas, and other open areas in western parts of Iran. This is an annual, cool-season weed, which can reduce crop yield substantially. The population of this weedy species during last yeard has been increased and it is now considered as an invasive weed in the cuktivated areas of west of Iran. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the diversity, density and dominance of Vicia hyrcanica compared with other weed species infesting wheat and chickpea fields in Kuzaran city in Kermanshah province, Iran. Furthermore, another aim of this experiment was to prepare the map of contaminated areas with V. hyrcanica as well as the endanger fields for being invaded by this weedy species.

 For conducting this study, a list of important areas for growing wheat, chickpea, rainfed and irrigated in Kuzran city was prepared, then the distribution of this weed was evaluated during growing season of 2020. 300 farms of both irrigated and rainfed wheat and chickpea farms of Kuzaran city, Kermanshah province, Iran were selected for sampling. The selected fields were monitored in such a way as to cover all important areas of wheat and chickpea production areas in Kuzran city. The selection of farms at a distance of approximately 3-5 km before the emergence of wheat spike gradually began in late April from different parts of the city and continued until late May. Sampling time in different parts of the province was from the beginning of stem emergence to the end of wheat clustering. In order to identify seedlings, they were labeled in the field and seedling identification keys were used to identify them. Parameters related to relative abundance, species richness, density and relative uniformity as well as diversity and dominance indices were measured to determine the importance of the mentioned weed species at the farm level. Through using GIS technique, the distribution map of yellow flower vetch in these areas was drawn.

 In addition to yellow vetch, another 21 species of geraminae weeds were observed. The highest average species density with 35.2 plants per square meter and the highest relative abundance of 36.3% is related to Vicia hyrcanica and two species Tragopogon major and Melilotus officinalis both with 0.27 and 0.26, respectively, had the lowest mean species density and relative abundance. In adition, the most common broadleaf species included Catchweed bedstraw (Galium tricornutum Dandy), yellow vetch (V. hyrcanica), wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) and Makhobeli (Cephalaria syriaca (L.) Roemer & Schultes). Uniformity index in irrigated and rainfed wheat fields of Kuzran city of Kermanshah province shows that the differences between species were very close in terms of uniformity and ranged from 0.53 (Sinapis arvensis) to 95% (related to Silybum marianum).

 The highest prevalence index was related to species (V. hyrcanica) and all other weed species had a dominance index of less than 100. Based on the results obtained, among the species identified in wheat and chickpea fields of Kuzran city, five species with the highest prevalence of Simpson species were introduced as the species with the highest relative importance. Differences in species diversity and dominance indices were related to the amount and type of management operations on farms. Caspian vetch and Catchweed bedstraw were identified as the main invasive species. The predominance of these weeds, especially the Caspian vetch, as a weed, creates problems for farmers in the production of important crops, such as peas, because these crops are similar to vetch, and they separate it from the seeds of the crop. It is difficult and somewhat impossible by Bojari devices. Therefore, presence of this weed in these fields is critical and their spread should be prevented. In addition to seed contamination, endrils of vetchs allow V. hyrcanica to attach to crop plants, which results in hindering crop harvest and reducing its yield. Finally, totally, these attributes help to increase the infestation area by this weedy species and my explain its invasion status in the region.

In the seismic methods, estimation of the formation pressures is obtained by converting the seismic velocity to the pore pressure, and comparing it with the effective pressure during the well-test program. This work is a new challenge regarding the velocity study domain in an oil field in SW Iran. The reservoir generally consists of carbonate rocks, and contains no shale interbeds. Here, 23 well information, seismic data interpretation, compressional (Vp), and shear velocity (Vs) models are implemented. The models are determined from the combined geo-statistical methods, and the results obtained are compared with the fractal models. The final Vs cube is modeled in order to determine the formation fracture pressure using the exploratory well cores and dipole sonic imager (DSI) Vs logs with a correlation coefficient of 0.95 for the Vs data obtained from the porosity, lithology, and primary DSI data. The vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data introduce a maximum interval velocity of 2760-2900 m/s in the field related to the Gotnia formation. The final amounts ​​of seismic acoustic impedance inversion (AI) at the bottom of the field are mostly in the range of 8000-15000 [(m/s)*(g/cm3)], which can be related to the calcareous formations. Based on the Logratio matrix obtained from the fractal velocity-volume (Vp-V) model, the maximum overall accuracy (OA) in the dominant limestone intervals is 0.74. It indicates a high correlation of the Vp cube model obtained from the combination of sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) and co-kriging models with AI. The uncertainty studies of Vp model in blind wells are about 50%, which is acceptable considering the large well numbers.

Detection of mineralized zones based on ores and gangues is important for mine planning and excavation operation. The major goal of this research work was to determine the zones based on ores and gangues by a combination of fractal and factor analysis in the Chah Gaz iron ore (Central Iran). The Concentration-Volume (C-V) fractal method was carried out for Fe, P and S, which indicated that the main mineralized zones consisted of the Fe, S, and P values ≥ 57%, ≤ 0.4%, and ≤0.3%, respectively. Factor analysis categorized variables in two groups including factor 1 (F1) and factor 2 (F2) for ore and gangue, respectively. The C-V fractal modeling on the derived factors showed four zones for F1 and F2. Based on the correlation among the results of fractal modeling on the elements and factors, the first and second zones of F1 were proper for exploitation. Furthermore, the last and first zones of F1 and F2 could be assumed as the main waste for mining excavation.

Dry matter produced by crops is a function of absorbed radiation and radiation use efficiency. Radiation use efficiency is an effective approach to quantify total dry matter accumulation. It is defined as biomass produced by plant for solar radiation absorbed during growing season. Radiation use efficiency is often calculated from the linear regression slope between total dry matter accumulation and cumulative solar radiation absorbed. It is affected by species, weather conditions, crop management, plant development stages, and the production of photosynthesis compounds. Among the factors of agronomic management, nitrogen fertilizer and crop species are the most important aspects that affect the radiation use efficiency. Therefore, by considering the fact that Kermanshah province has favorable condition in terms of more natural resources such as solar radiation, the aims of the present study were evaluation of nitrogen effect on radiation use efficiency, growth indices and yield of some current maize hybrids.
A split plot experiment was done based on randomized complete block design with 4 replications at 2014. Treatments were 4 levels of nitrogen fertilizer application (40%, 70%, 100% and 140% of the maize demand to nitrogen which based on the amount recommended by soil experiment equivalent to 138, 238, 350 and 483 kg.ha-1 of urea) as main plots and 3 maize hybrids KSC-704, BC-678 and Simon as sub plots. Leaf area index and total dry matter yield measured during growing season. Crop growth rate and relative growth ratio calculated by differentiation from fitted equation on total dry matter yield data. In order to calculate radiation use efficiency, sunny hours for Kermanshah latitude obtained from the nearest weather station. Daily solar radiation simulated by the method cited by Goudriaan and Van Laar (1993) for growing season. The absorbed radiation in each stage obtained through the multiplication simulated daily solar radiation in percent of absorbed radiation. The amount of cumulative absorbed radiation calculated through the multiplication simulated daily radiation in integral of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation fraction. Finally, radiation use efficiency calculated through the slope of linear regression between dry matter accumulation and cumulative absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. Also, grain yield measured for each treatment separately in the physiological maturity time.
The results showed that maximum and minimum of leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate and total dry matter yield were observed in KSC-704 and BC-678 hybrids, respectively. Also in all 3 hybrids, maximum leaf area index, leaf area duration, radiation absorption, crop growth rate, relative growth ratio and total dry matter yield improved by increasing of nitrogen fertilizer application from 138 to 483 kg.ha-1 of urea. The highest total dry matter yield (20450 kg ha-1) was related to 704 hybrid and consumption of 483 kg ha-1 of urea. Simon hybrid had higher grain yield than other hybrids at 483 kgha-1 of urea condition (10467 kg ha-1). Radiation use efficiency was not significantly different among maize hybrids. Regardless maize hybrids, by increasing of nitrogen fertilizer application from 138 to 238, 350 and 483 kg ha-1 of urea, radiation use efficiency improved from 2.33 to 2.63, 2.81 and 2.84 g MJ-1 (about 13%, 21% and 22%), respectively. Our results also indicated that there was a positive and significant correlation between radiation use efficiency and maximum leaf area index, maximum radiation absorption, maximum crop growth rate, maximum relative growth ratio, and maximum total dry matter. The positive correlation between radiation absorption with crop growth rate (0.98) and total dry matter (0.97) demonstrated more radiation absorbed lead to more crop growth rate subsequently higher total dry matter production by maize hybrids. Nitrogen fertilizer also improved total dry matter yield (58%) and grain yield (63%).
The results indicated that despite effects of nitrogen fertilizer application on maize grain yield, but unfavorable application of nitrogen would be led to intensify environmental pollution. Therefore, consumption of nitrogen fertilizer based on plant demand leads to increase resources use efficiency and reduce environmental risks.

Patients with cancer face psychosocial and physical problems that may have an impact on the patient's quality of life. Psychologists believe that specific cognitive attitudes towards life may interfere with mental health and ultimately quality of life. Therefore, the main objective of the present research was to study the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and quality of life and mental health of patients with cancer.
In this case-control study, 50 female patients diagnosed with cancer and 50 female patients without cancer (matched by age and gender) in 5th of Azar hospital (2015) were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected using standard metacognitive beliefs questionnaires, quality of life, and mental health. Reliability questionnaires through the Cronbach's alpha test was measured. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 16 software and descriptive and inferential statistics (t test and Pearson correlation test).
The results showed that most patients of both groups were aged between 40 and 50 years old. The Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative relationship between metacognitive beliefs and quality of life in cancer patients (P 0.05). Also, there was a significant positive relationship between metacognitive beliefs and mental health in both groups (P According to the findings of the present research, meta-cognitive domains of patients with cancer compared with healthy controls have a relationship with quality of life and mental health. Given the importance and necessity of metacognitive awareness, considering strategies for training programs and psychological interventions, can improve the mental health status and quality of life of patients with cancer.

This study evaluated and compared the accumulation of Ni in the muscle tissue of fish Cobia (Rachycentron Canadum) and its relation to total length, total weight and age of the fish in the waters of the northwest of Persian Gulf in 2014. Ninety six fish samples were collected at 6 length groups. To measure the level of essential elements, the samples were digested by wet digestion method and by Perkin Elmer 4100 AAS instrument. The means were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlations and significant differences were estimated at 95% significance level. Mean concentration of Ni in the muscle tissue of Rachycentron Canadumwas 0.148±0.05 mg/kg dry weight (P<0.05). The highest concentration of Ni was found in the group with larger than 127 cm length (0.238±0.9 mg/kg dry weight). A positive correlation was established between the total length and total weight and age and accumulation of Ni at P. Concentrations of Ni in muscle of Rachycentron Canadum were lower than international standard of WHO (0.38 mg/kg).

Return of spontaneous circulation is the first purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an important factor for return of spontaneous circulation in cardiopulmonary arrest patients. Therefore, survey of end tidal CO2 can be a feedback for quality of CPR. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship end tidal CO2 and return of spontaneous circulation.
In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 80 cases of CPR based on inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling at Ghaem hospital of Mashhad (2014). The instruments used included patients demographic data and information about the progress of cardiopulmonary resuscitation including end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and the results CPR. At the beginning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Capnograph was connected to endotracheal tube and the patient’s end-tidal CO2 was recorded and it was related to the Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC was defined as the presence of a palpable femoral arterial pulse and a systolic blood pressure above 80 mmHg for longer than three minutes). Data were collected and analyzed using the SPSS software version 16 and descriptive (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square, Fisher's exact, t-test, correlation and linear regression).
Mean and standard deviation of age of patients was 67.3 ± 1.5 years; 47.5% were male and 98.8% of patient’s cardiac rhythm in the start of CPR was asystole. The End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2) in patients with successful CPR was 21.6 ± 13.7 mmhg and in others was 17.7 ± 10.2 mmHg (P=0.16). The results showed that in patients that end-tidal CO2 during resuscitation was less than 1 mm Hg, the rate of return of spontaneous circulation was 41.2% and in patients that end-tidal CO2 during resuscitation was 30-41 mmHg, the rate of return of spontaneous circulation was 75%.
The results showed that high levels of ETCO2 during cardiopulmonary resuscitation increased potential of return of spontaneous circulation. The ETCO2 can be a feedback for quality of CPR. Therefore, the use of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring during cardiopulmonary resuscitation to CPR members is recommended.

The development of high yielding cultivars with wide adaptability is the ultimate aim of plant breeders. However, attaining this goal is made more complicated by genotype-environment interactions. The genotype by environment interaction is a major problem in the study of quantitative traits because it complicates the interpretation of genetic experiments and makes predictions difficult, also it reduces grain yield stability in different environments. Multi-environment trials are often analyzed to assess the yield stability of genotypes. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model proved to be a powerful tool in diagnosing genotype × environment interaction patterns. The AMMI statistical model has been widely used to explain complicate G×E interaction, to enhance selection efficiency and to ensure genetic gain from selection. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of the lines in studied locations and to identify lines adapted to the test environments.

Order to investigate response of wheat lines to different environmental conditions and determination of yield stability, this study was conducted by 76 recombinant inbred lines derived the cross between Roshan× Superhead based on randomized complete block design with two replications in five environments. The trials were performed at five locations in Kerman, Jopar, Mahan, Yazd and Ardakan. In order to evaluate the interaction and determine the stable lines, the stability analysis was done using AMMI methods. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS and Excel software.

The results of the combined analysis of variance revealed significant differences of grain yield among lines, environment and also line× environment interaction (P<0.01). Since interaction of line × environment was significant, stability analysis was performed using AMMI analysis in order to more accurate evaluate and status of lines stability. The results of Ammi2 bi-plot showed that the least distance from the center of bi-plot with minimum interaction were identified lines 3, 33, 22, 9, 271, 36, 309, 200, 114, 11, 264, 320, 194, 20, 280, 1, 26, 250, 19, 18, 25, 5, 322, 169, 152, 161 and 32 as stable lines. Lines 258, 218, 176, 48, 82 and 314 for Yazd and line 225 for Ardakan indicated the best response and they had private adaptation to these places.

Overall, based on results of this experiment, among evaluated lines, were introduced lines 9, 3 and 22 based on AMMI1, AMMI2 and AMMI stability value (ASV) parameter as general stable lines. Therefore, the identified promising lines can be recommended to complementary studies for introduce to farmers.

The pain caused by cancer affected by 50 to 90 percent of patients with cancer and anxiety caused by these diseases and cancer treatment increases the need for supporting patients, Therefore their coping strategies adopted by patients in adapt is important roles. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pain catastrophizing, pain-related anxiety, social support and coping strategies of pain in patients with cancer. Type of cross - sectional study was correlational. A total of 110 cancer patients referred to 5th Azar Hospital (2013) were recruited Convenience sampling into the study. Questionnaire pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, pain, social support and coping strategies were used. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS16 software and doing descriptive and inferential statistics, and considering levels of significance (P<0.05). The results showed that Mean and standard deviation of Pain Catastrophizing in patients (23.9±8.8), pain-related anxiety (35.7±18.4), coping strategies (107.9±38.8), social support (151.1±15.8). The Pearson correlation test, showed is significant differences between pain catastrophizing (P=0.00, R=-0.46), pain-related anxiety (P=0/00, R=-0/47), coping strategies (P=0/00, R=0/46) with social support. The results showed that significant differences are between pain catastrophizing pain-related anxiety, coping strategies and social support patients with cancer. Therefore, developing a comprehensive care program for patients cancer with Strengthen coping strategies, Increase social support In order to reduce the level of anxiety and pain catastrophizing is recommended.

In order to effects of sulfur and manure on grain yield، yield components، and some physiological traits of corn hybrid KSC 704 in calcareous soils of Kermanshah province، a factorial experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Sulfur fertilizer in four levels 0، 250، 500 and 750 kg ha-1 and manure in four levels 0، 4، 8 and 12 t ha-1 were applied. Results showed that the effects of sulfur fertilizer، manure and their interaction effects was significant at the 1% probability level for grain yield، stem diameter، number of rows per ear، number of grain per row، leaf area index at 7-9 leaf and tasselling stages and، soil pH. The effects of sulfur fertilizer and manure was significant at 1% probability level only for rate and duration of grain filing، thousand seed weight and ear number per plant. Maximum corn grain yield to A3B3، A3B2، A3B1 treatment combinations by12673، 12597 and 12147kg ha-1،respectively. The lowest in soil acidity was belong to A3B3 treatment combination with7. 51. In general application of 750 kg ha-1 sulfur fertilizer and 8 or 12 t ha-1 manure cause the maximum means for yield and components grain yield of corn. Therefore it can be possible to decrease the negative effects of calcareous soils along with application of 750 kg ha-1 sulfur fertilizer and 12 t ha-1 manure.

Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, is recognized as a major cause of abortion in cattle, while limited information is presently available on the seropreva­lence of Neospora antibodies in horse's worldwide. The aim of the present study was to de­termine serologic prevalence of Neospora infection in horses in Iran. Sera from 150 horses from Mashhad suburb in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeast Iran were examined for antibodies to Neospora spp. using Neospora modified direct agglutina­tion test (N-MAT). Antibodies to this parasite were detected in 45 (30%) of the examined serum samples. Thirty four percent of the samples had titer of 1:40 while then reduced to 30% when 1:80 serum dilution was applied as significant cut off titer. This study is the first investigation carried out on the Neospora in horses in Iran and indi­cates that horses in Iran are exposed to this parasite.

Sesame is one of the most important oilseed tropical plants. In order to investigate the effect of two plant growth regulators, Naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) and Benzylamino purine (BAP) on yield, yield components, oil and protein content of sesame genotypes an experiment was carried out at the research farm, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in growing season 2006. The studied factors were two plants growth regulators BAP NAA each of which containing three levels as well as control with four sesame genotypes (cultivars of Moghan and Karaj , Baft and Sirjan landraces) which distributed randomly using factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliage spray at 30 ppm and 200 ppm of NAA and BAP concentrations were carried out at the beginning of flowering stage. The results of analysis of variance showed that NAA and BAP treated plants showed a better performance in yield, yield components and some parameters. The results indicated significant main and interaction effects for seed yield in the experiment. land races were better than cultivars with hormonal treatment. Also different genotypes had interaction effects for seed oil and protein percentages using treatments Yield components had positive correlation with seed yield but seed protein and oil percentages had negative correlation with seed yield. Higher seed yield belonged to Sirjan and Baft landraces but Moghan and Karaj cultivars had higher seed oil and protein percentages. So cultivation of breeding cultivars using plant growth regulators can increase the oil product.

The current study carried out to determine some blood factor levels in Benni  (Barbus sharpeyi)brood stocks to achieve information about physiological changes due to reproduction and effect of reproduction on the serum parameters. Overall 42 randomly selected fishes including 24 females and 18 males ware studied. Blood samples were obtained from fishes in Dashte Azadegan Fish Culture Farm in a short time before spawning, serum was collected from blood and samples were analyzed in lab. The results show that mean values of Cholesterol, Glucose, Cortisol, Sodium, Potassium, BUN, Ig M were equaled to 247.07, 17.8, 40.9, 5.07, 139.09, 2.57, 1.46, and 62.8 respectively. The relation between serum parameters value with Sex and biometric factors of fishes were also studied. The results showed a statistical difference in Ig M mean value between male and female fishes (P<0.05) but there was no statistical difference in other factors between males and females. There was also a statistical difference in fishes with different weight and length for Potassium, Total Protein and Ig M (p<0.05).

In order to investigate the effect of different irrigation regimes on some agronomic and physiological characters of three chickpea cultivars (Jam, 301 and Pirooz), a field experiment was conducted in 1998 at the Agricultural Research Farm of Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran. A split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was used, in which irrigation treatments (full irrigation, irrigation at only branching or flowering and or pod formation stage) were in the main plots and chickpea cultivars were in the sub plots. Under limited irrigation conditions there were no significant differences among irrigation regimes for green cover percentage and the number of pods per plant while rate and duration of grain filling, grain weight and grain yield were significantly higher for irrigation at pod formation than for irrigation at branching or flowering stage. The mean of all the traits, except for the number of seeds per pod were significantly higher for full irrigation than for limited irrigation treatments. Rate of grain filling, maximum grain weight and grain yield were significantly higher for irrigation at flowering than for irrigation at branching stage. While, other characters were not significantly different between these two treatments. Although, green cover percentage and seeds per pod in 301 were higher than those in Jam, but in other cases their response to water limitation was almost similar. All traits, except the number pods per plant, were noticeably lower for Pirooz compared to Jam and 301 cultivars. Green cover percentage showed the highest correlation with the grain yield. This study revealed that among phenological stages of chickpea, pod formation is the most sensitive to water deficit, and that under water limitation conditions chickpea yield could be improved by irrigation at this stage.