jamal-ali olfati

From an economic standpoint, tomatoes are considered the second most valuable agricultural product after potatoes. In terms of per capita consumption worldwide, tomatoes closely follow potatoes. However, tomato production in Iran faces challenges, particularly low yield per unit area. One contributing factor is the limited use of high-quality hybrid seeds. The objective of the present study is to predict the phenotypic characteristics of commercial Amaris hybrid parents. In this research, the Amaris variety (a type of cherry tomato) was cultivated in a greenhouse in Shahrekord in 2021. Approximately 100 self-pollinated seeds were collected from ripe fruits of this cultivar and replanted alongside Amaris hybrid seeds. The desired traits of these plants were recorded. Based on similarities with parental plants, specific genotypes were selected. For the first component, genotypes 1, 21, 25, 39, 44, 47, 58, 59, 66, 31, 32, 34, and 35 were chosen. For the second component, genotypes 3, 6, 8, 23, 46, 52, 56, 76, and 37 were identified. It is anticipated that Amaris hybrids will be obtained by crossing individual plants from these selected groups after further purification. Among the candidate individuals, genotypes 11 and 47 exhibit the closest resemblance to one parent, while genotypes 21 and 25 are similar to another parent. By carefully selecting and purifying the progeny based on this genetic combination, commercial hybrids similar to Amaris can be produced.

The Nirvin variety is one of Iran's most cultivated varieties of bell peppers. Still, no specific dietary and irrigation program has been determined to achieve the maximum yield and water use efficiency. To determine the optimal irrigation for greenhouse cultivation of this variety, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications based on irrigation treatments of 100 (I0), 85 (I1) and 70 (I2)% water requirement in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan in 2022-2023. The results showed no significant difference in final yield traits and water use efficiency between the 100 and 85% water requirement, with the reduction of irrigation to 70% water requirement, these traits decreased by 21.43, and 8.52%, respectively. The results related to the amount of ionic leakage and free proline content indicated that reducing the irrigation to 85% of the water requirement did not cause water stress in the plant. The reduction of irrigation led to an increase in the length of the fruit stems and a decrease in their thickness. The highest number of fruit lobes was observed at the 85% water requirement which was 13.96 and 34.89% more than 70 and 100% water requirement, respectively. A strong and significant negative correlation was observed between the traits of fruit length, fruit volume, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity and the set of traits of fruit weight, water use efficiency, relative water content, leaf chlorophyll, and fresh plant weight. Based on the results of this research, changing irrigation from 100 to 85% water requirement not only saves water but also improves the plant's resistance to common problems such as blossom-end rot and increases the shelf life of the fruits. So, an 85% level of irrigation is recommended for this variety of pepper under controlled conditions.

Estimates of combining ability help determine the value of hull-less pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. var. styriaca) lines in producing new hybrids with high yield and better quality. This research was conducted to estimate the general and specific combining abilities and heterosis in six inbred lines proposed for hull-less pumpkins at the University of Guilan. Analysis of variance indicated that responses for all traits differed significantly. The highest fruit yield and seed length were related to the hybrid 14×16, the highest number of seeds was related to the hybrid 16×23, the highest percentage of oil was related to the hybrid 11×14 and the highest yield of oil was related to 11×23. Considering the high value of combining ability and the heterosis compared to the average of the parent and high parent, it is possible to increase the oil yield and the seed yield by using the 11×23 hybrid. The 16×23 hybrid proposes to increase the number of seeds. The best specific combining ability (SCA) for seed number was associated with the 16×23. The 11 × 14 had the best SCA for the oil yield per hectare. The 11× 23 had the best SCA for the seed yield per hectare. Significant specific combining ability and high heterosis for traits indicated low additive and high dominant gene action on hull-less pumpkin traits, therefore crossing between lines to release new hybrid cultivars is necessary for Iran's pumpkin breeding program.

Phalaenopsis is one of the most well-known genera of the orchid family and has relatively good growth due to its high adaptability. The Phalaenopsis breeding program and full investigation of progenies takes three to five years, which can be reduced by using molecular markers. In this research, in order to decrease the process of selecting superior genotypes, progenies obtained from crosses between 5 different cultivars were examined using IRAP and RAPD markers. Among 299 bands produced in RAPD, 86% of the bands were polymorphic. The average number of polymorphic bands was 13.5 bands per primer and the minimum genetic similarity (43%) was obtained between 'Sevilla'×'Sevilla' and 'Manila'×'Bombay' hybrids, while the maximum similarity (72%) was found between 'Sevilla'× 'Okayama' and 'Okayama'×'Sevilla' hybrids based on Nei similarity coefficient. From 6 selected IRAP primer combinations, 83 bands were produced, among them 72 bands were considered polymorphic bands. The highest ratio of polymorphism was obtained by 3′LTR-LTR6150, 3′LTR-3′LTR primers combination and the lowest by Sukkula -3′LTR. The maximum genetic similarity, 82%, using IRAP marker was observed between 'Sevilla'×'Okayama' and 'Sevilla'×'Manila' hybrids and the lowest amount, 32%, was obtained between 'Sevilla'×'Sevilla' and 'Manila'×'Bombay' hybrids, indicating the genetic proximity and distance, respectively, of the studied genotypes. Recombined genotypes obtained in this research, which had different band patterns with their parents, can be used for breeding programs and introducing new cultivars.

Estimates of combining ability are useful in determining the value of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) lines in producing new hybrids with high yield and better quality. This research was conducted to estimate the general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and heterosis for five inbred lines chosen for watermelon breeding at the University of Guilan, Iran. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among hybrids for fruit weight and the number of lateral branches per plant. The GCA and SCA effects were significant for fruit weight and the number of lateral branches, which indicates the existence of both additive and dominance effects in controlling these two traits. The low narrow sense heritability indicated the smaller impact of additive gene action on fruit weight and the number of lateral branches in watermelon. However, broad sense heritability was high for fruit weight (0.69) and the number of lateral branches (8.88). The large gap between the broad sense heritability and narrow sense heritability indicated the importance of dominance effects in controlling the fruit weight and the number of lateral branches compared to additive effects. These results justify the development of hybrid varieties to exploit the dominance genetic effects in watermelon. The highest fruit weight and the number of lateral branches belonged to the S × Red cross. The highest SCA for the fruit weight was associated with the cross An × S. The cross S × Red had the highest SCA for the number of lateral branches. The high-parent heterosis was also higher in the cross S × Red for these traits. In conclusion, the hybrid S × Red may be proposed for the production of a hybrid variety in watermelon. However, crossing among various genotypes to produce new inbred lines seems necessary for the hybrid breeding program of watermelons in Iran.

Harvest at inappropriate time is the most important factor in reducing the fruit quality, marketability, and postharvest life of kiwifruit. In this study, the effect of different harvest times on fruit quality, nutritional value, and organoleptic characteristics of two novel kiwifruits of yellow and red flesh was investigated. Fruits from promising genotypes were harvested at 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180 days after full bloom (DAFB). The results showed that fruits harvested after 180 DAFB showed higher weight, length, diameter, dry matter, soluble solids content, and total soluble sugars. Meanwhile, titratable acidity was lower than fruits harvested earlier. The values of soluble solid content ranged from 6.80 to 11.66° brix in golden kiwifruit and from 6.90 to 13.70° brix in red flesh kiwifruit. With delayed harvest, total phenols, ascorbic acid content, DPPH and FRAP antioxidant capacity and hue angle in outer and inner pericarp decreased in both genotypes. Ascorbic acid content in the red-fleshed genotype decreased from 90.34 to 75.57 mg/100 g and in the golden genotype from 74.83 to 50.62 mg/100 g. Fruits from the red-fleshed genotype had the higher antioxidant capacity and nutritional value compared to the golden genotype. There was a positive significant correlation between ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH (r=0.98) and FRAP (r=0.95) methods. In conclusion, novel golden and red flesh kiwifruit genotypes reached the minimum soluble solid content and hue angle for commercial harvest with favorable organoleptic properties only at 170 DAFB and the delay in harvest increased the organoleptic properties in both genotypes. However, the content of their antioxidant capacity was slightly lower compared to the early harvest.

The effect of nutrient solutions on growth characteristics and nutrient elements concentration in leaf and root of potted Calla lily (Zantedeschia pentlandii cv. Allure ) was studied in a CRD_based split plot design with two factors, nutrient solutions and vermicompost in soilless media cultures. Results showed that application of different nutrient solutions and different levels of vermicompost significantly affected the studied traits. The highest leaf area was obtained in effect of nutrient solution 3× vermicomposte 15% with mean 67.33 mm2 , the highest of leaves fresh weight,  leaves dry weight were in effect of nutrient solution 2 vermicomposte15% with means 2.33 and 0.24 gr. The highest root wet weigh, root dry weight were gained in effects of nutrient solution 3× vermicomposte 15% and nutrient solution 1× vermicomposte 15% with means 7.76 and 2.03 gr. The gighest root length was related to nutrient solution 2× vermicomposte 15% with mean 32 cm. The highest number of flower was seen in nutrient solution 3× vermicomposte 15%. The highest number of tubers was obtained in effects of nutrient solution 2× vermicomposte 15% with mean 1.98 and the most chlorophyll index was in effects of nutrient solution 2× vermicomposte 15% with mean 43.53. In leaf of calla lily, nutrition solutions 2 and 3, vermicompost %5 and 15% have the most absorbance of macro and micro elements. Also, in media culture of calla lily, the highest absorption of macro and micro elements were observed in nutrition solutions 1 and 3 and vermicompost 10% and 15%.

Early growth and establishment success of Picea abies is poor, so ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can be used to promote survival, establishment, as well as the growth of seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of valuable ECM fungi symbiosis and mycorrhiza helper bacteria (Bacillus cereus) on the growth of P. abies. The treatments included B. cereus, ECM fungi of Cantharellus cibarius, Amanita caesarea, Boletus edulis, three combined treatments (Bacillus + ECM fungi), and control. 2-month-old seedlings were inoculated with fungi and bacteria. Then root mycorrhization percent, morphological traits, chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake were evaluated in 15 months after plant inoculation. The results indicated that mycorrhization was significantly influenced by applied treatments. The highest (50.33%) and lowest (27.67%) mycorrhizations were obtained by B. edulis + B. cereus and C. cibarius, respectively. The combination treatments dramatically increased the plant height, stem and root dry weight, total chlorophyll, absorption of potassium and nitrogen compared to the control. The combined inoculation with B. cereus + B. edulis also resulted in an increase in K and Ca uptake as well as chlorophyll a compared to control. The lowest values for all evaluated traits except Ca uptake were obtained by control. Moreover, the highest values for all traits were observed in plants co-inoculated with B. cereus + B. edulis. In conclusion, the results suggested that the ECM fungi, especially Boletus, had a symbiosis with Norway spruce. The symbiosis was also improved by B. cereus.

Eryngium caucasicum is one of the important endemic plants in the northern provinces of Iran. Few studies have been done in relation to its germination. Studying its domestication and propagation can play an important role in preserving and commercializing. To evaluate seed germination and plantlet vigor of Eryngium caucasicum, a laboratory experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design in 3 replications with two factors, temperature (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C) and stratification (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks). According to morphological studies, the thousand seed weight of Eryngium small seeds was estimated 1.45 g and a moisture content of 24%. The average of flowers per plant is 11.3 and the average of seeds per fruit is 56. The highest germination percentage (74.6), germination rate (1.25), germination uniformity (0.21), and seed vigor (2.2) are shown at 15°C without stratification. The highest germination energy and the shortest germination time (15.26) were observed in 20°C without stratification (64), which is not significantly different from the treatment of 15°C (63.3). In general, the results of the experiment showed that Eryngium seeds germinate at temperatures between 15 and 25 °C, and no germination was observed at temperatures of 5, 10, and 30 °C, and the best temperature for Eryngium germination is 15 °C without stratification.

Tomato is an interesting vegetable crop and numerous genetic studies have been conducted to increase the efficiency of tomato breeding strategies. Yield is an economically important trait and therefore improving yield is the main focus in breeding projects. The selecting efficient breeding strategy needs comprehensive information about the genetic controlling of interested traits. The aim of this study was to determine genetic parameters for yield and yield component tomato through generation mean analysis. Generation mean analysis was conducted using six basic generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, BC2) derived from a cross between two lines (M110 and P110) of tomato. M110 and P110 have a determinate and indeterminate growth habit respectively. Results showed that a simple additive dominance model was adequate to explain variability among traits of interest. Non-additive gene effects were predominant for all characters in this study. Broad sense heritability was calculated at over 50% for all traits while narrow sense heritability was less than 50%. Therefore, direct selection for these traits might not be useful, and recurrent selection procedures could increase the frequency of favorable alleles in breeding populations to enable the selection and development of genotypes with superior plants.

Gynociouce hybrids have the advantage of high yield; therefore, gynociouce trait should always be considered in the production of cucumber hybrid cultivars. There are at least five genes that affect the expression of gynociouce. In order to improve cucumber for production new cultivars with higher yield and better quality, using of genetic diversity and cucumber germplasm is extremely essential. Knowing the importance and extent of controller genetic effects the inheritance of traits can lead to the selection of appropriate corrective methods. Therefore, the present study took with this goal how inheritance of the gynoeciouc trait and to investigate the effects of controller genes on this trait and other performance components in cross between a commercial hybrid and a selected line, Finally a proper amendatory plan is adopted.

In order to evaluate genetic and determinate heritability of gynoecioucy in cucumber seven generation including P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, BC2 and F3 from a cross between two gynoeciouc and androeciouc cucumber lines N10×A11, were supplied and number of female flowers and number of male flowers, number of fruit per plant, length of plant and length of internode were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cause on create populations, experiments were carried out in the spring and autumn of 2017 to 2018 in three stages in the greenhouse of the college of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan and population assessment was performed in 1398 in the research farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan. First year, in order to produce hybrid seeds, a cross was made between gynoecious N10 and androecious A11 lines. After producing and cultivating hybrid seeds in the second stage, self-pollination and hybrid cross-breeding with parents were carried out and F2 populations and backcrosses were created. In the second year, samples of second generation seeds were planted in greenhouses for creating self-pollination and third-generation populations. In the greenhouse, hydroponic cultivation system was used and fertilization and irrigation of plants were did at regular intervals. In the field cultivation system, Growing Phases were carried out using drip irrigation system and cover mulch for planting and necessary agricultural care in the cultivation stages. Data normality was tested by SPSS software and data analysis was performed by SAS software. Generation mean comparison was also performed using LSD test at 5% and 1% probability levels.

about the gynoecioucy there was a significant differences among case study generations. Examination of scale tests for this trait also showed that there may be inallele interactions among the genes controlling this trait. Examination of genetical parameter and doing scale tests showed for all of study traits there are different epistasis. the results showed about number of female flower all of the genetic parameters was significant and for number of male flower, number of fruit per plant and length of internode traits simple six parametric was in charge of controlhing the traits such as all of genetic parameters without dominance-dominance epistasis, whereas for length of plant trait simple six parametric model such as all of genetic parameters without additive-additive epistasis was the best of genetic model vindication for diversity.

Evaluation of inheritance and dominance degree showed additive variance was more important in number of female flower and number of fruit per plant traits that means Superior genotypes can be select to modify these traits in the study population

This study aims at evaluating the yield of cucumber genotypes in two seasons, and identifying cucumber genotypes with high yield and stability. The research has been carried out in the greenhouse of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Guilan, as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design in autumn and spring seasons with nine cucumber genotypes in three replications. Results show that in terms of number of female flowers in autumn and spring, genotype C1 with an average of 16.7 per plant and genotype C8 with an average of 7.0 per plant have been the best, respectively. Also, in terms of leaf area, C10 genotype with an average of 2866.6 cm2 in autumn and C8 genotype with an average of 9340.990 cm2 in spring outperform the rest and can be used to achieve suitable hybrids for each growing season. Results of principal components analysis and population biplot show that C8 genotype is a suitable genotype for cultivation in two cropping seasons in terms of stability of yield-related traits and vegetative traits. Finally, in terms of number of fruits, genotype C1 with an average of 5.0 per plant in autumn, and C10 genotype with an average of 5.0 per plant in spring have been superior.

Powdery mildew is one of the most important diseases of cucurbits in the world and Iran. The disease is found in cucumbers, melons, cantaloupes, squash, and watermelons in both farm and greenhouse conditions and causes great damage. Cultivating resistant cultivars or chemical control with fungicides can be used to control this disease. In this study, 28 different genotypes of hull-less seed pumpkin were studied and compared for powdery mildew resistance in potted conditions in a greenhouse. To achieve this, the genotypes in the greenhouse were sprayed with powdery mildew spores, and when signs of powdery mildew appeared through infection on the plants, the severity of the disease was determined by image processing using a program written in MATLAB software. The mean comparison showed that the lowest level of infection was related to lines 11 and 23 and hybrids of 7×16, 2×16, and 2×23. The highest negative general combining ability was related to line 11 and the highest negative specific combining ability was related to hybrids 7×14, 2×16, 2×23, and 11×14. The highest negative heterosis compared to the high parent was related to 11×14, 2×23, and 2×16 hybrids. Due to the significant values obtained for specific combining ability and significant heterosis in hybrids, the role of dominance variance in controlling this trait is prominent, and hybrid production is recommended to improve resistance to powdery mildew.

Selecting an appropriate breeding method depends on the type and relative proportion of genetic components. In this study, six generations P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 from a cross between two cucurbita varieties crossing of hull-less seed pumpkin and squash, S10×P25, were constructed and evaluated for main stem length. Yield and its components (number of fruit per hectare, number of seeds per fruit, fruit weight and 100- seed weight) were also evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in 2019. The results showed significant differences among generations for main stem length. Scaling and Chi-square (χ2) tests suggests the presence of digenic epistasis for this trait. According to the results, additive variance was more important for most of the traits, meaning that selection is a good way to improve these traits. High heterosis was observed in the F1 hybrid for all of the traits. High narrow-sense heritability estimates were shown for all of the traits. Therefore, according to the results of estimating the genetic effects of traits, especially traits related to growth habit and reaching a shorter stem length, the selection method can be used.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is an export product and one of the most lucrative products compared to other vegetables; and it is a valuable economic, pharmaceutical, food and industrial crop. The most important agriculture aspect of asparagus is the quality of the seedlings; they depend on the percentage of rooting after planting and are very important for future crop quality. This study was conducted to determine the best level of municipal waste compost and fertigation on asparagus seedling growth with thick buds and large and dense crown, strong roots, and a high number of summer branches.

The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications and with two factors of substrate composition (at four levels) and fertigation (at two levels) with three replications and at least 20 seedlings per replication. Asparagus seeds were planted in four different litter compositions that of 50% by volume of garden soil and sand used as a base bed and mixed with different amounts of municipal waste compost (0, 10, 20, 30% by volume). After germination, half of the seedlings in each bed were fed with fertigation containing nitrogen, potassium, and pure phosphorus at the rate of 150, 100, 50 grams per cubic meter of irrigation water. Finally, after a three-month feeding period, the important traits of seedlings including root length, number of buds, number of summer shoots, summer stem height, SPAD index, number of roots, root volume, root diameter, percentage of ash, percentage of dry matter, fresh weight, potassium, phosphorus, phenol, flavonoids and antioxidants were measured.

The results of data analysis of variance showed that the effect of fertigation and the effect of compost levels of composition on plant height, number of top summer branch, fresh weight of the plant, plant dry weight, crown thickness, number of buds, root length, number of roots, root volume, chlorophyll index (SPAD), total phenol, total flavonoids, and potassium were significant. The results showed that the highest average of these traits was related to fertigation treatment and the lowest average of these traits was obtained without fertigation treatment. The results of comparing the average simple effects of compost levels, the highest average of these traits from culture medium containing 30% municipal waste compost and the lowest average of these traits was obtained from culture medium containing no municipal waste compost. Also, the interaction effect of compost levels in fertigation on plant dry weight and canopy thickness was significant. The highest average of these traits was related to treatment with fertigation and culture medium containing 30% municipal waste compost.

It seems that due to the long production period of asparagus seedlings, paying attention to feeding the seedlings through fertigation and enriching the culture medium can help improve the quality of seedlings. As the results of our experiment showed, the use of municipal solid waste compost has an effect on germination, growth and number of summer shoots, number of buds, increase in volume, length, diameter and number of roots, crown thickness and chlorophyll index, fresh weight and plant dryness, percentage of dry matter, amount of phenol and absorption of potassium could have a great effect on the growth and quality of the seedlings of this plant. On the other hand, with the increase in plant growth and as a result, more yield, the plant needs irrigation to expand the roots and increase the number of summer stems because it needs a lot of nutrients. Therefore, it is better to use mineral fertilizer in growing asparagus. In this condition, the plant produces more roots, and the underground stems that lead to produce more and stronger seedlings. Stronger asparagus seedling growth faster than the weeds and overcomes and reaches economic performance sooner. Therefore, carefulness in the use of municipal solid waste compost and the amount of animal and mineral fertilizers, by affecting the yield and as a result the profitability of this plant, will encourage farmers to cultivate this crop. On the other hand, it is possible to use municipal solid waste compost in other ways. There is no need to use a large number of chemical fertilizers and the safe product is healthier than other plant products that use a large number of chemical fertilizers for their production.

Downy mildew is one of the most important diseases of cucurbits in the world and Iran. The development of the disease was investigated in a commercial variety (Sakata® F1 Hybrid Saso), three hybrids and eight pure lines of cucumber, four pure squash lines, and one commercial cultivar of watermelon (Sakata® F1 Charleston Gray 243) in two consecutive years (2017 and 2018 spring and summer) at the experimental field of the University of Guilan, Iran to identify the sources of resistance. Plants were regularly inspected until the downy mildew symptoms appeared. The disease was measured using standard scale and Image J software at five stages in the plant growing season. Comparison of disease progress curves, final severity of the disease, and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) showed that cucumber B10 and A12 pure lines were the most susceptible and resistant in both years, respectively. None of the squash lines were infected in the first year, but in the second year, two lines showed the disease symptoms, and the severity of the disease in these lines was close to each other. The commercial cultivar of watermelon was not infected in both years.

Due to the lack of water resources in the world and in our country, saving water consumption and increasing its productivity, especially in the agricultural sector, has received more and more attention. Tape drip irrigation improves water productivity and saves water compared to traditional irrigation systems. However, tapes are usually used for one or two growing seasons, and after the end of their useful life, environmental problems arise due to the accumulation of their waste in the fields. To solve this problem, they can be produced from or with biodegradable materials. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of using biodegradable materials in the production of tapes. To achieve this goal, a two-part study was conducted. In the first part, potato starch was extracted as a biodegradable material. In the second part of the research, films were made from two materials, corn and potato starches and their combination. Then, the mechanical properties of the produced films were compared with polyethylene film. Potato starch and polyethylene films differed significantly in terms of elongation to break, Young's modulus and toughness indices. On the other hand, tensile stress at rupture point and tensile stress at yield point were not statistically significant. The results of mechanical tests of starch film and comparison with polyethylene showed that the use of starch alone cannot lead to the manufacture of tapes and to produce a tape of starch must be used with other materials or used after its correction.

The effect of nutrient solutions on the growth, development and flowering of calla lily was studied in a split plot design with completely randomized blocks design in soilless media cultures. The experiment was conducted with 16 treatments including four kinds of changed Quick nutrient solutions and four media cultures containing vermicompost and three replications and every replication included four pots. Results showed significant differences among different treatments regarding stem length, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, spathe length, spathe width, root length, flowering period, pot life, amount of chlorophylls a, b, total and spathe anthocyanins. The highest number of leaves and the most amount of leaf chlorophylls resulted under the influence of nutrient solution 1 and vermicompost 5%. The highest root lenght resulted under the effect of nutrient solution 2 and vermicompost 5%. Treatment with nutrient solution 2 and vermicompost 15% showed the longest flowering period. Pot life of flower was longer than other treatments under the influence of nutrient solution 1 and without vermicompost. The highest number of flowers were seen as a result of nutrient solution 4 with vermicompost 5%. The amount of anthocyanins under the effect of nutrient solution 4 and vermicompost 10% was higher than other treatments. The largest stem diameter was obtained from nutrient solution 2 and vermicompost 15%. Also, it was concluded that nutrient solution 1 was more effective on vegetative characteristics of leaves because of having the most ammonium nitrate compared to other solutions and nutrient solution 2 had a significant effect on producing characteristics because of having the most potassium nitrate compared to other solutions.

Orchids are one of the most popular plants in the world. Because of its hard propagation as most important problem, micropropagation technique has been employed recently. In this study, commercial micropropagation of orchid Phalaenopsis cut flower “Detroit” was done by vegetative tissue. First, nodal explants of Phalaenopsis amabilis cv. Detroit flower stalks cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentration of NAA and BAP for direct regeneration and the obtained planlets were cultured on ½ MS medium supplemented with different combination of NAA, IAA and activated charcoal for rooting. The sterile leaves of plantlets were cultured on ½ MS medium containing NAA, BAP and TDZ for evaluation of regeneration and direct production of somatic embryos. Results showed that effective concentration for plantlet regeneration obtained in MS medium containing 1 mg/l NAA and 4 mg/l BAP. The highest number of root produced in 2 mg/l NAA. The highest number of protocorms obtained at 3 mg/l TDZ. The plants survived rates from nodal flower stalk explants was 84.93%. At the end, the highest plantlets acclimatization (90.20 %) was in medium containing cocopeat and activated charcoal (1: 1).

In order to study the effects of drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 on germination components of 21 bean genotypes, a randomized complete design with factorial arrangement of one drought level (-0.148 MPa) and control level (0), in 3 replication and with the purpose of determining the resistance and susceptible genotype, was conducted. Results of anova indicate that all genotypes in all studied components (root, shoot, fresh weight of root and shoot, dry weight of root and shoot, growth rate root and shoot, root to shoot length ratio, difference of fresh and dry weight root, difference of fresh and dry weight shoot)were affected significantly by drought stress. Genotype effect and also the interaction between genotype and drought, was significant for all studied components. According to results of cluster analysis with the ward method, all genotypes in normal and drought conditions, were placed into four different groups, the Ghalaf Siyah and Pak genotypes were chosen as resistance and susceptible genotypes in drought stress conditions.In this study the expression patterns of three drought induced-genes was investigated in two Ghalaf Siyah (resistant genotype) and Pak (sensitive genotype) using Real time PCR technique. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, expression of three genes, including,GR, PRX and APX were studied in the seedling stage of Ghalaf Siyah and Pak genotype under drought stress for control, 72, 144, 192 and 240 hours of the treatments.The results indicated that in Ghalaf Siyah genotype the drought  induced-genes generally had higher expression than Pak cultivar.Expression of three genes PRX, GR and APX at the 240 h in the tolerant genotype, it was two, four and six more than the sensitive genotype.

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy tumor, and its incidence is increasing. Chemotherapy drugs like Paclitaxel (PTX) are a common treatment for cancer; however, they have many adverse effects. Plants are a source of anticancer agents. The present study assessed the cytotoxic effects of hydro-alcoholic extract in comparison with those of paclitaxel on Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC) cell line.

PTC cell line was treated by different concentrations of extract and paclitaxel for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cytotoxicity was examined through Trypan blue and clonogenic assays. Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) staining was used for detecting apoptotic cells. The observations were statistically tabulated and analyzed. 

The Trypan blue staining results suggested that hydro-alcoholic extract had a cytotoxic effect on PTC cells. Our results of AO/EB staining revealed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of Hull-Less Seed Pumpkin (HLSP) in the concentration of ≥100 μl/mL induced significant apoptosis in the PTC cultured cell (P<0.05). In addition, the AO/EB staining data suggested an increase in the number of apoptotic cells with increasing the concentration of extract and paclitaxel. The clonogenic assay results indicated a decrease in colonies by increasing the concentration. Comparing the groups treated by paclitaxel or HLSP extract, with the control group revealed significant differences between them (P<0.05).

The HLSP extract had a cytotoxic effect on the human PTC cell line. Based on the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs, this extract can be considered as a beneficial agent for PTC treatment.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of fertigation with different levels of nutrient solutions and different irrigation regimes on water productivity (ratio of yield to water containing nutrients) in greenhouse lily cultivation. The experiment was conducted in two years at the University of Guilan. In the first year, the best treatment was determined among four different concentrations of nutrient solution according to Coic solution including S1, S2, S3, and S4. The results of mean comparison showed that S1 treatment (treatment with the highest concentration of nutrients) had a positive effect on most vegetative, reproductive, and postharvest characteristics of lily. In the second year, with appropriate nutrient solution and three different levels including S11, S12, and S13, different irrigation regimes according to field capacity percent (%FC) were considered. Four different irrigation regimes including 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% FC were applied. The results of the second experiment showed that application of deficit irrigation treatments including 90%, 80%, and 70% of FC increased water productivity without any significant effects on the vegetative and reproductive characteristics. The results also showed that irrigation treatments had significant effects on traits such as vase life, which was increased by decreasing water consumption and increasing nutrient concentration. Regarding the vegetative characteristics of lily plants, the data showed that traits such as fresh and dry weights of roots, leaves, and flowers were positively affected by decreasing irrigation levels and increasing concentration of nutrient solution, while plant height and both number and weight of daughter bulbs were not affected by these treatments. The highest water productivity (nutrients solutions) was obtained in the S3 and 80% FC, being 21.57 kg/m3.

Mycorrhiza is one of the most common and oldest symbiotic associations in the plants. These funguses are considered to be essential factors in the soil and plant system which symbiosis with roots of more than 97% of the plants. Nowadays it is known that mycorrhizal fungus increase host plant growth by in direct ways such as improving plant nutrition by absorbing nutrients, as well as increasing water absorption and indirect way such as reducing biologic and non-biologic stress. Pine trees are the most popular trees in the landscape and forests, which have compulsory symbiosis with ectomycorrhizal fungi. Several studies have been done to development symbiosis of ectomycorrhiza in sterile conditions, as well as to investigate the effect of this system on plants, but so far no studies have been done to investigate the symbiosis of three types of ectomycorrhizal fungi (Cantharellus cibarius, Amanita caesarea and Boletus edulis) and bacteria (Bacillus cereus) with black pine.

This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments were included: Control, B. cereus, the ectomycorrhiza funguses of Cantharellus, Boletus and Amanita and combined treatments (bacterial+ fungi). Seedlings were inoculated with fungi and bacteria after 60 days; then, the traits were evaluated after 15 months. The traits were included: root mycorrhization percent, plant height, stem diameter, stem and root dry weight, chlorophyll content and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.

Mycorrhization at 1% probability was significantly influenced by applied treatments. The highest (61.32%) and lowest (14%) percentage of mycorrhization respectively were obtained by Boletus+Bacillus and Cantharellus. The uptake of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus elements, Atotal chlorophyll, plant height and root and stem dry weight were significantly affected by treatments; while, there were not observed significant difference between treatments in case of stem diameter, calcium uptake and chlorophyll b. All combination treatments (bacterial+fungi) dramatically increased plant height, stem dry weight, total chlorophyll and the absorption of potassium and nitrogen compared with control. Also the treatments of Boletus+Bacillus and Amanita+Bacillus had positivity effects on increment of phosphorus uptake, Chlorophyll a and root dry weight. In case of individual treatments, the results showed that only Boletus was effective in improving the stem dry weight and potassium and phosphorus uptake. In the case of separate treatments, the results indicated that only Boletus fungus was effective in increasing stem dry weight and potassium and phosphorus absorption. In other case there were no significant difference between control and other treatments. The highest and lowest values of evaluated traits respectively were obtained by Boletus+Bacillus and control.

The results conclusively suggest that all ectomycorrhizal fungus especially Boletus had a symbiosis with P. nigra. This symbiosis was improved by mycorrhiza helper bacteria and co-inoculated of B. cereus with all fungi had more positive effects on increasing of mycorrhization, nutrient uptake and growth of P. nigra.

In this study, the effects of deficit irrigation along with a foliar application of silicon on growth, yield, and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv BHN) were evaluated. This experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications. Tomato plants were planted in pots containing coco-peat and perlite (80:20 v/v). The plants were treated with different irrigation levels (60, 80, and 100% full irrigation) and different levels of silicon (0, 100, and 200 mg L-1). Results showed that with an increase in irrigation levels vegetative growth and fruit quality was improved. The highest plant height and fruit number were found in 100% water requirement. Application of 200 mg L-1 silicon significantly increased fruit number and yield in 60% deficit irrigation. Deficit irrigation significantly increased catalase and peroxidase enzyme activity. The application of 100 mg L-1 silicon could increase TSS in 80% deficit irrigation. Overall, it seems that foliar application of silicon (200 mg L-1) could alleviate the negative effects of drought stress in tomato and improved growth, yield, and fruit quality under drought stress conditions.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of different levels of vermicompost on quantity and quality of Lilium longiflorum LA hybrid cv. Dynamix, in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments include 0 (control), 20%, 35%, 50%, and 65% of vermicompost pot (V/V) in 70% cocopeat and 30% perlite of bed culture under greenhouse conditions. Once the buds’ color change from bold green to colorless green, cut flowers are removed from various treatments and the flower’s inflorescence is studied in the laboratory. Results show that fresh weight of Lilium in low-level vermicompost surpass the other treatments, especially the 20% one. Qualitative parameters such as chlorophyll, protein leaf, anthocyanin, and total soluble solid of the petal have had a significant increase in all vermicompost treatments, compared to the control. Overall result examination of this study indicates the 20% vermicompost treatment has been more suitable, thanks to its superior moisture preservation at plant shoots as well as the improvement of some morphologic traits like the number of flowers as well as addition of leaf area, which contributes to the cultivation of better quality Lilium LA hybrid flower.