mehrdad mahlooji

An experiment was carried out to determine the effects of chelated zinc and nanoscale zinc oxide particles on tolerance salinity of barley. In the experiment, barley seeds were treated with different concentrations of chelated zinc (Zn-Chelated) and nanoscale zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO), and the effects of these treatments on seed germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, grain filling, and yield were studied. The inhibitory effect of nanoparticles and chelated zinc (1.5 ppm) was discovered.The results emphasize that water can be supplied to the barley followed by Zn-Chelated application with 0.5 ppm to get the desired results. With increasing salinity stress, seed germination and seedling vigor decreased sharply, so the highest obtained from control treatment and the lowest obtained from a salinity level of 18 dS m-1. The genotypes respond differently to salinity levels and alkaline soils. It seems that the Khatam genotype has more tolerance to salinity conditions. Consequently, an experiment was conducted in a strip-plot design with three replications. Based on the correlation coefficients, the kernel number per spike (KNS) showed the highest correlation with the grain yield in barley genotypes, followed by grain filling rate (GFR), maximum grain weight (MGW), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), number of spikes (NS), and saturation water deficit (SWD), respectively. Thus, not only a higher KNS and TKW, but also GFR, MGW, and proline in aboveground plant parts are crucial for successful tolerance in barley. These findings indicate that these agrophysiological traits could be key factors and useful tools for screening many samples in a short time.

Barley is one of the most important sources of livestock feed and is tolerant to drought and salinity. Salinity of water and soil resources is one of the most important agricultural problems in Iran. In salinity conditions, the availability of nutrients in the soil solution is reduced due to the high concentration of chlorine and sodium ions, which leads to disturbance in the nutrition and upsetting of the balance of plant nutrients. Therefore, the role of proper nutrition in these conditions is very important to help maintain the balance of nutritional elements and provide the proper growth and plant performance (Ahmadi et al., 2006). Due to the reduction of fresh water resources and the increase of fresh water consumption on the other hand, the access to water with suitable quality for agriculture is very limited (Mahlooji et al., 2018). It is obvious that in such conditions, it is inevitable to use water of poor quality for the production of agricultural products. Therefore, the current research was conducted with the aim of studying the effect of chelate and nanozinc solution spraying on the yield and growth indices of three barley cultivars under irrigation water salinity conditions. In order to investigate the effect of irrigation water salinity and foliar application of chelate and zinc nano oxide on yield and some growth indices of barley cultivars, an experiment in the form of a randomized complete block design with arrangement of split blocks with three replications at the station Rodasht salinity research was conducted in Isfahan.Three water irrigation quality including w1=control, 1-2 dS/m (low salinity), W2=10 dS/m (common salinity in the region), W3=18 dS/m (high salinity) were evaluated in vertical factors. The horizontal factors were foliar spraying including (nano zinc-oxide, chelated zinc, mixture of nano and chelated and water spraying as a control). Three different barley including (Morocco as a moderate semi sensitive, Nosrat as a moderate tolerant and Khatam as a tolerant) cultivars spilted within vertical factors. Statistical analyzes and graphs were performed using SAS and Excel software and comparisons of means were performed using LSD test. The results showed that with increasing salinity of irrigation water, grain yield, dry weight (DM), crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA) decreased. Foliar application of Zinc element compared with no Zinc increased TDM, RGR, CGR, LAR and grain yield. Khatam cultivar was superior to Morocco cultivar due to its DM, RGR, CGR, LAR, SLA and higher grain yield.Among physiological indices, SLA showed a positive and significant correlation with grain yield (r2 = 0.97). Overall, in order to increase plant growth indices as well as grain yield of barley under salinity irrigation water, foliar application of zinc fertilizer and the use of Khatam cultivar (salt-tolerant) is recommended. In general, the results showed that with increasing irrigation water salinity, grain yield, total dry weight, crop growth rate, leaf area ratio and specific leaf area of ​​barley decreased. Foliar application of zinc element compared to check (control) caused an increase in dry weight, relative growth rate, crop growth rate and leaf area ratio, and grain yield. Khatam variety was more tolerant to salinity due to its dry weight, relative growth rate, product growth rate and leaf area ratio, specific leaf area and grain yield compared to other varieties. It seems that the absorption of zinc from the soil by the plant roots is disturbed in the saline irrigation conditions, so the plant has shown a positive and appropriate reaction to the foliar application of zinc, which ultimately increases the growth and yield. He brought the plant with him. In general, it seems that in order to increase the growth indices and also the yield of barley grain under irrigation water salinity conditions, foliar feeding with zinc fertilizer and the use of Khatam variety are recommended.

The genotype and environment interaction is one of the main challenges in the breeding of different crop plants and causes different genotypes to perform differently under different environments. Assessment of genotypes and environment interaction for quantitative traits such as grain yield is very important for development of new improved cultivars.

Nineteen barley promising lines together with a commercial barley cultivar (cv. Behrokh as check) were evaluated across eight agricultural research stations in Karaj, Varamin, Neishabour, Mashhad, Birjand, Yazd, Isfahan and Shiraz (Zarghan) in 2020-21 and 2021-22 cropping seasons. Combined analysis of variance was performed for grain yield, andGGE bi-plot graphic analysis used fore the assessment of grain yield stability of barley promising lines.

The results of combined analysis of variance showed that the effects of location, genotype, year × location and genotype × year × location interaction effect were significant on grain yield. Mean comparison, using LSD test, showed that promising lines; No. 3, No. 4, No. 11, No. 12 and No. 13 with grain yield of 6673, 6663, 6412, 6340 and 6249 kg.ha-1, respectively, were high yielding compared with cv. Behrokh as well as others. The grain yield stability analysis facilitated to identify promising lines with with high grain yield and yield stability. In the first year lines; No. 3, No. 4 and No. 11, in the second year lines; No. 4 and No. 12 and in the two years lines; No. 3 and No. 4 were close to the ideal genotype.

Barley promising lines; No. 3 and No.4 were identified as high yielding with high yield stability. These promising lines are adapted to temperate agro-climatic condition in Iran and can be used in irrigated barley breeding programs. Of the eight test locations, Karaj was the most discriminative and representative environment. Therefore, this location can be recommended as a suitable test location for the selection of superior genotypes adapted temperate agro-climate conditions in Iran.

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important staple foods in the world. Currently, it is the staple food of more than 3.5 billion people, i.e., about 50% of the world population (IRRI, 2012). Puddled transplanting is the major system of rice planting in many parts of the world. This method is labor -intensive and requires a large amount of water. The Dry direct-seeded rice method, which does not need puddling and transplanting and in which the seeds are directly sown in tilled or no-tilled soil, is a feasible alternative to save water and labor. Water scarcity is the biggest challenge facing the production of agricultural products in Isfahan province, and currently more than 5,000 hectares of agricultural land are under rice cultivation. this research was carried out to investigate the effects of irrigation management on yield and water productivity in different planting methods of rice in the Lanjan region of Isfahan.

In order to investigate three rice planting methods, a field study was conducted using a split plot design based on a randomized complete block with three replications in the Lenjan region of Isfahan during 2019. The main plots included three rice planting methods Conventional flooding as a control (C1), dry seeding with drip irrigation (C2), and transplanting with integrated irrigation (C3). Two rice genotypes, Sazandegi and line No. 2, were considered sub -plots. During plant growth, the amount of irrigation water was calculated and applied based on the cumulative evaporation from the Class A evaporation pan. Using class A pan evaporation at the project site, the amount of daily evaporation was calculated by considering the relevant coefficients. The amount of irrigation water was calculated. Statistical analyses and graphs were performed using SAS and Excel software, and comparisons of means were performed using the LSD test.

The results showed that there were significant differences (5%) between genotype and planting methods in terms of grain yield and water consumption. However, the interaction between planting methods and genotypes was not significant (5%). The conventional flooding method (C1) by using 21008.3 m3.ha-1 water, which was 70% more than dry seeded with drip irrigation (C2) and 21% more than transplanting with integrated irrigation (C3), had the highest grain yield (4709.7 kg ha-1). This amount was 21% more than treatment (C2) and 37% more than treatment (C3). In treatment (C2), physical water productivity was 0.314 kg/m3, which was 29% more than in treatment (C1) and 11% more than in treatment (C3). Sazandegi used 200 m3.ha-1 water more than Line 2 and produced a higher grain yield (608 kg ha-1), while the physical water productivity of both varieties was the same.The results showed that the interaction between planting methods and genotype had a significant effect on  the number of tillers per square meter, the number of panicles per square meter, and plant height. The highest number of tillers (65) per square meter, panicle length (22.2 cm), and plant height (109.7 cm) were obtained in the conventional flooding method (C1) in Sazandegi. Also, the lowest plant height (80.5 cm in rice line No. 2) and number of tillers per square meter (41.3 and 46) were obtained in the dry seeded method with drip irrigation (C2) in Sazandegi and line No. 2, respectively, but the minimum panicle length (17.5 cm in line 2) was obtained in the transplanting method with integrated irrigation (C3).The effects of the interaction of planting methods × genotype on the number of panicles per square meter, number of grains per panicle, and 1000 grain weight were significant (1%). The means comparison showed that in the C1 treatment, the number of grains per panicle and the grain weight were higher than in C2 and C3. While the lowest number of panicles per square meter, number of grains per panicle, and 1000 grain weight were observed in C3, By reducing the amount of water consumed in the C2 and C3 treatments, the grain weight of the genotype increased compared to C1. The higher grain yield in treatment C1 can be attributed to the absence of drought stress, as well as the higher number of full grains per panicle and 1000 grain weight.

According to the results, the conventional flooding method is recommended with no water limitation. Despite the higher performance of the conventional flooding method, due to the water scarcity in Isfahan province, the dry -seeded method with drip irrigation and the Sazandegi cultivar is recommended and can be replaced in the future.

This experiment was performed to investigate the effects of drought stress and nitrogen fertilizer on yield, yield components and some physiological characteristics of four wheat cultivars.

The experiment was carried out in double split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology. Experimental factors include two irrigation regimes (irrigation 100 and 50% of plant water requirement for normal and drought stress, respectively), two levels of nitrogen fertilizer (soil content and use of 150 kg urea per hectare) and wheat cultivars (Pishtaz, Bahar, Sepahan and Star).

Drought stress decreased grain and biomass yield by decreasing the content of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and leaf relative water content as well as increasing the amount of ion leakage. The use of nitrogen under normal irrigation conditions increased grain and biomass yield, but under drought stress conditions increased biomass and decreased grain yield. Pishtaz cultivar had the highest grain yield (4710 kg / ha), and Star cultivar had the highest amount of biomass (11639 kg / ha). Also, the highest grain and biomass yield were observed in normal irrigation and nitrogen treatment.

The use of nitrogen to increase yield depends on the amount of water available to the plant, and under drought stress conditions, the use of nitrogen is not only a good way to reduce the impact of water stress and yield, but also intensify stress and reduce grain yield of studied wheat cultivars.

Zinc is an essential low-use element involved in the activity of various enzymes. Carbonic anhydrase, which catalyzes the reversible conversion of carbon dioxide and water into carbonic acid, contains zinc and requires zinc for its activity. Zinc plays a role in protein metabolism, gene expression, structural and functional integrity of biological membranes and photosynthetic carbon metabolism.
The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the foliar application of zinc sulfate fertilizer on the amount of proline and zinc element in leaves and the yield of barley cultivars under saline water irrigation conditions.
This research was done according split plots experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was carried out in the Station of Agricultural Research in Kabutrabad, Isfahan. Zinc sulfate application three levels (0, 0.5 and 1%) as the main factor and three cultivars (Armaghan (sensitive to stress), Goharan (tolerant to drought) and Mehr (tolerant to salinity)) were considered as secondary factor.
The highest content of zinc in leaves (45.9 mg.kg-1) and number of seeds per spike (37.2) was observed with 1% zinc sulfate solution in Mehr cultivar. With 1% zinc sulfate foliar application, Mehr and Goharan cultivars had more leaf proline, 21.3% and 15.3%, respectively, compared to Armaghan cultivar. Foliar appkication of zinc sulfate with a concentration of 1% in Mehr, Goharan and Armaghan cultivars significantly increased seed yield by 22.2, 25.7 and 0.29%, respectively, compared to no foliar application of sulfate fertilizer.
In general, the results of the research showed that under irrigation water salinity conditions, Mehr varieity was superior to Gohran and Armaghan cultivars in terms of seed yield in response to zinc sulfate application.

Salinity stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses in the arid and semi-arid areas of the world. To identify superior genotypes of barley with high grain performance and stability under salinity stress conditions, 18 promising genotypes along with two local checks (Mehr cultivar and MBS-97-6 line) were investigated in three saline regions (Yazd, Isfahan, and Birjand) in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 cropping seasons. Based on the results of means comparison, genotypes G19, G17, G1 (Check 1), G20 (Check 2), G4 and G8 genotypes showed the highest grain yield compared to the other genotypes. The results of the GGE biplot analysis indicated that the first two principal components in total and in averaged data of two years, accounted for 49.29% and 21.6%, 60.42% and 25.8% of the total variation of grain yield, respectively. The vertex genotypes were identified as G1, G2, G10, G11, G17, G18, G19 and G20. Isfahan had representativeness ability and was identified as the ideal location for the selection of superior genotypes. On the basis of results, genotypes Rojo/3/LB.Iran/Una8271//Gloria”S”/Com”S”/4/Kavir (G4), Roho / Mazorka // Trompilo /3/ Lignee527/Nk1272 // Jlb70-63 (G20) and Manal / Alanda-01 // 1-BC-0152 /4/ Rojo /3/ LB.Iran / Una8271 // Gloria”S” / Com”S”(G8) were recognized as the closest genotypes to the ideal genotype. Genotypes G4 and G20 were recognized as the best genotypes for cultivation in Yazd and G8 was recognized as the best genotype for cultivation in Isfahan and Birjand.

In most developed nations, pumpkin-naked seed (Cucurbita pepo convar. Pepo var. Styriaca) is regarded as one of the most important and valuable plants in the pharmaceutical industry. In traditional and modern medicine, pumpkin-naked seed oil is used to treat a variety of diseases, including prostate hypotrophy, prevention of irregular heart contractions, and treatment of intestinal worms, as well as gastritis, atherosclerosis, decreased blood cholesterol, and decreased risk of bladder and kidney stones. Due to the fact that the environmental conditions for the growth of this plant are rarely optimal and the plants are subjected to a variety of stresses due to the influence of living and nonliving factors, plant yield is diminished relative to plant growth potential. The most significant non-living stress on plant growth and yield is typically drought, especially in arid and semiarid regions of the world such as Iran. About half of the world's agricultural lands are affected by drought stress. Drought stress has caused significant damage to the agricultural sector. Due to the importance of irrigation water in agriculture and the impact of drought stress on crop growth and yield, methods should be implemented to prevent water loss and improve the management of water resources in agriculture, which mitigates the effects of drought stress to some extent. Among these techniques is the use of plastic mulch. The use of plastic mulch in the cultivation of agricultural products for the purpose of increasing soil moisture by reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the soil surface and preventing water evaporation, reducing weeds in the field, and minimizing the damage caused by certain pests. Some crop yields have increased in agriculture throughout the world. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different irrigation levels and the use of plastic mulch on pumpkin-naked seed yield and yield components, growth indices, light consumption efficiency, and oil content as the most important quality traits. This study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, during 2015-2016 growing season using a split plot design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. The treatments consisted of three irrigation levels (50, 75, and 100 percent water demand) as the main plot and two mulch surfaces (presence and absence of mulch) as the subplot. At the end of the growing season, yield and its components were evaluated.  The use of plastic mulch for non-stress irrigation (irrigation 100percent water requirement) increased the number of seeds per plant by 5.7% and the relative water content of leaves by 12.8%, but had no significant effect on other traits. However, under mild stress conditions (irrigation of 75% of water requirement), all studied traits except relative growth rate increased, with grain yield (97.3%) having the greatest effect. Also, under conditions of severe stress (irrigation of 50% of water requirement), the use of plastic mulch had the greatest effect on grain yield (312%) but no effect on crop growth rate or relative crop growth rate. In general, the results indicated that maintaining soil moisture and irrigation based on the plant's water requirements can play a significant role in enhancing pumpkin growth and yield. In addition, it was observed that irrigation at 75% of the plant's water requirement and the use of plastic mulch produced the greatest yield, light consumption efficiency, growth indices, and oil content. Therefore, the use of plastic mulch is an effective method for reducing the amount of water a plant consumes in conditions of dehydration.

To evaluate the effect of salinity stress and Zinc application on grain filling of three barley cultivars and some physiological traits this this experiment was arranged as a split block in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Esfahan (Rodasht) salinity research station (2013-14). Three water quality treatments including (2, 10 and 18 dS/m) were evaluated in vertical factors. The horizontal factors were foliar spraying including (nano zinc-oxide, chelated zinc, mixture of nano and chelated zinc and water spraying as a control). Three different barley cultivars including (Morocco, Nosrat and Khatam) spilted within vertical factors. The results showed that with increasing salinity irrigation water, grain filling period, minimum and maximum fluorescence and maximum grain weight decreased, and eventually the grain yield decreased. To moderate salinity (10 ds/m), foliar application of Zinc fertilizer in all experimental cultivars increased grain yield. Khatam cultivar had the highest chlorophyll index (46.7), minimum (61.9) and maximum fluorescence (314.2) and maximum grain weight (0.0367 gr). At high salinity, Zinc application was produced the lowest amount of proline by Nosrat (141.4 μmole/g) and Khatam (201.8 μmole/g) cultivars. With increasing salinity, Zinc application was produced high amount of peroxidase anzyme at Nosrat and Khatam cultivars. At high salinity, grain yield was related to cultivar and kind of Zinc fertilizer. At this salinity level, foliar application with Zinc was reduced grain yield of Morocco cultivar but, foliar application of zinc chelate in Khatam cultivar (2622.7 kg/ha) and Nosrat cultivar (2454.7 kg/ha) had the highest grain yield. It seems that the use of zinc element under salinity stress conditions increased plant tolerance to stress by increasing grain-filling rate, grain-filling duration, maximum grain weight and peroxidase enzyme content. As a result, the plantchr('39')s tolerance to stress increase reduces the amount of proline and ultimately increases grain yield.

Salinity limits production in the world and affects 19.5% of water lands. It is estimated that between 18 and 27 million hectares (10 to 15%) of Iran's land has salinity problems (Mahlooji et al., 2018); therefore, salinity of water and soil resources is one of the most important agricultural problems in Iran. Salinity is one of the major abiotic environmental stresses, which affects almost every aspect of plant life and significantly reduces crop yield and quality. Thus it is a serious threat to agricultural productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The response of plants to salinity depends on several factors such as growth and developmental stage, severity, duration of stress, and cultivar genetics (Seyed Sharifi et al., 2017). Nutrient availability is decreased in saline conditions because of high concentration of sodium, chloride and sometimes calcium ions in soil solution and plant nutrient balance is changed. These saline water sources reduce absorption, impair growth and deficiency of nutrients in the plant, including zinc. Recent studies have shown that the use of zinc sulfate and zinc nanoxide is effective due to the improvement of photosynthetic pigments and the plant's ability to tolerate salinity stress. Zinc micronutrients under salinity stress conditions increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, proline accumulation and soluble sugars and chlorophyll content and play an essential role in improving plant growth. As a result, under these conditions, proper and adequate nutrition play an important role in maintaining nutrient balance and crop improvement (Ahmadi et al., 2006). In this regard, the aim of this research was to study the effects of zinc foliar application and saline water on growth indices and grain yield in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars.

The experiment was conducted in a strip split block design with three replications at Esfahan (Rodasht) drainage and salinity research station in 2012-14. Three water irrigation quality treatments including W1=check, 1-2 dS/m (low salinity), W2=10 dS/m (a common salinity in the region), W3=18 dS/m (high salinity) were evaluated as vertical factor. The horizontal factors were foliar spraying including (Nano zinc-oxide, Chelated zinc, mixture of nano and chelated and water spraying as a check). Three different barley cultivars including (Moroco=moderate semi salt sensitive, Nosrat=moderate salt tolerant and Khatam= salttolerant) were spilted within the vertical factors. Data were analyzed using SAS software and the means were compared by Lsmeans test at 5% probability level.

The results showed that with increasing salinity of irrigation water, yield and grain yield components decreased. Foliar application of zinc chelate increased the number of spikes, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield. Khatam cultivar was the most salt tolerant, Nosrat cultivar was semi-tolerant to salinity and Morocco cultivar was more sensitive to salinity. Triple interaction (salinity * foliar application * cultivar) was significant on the all traits in the two years of the experiment (except for number of seeds per spike in the first year). That being the case, effects slicing was performed. With increasing salinity to moderate level (10 dS / m), the advantage of using a mixture of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc chelate (in the first year) and zinc chelate (in the second year) became apparent in which it had a positive effect on grain yield of barley cultivars. Under excessive salinity (18 dS / m), no foliar application (in the first year) and the foliar application of zinc chelate (in the second year) were found to be the most appropriate treatments.

It seems that the second year of research was closer to normal conditions (in terms of long-term annual meteorological data) and could be considered more representative of the real condition in the region where the foliar application of zinc fertilizer and the use of salt tolerant cultivar (Khatam) is recommended.

Quantifying genotype × environment interaction effect and yield stability under different environmental conditions is very important challenge in plant breeding programs. The aim of this study was to quantify genotype × environment interaction effect on grain yield and grain yield stability of barley promising lines in temperate regions of Iran. Nineteen promising barley lines (G1-G19) along with one check cultivar (Behrokh), were evaluated at eight agricultural research stations (Karaj, Varamin, Birjand, Neishabour, Mashhad, Zarghan, Isfahan and Yazd) in 2016-17 and 2017-18 cropping cycles. The experimental design at all locations was randomized complete block with three replications. Combined analysis of variance and grain yield stability and compatibility analysis performed using GGE biplot method. The results of GGE biplot showed that the first component and second component explained 30.16% and 28.22% (overall 58.38%) of the total variation, respectively. The average grain yield of barley promising lines in all field stations varied from 5208 to 5870 kg.ha-1. In GGE biplot polygon, superior genotypes were identified in each mega environment. Among environments, Karaj could be considered as the closest environment to the ideal environment. Comparison of barley promising lines with ideal genotype identified G7 as the closest genotype to ideal genotype. Also the closest genotypes to G7 were G5, G13, G20 and G4. These barley promising lines had high grain yield, wide adaptation and grain yield stability in temperate regions of Iran. Among these genotypes, promising line(s) that maintained high grain yield and desirable agronomic characteristics compared to control cultivar can be selected as candidate line(s) for further verification in on-farm trials, and if proved superior for being released as commercial cultivars.

An experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University, as a randomized complete block design with four replications to investigate the effect of ultrasonic waves and seed priming on some quality traits of cowpea under soil application of trifluralin. Nine treatments were: T1: control, T2: ultrasonic waves, T3: ultrasonic waves + reduced herbicide dose (1 L ha-1), T4: ultrasonic waves + recommended herbicide dose (2 L ha-1), T5: hydro-priming, T6: hydro-priming + reduced herbicide dose, T7: hydro-priming + recommended herbicide dose, T8: reduced herbicide dose, T9: recommended herbicide dose. The results showed that the effect of treatments was significant on all traits except leaf phosphorus. The maximum chlorophyll a (1.30 mg g-1 FW), carotenoid (1.82 mg g-1 FW), leaf relative water content (79.9 %), and leaf nitrogen (3.97%) were obtained in ultrasonic treatment, which resulted in a significant increase of 28.7, 22.1, 7.9, and 18.5 percent, respectively, in comparison to the control. In comparison to the ultrasonic treatment, ultrasonic waves + recommended herbicide dose reduced chlorophyll b, RWC, and leaf nitrogen by 29.3, 21.1, and 35.3 percent, respectively. In comparison to herbicide application alone, the combination of ultrasonic waves and the recommended herbicide dose reduced chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll by 29.7 and 22.2 percent, respectively. Overall, the results of the present study showed that pretreating cowpea seeds with ultrasonic waves could increase photosynthesis pigments, relative water content, and leaf N (in the absence of herbicide use).

In order to investigate the effect of foliar application on some physiological indicators of growth of barley cultivars, a study in the form of split plots in the form of complete randomized block design with three replications was performed at Kabutar Abad Agricultural Research Station in Isfahan in 2017-2018 cropping year. Treatments included five levels of foliar application ie: no foliar application, zinc sulfate, potassium sulfate, salicylic acid and superoxide dismutase in the tillering phase with an interval of seven days and in three turns, in the main plots and cultivar factor including Goharan, Mehr and Armaghan were placed in the sub-plots. Irrigation was complete and limited. The results showed that foliar application of zinc sulfate increased the leaf area index (50%), relative growth rate (11%), leaf area ratio (54%) and grain yield (18%) compared to the control and the highest leaf area index and leaf area ratio were obtained by the Armaghan cultivar. The highest total dry matter (1027 g.m-2) content and crop growth rate (24.17 g.m-2.day-1) were obtained by salicylic acid and the highest net absorption rate (10.99 g.m-2.day-1) was obtained by control solution. During the growing season, the highest amount of total dry matter, crop growth rate, net absorption rate and relative growth rate were produced by Goharan cultivar compared to other cultivars, which indicates the optimal use of environmental conditions and higher yield production.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses and variables restricting the successful production of plant products around the world, with negative consequences for plant development and other metabolic processes. The effect of nutrient management (control, 0.5 percent K2SO4, 0.5 percent ZnSO4, and 1.5 Mm salicylic acid) on physiological parameters, antioxidant activities, and grain yield responses of three barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars (Armaghan, Goharan, and Mehr) were examined under salinity stress (1 and 12 dS/m of salinty). Salinity stress considerably lowers growth, yield components, and grain yield, according to the findings. The number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight of all cultivars tested increased after foliar application of salicylic acid. ZnSO4, K2SO4, and salicylic acid influenced grain and biological yields. At a salinity of 12 dS/m, foliar treatment of ZnSO4, K2SO4, and salicylic acid boosted peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase while decreasing hydrogen peroxidase and malondialdehyde. Under the influence of foliar application, the relative water content increased by 12 percent, while the leaf water potential dropped by 8 percent. Salicylic acid treatment had a stronger impact on Mehr cultivar yield and physiological parameters than ZnSO4 or K2SO4. These findings revealed that under the impact of salicylic acid, the Mehr cultivar was more appropriate than other cultivars.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses because it causes zinc to precipitate in an unusable form for plants and is influenced by saline-calcareous soils. This experiment was carried out in a strip split block design with three replications at the Esfahan Rodasht Drainage and Salinity Research Station to investigate the effects of agrophysiological responses of barley genotypes to zinc fertilization and water saline irrigation. As vertical factors, water irrigation quality at three levels, 2, 10, and 18, dS/m, were used. Fertilizer application included Nano zinc-oxide, zinc-chelate, a mixture of Nano zinc-oxide and zinc-chelate, and water as a control. Within vertical factors, three different barley genotypes are arranged, including Morocco (moderate semi-sensitive), Nosrat (moderate tolerant), and Khatam (tolerant). The results showed that the application of Zn-chelate fertilizer resulted in the highest grain yield, K+ concentration, and K+/Na+ ratio in shoots. In Khatam, stomatal conductance (gs), the maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), K+ and Zn2+ concentrations, and the K+/Na+ ratio were all higher than in Morocco. In comparison to Morocco, Khatam had lower Na+ and Ca2++Na+ contents. Furthermore, as salinity stress increased, all barley genotypes showed a decreasing trend in K+ content and the K+/Na+ ratio in shoots.

To understand the agrophysiological barley associated with flag leaf temperature and canopy light interception under salinity and zinc foliar application (ZnFA), a field experiment was conducted in a strip-plot design with three replications in Isfahan, Iran. Saline irrigation water in three levels [2 (low), 10 (moderate) and 18 (high) dS m-1] were applied as vertical factors. Three barley genotypes [‘Morocco’ (salt-sensitive), ‘Nosrat’ (semi-salt-tolerant) and ‘Khatam’ (salt-tolerant)] were arranged within the vertical factors. The horizontal factors were four ZnFA [Nano-ZnO, Zn-EDTA, simultaneous applications of (Nano-ZnO + Zn-EDTA), and water (control)]. With increasing  salinity, light interception (LI), maximal efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll content (SPAD), relative water content (RWC),  number of spike (NS), kernel number per spike (KNS), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), and grain yield (GY) decreased, but electrolyte leakage (EL), flag leaf temperature (FLT) and proline  increased. Nano-ZnO had the highest EL and the lowest FLT, RWC, NS and KNS. Zn-EDTA application provided the highest LI, RWC, TKW and GY, and the lowest proline. Minus zinc application (check) had minimum LI, Fv/Fm, SPAD and GY. The tolerant genotype had maximum LI, proline, SPAD, RWC, KNS and GY, and minimum FLT, EL, NS and TKW. Overall, it was concluded that Zn-EDTA can be as a proper tool for increasing barley yield under salinity stress conditions. Likewise, this study has highlighted the close relationships existing between GY with, TKW (r= 0.89**), KNS (r= 0.46**), RWC (0.45**), NS (r= 0.36**), FLT (r= -0.32**), EL (r= -0.21**), and SPAD (r= 0.20**). These findings indicated that these physiological traits could be key factors, tools for screening, and provide useful information about stress tolerance mechanisms, which could be useful to plant breeders for selecting and developing salt-tolerant genotypes.

Barley is the fourth largest cereal crop in the world and the second cereal crop in Iran in supplying food needs. Considering population growth and food shortages, it is important to look at ways to increase production. Seeds of higher quality and vigor emerge better when exposed to biotic and abiotic stresses and have stronger seedlings with higher vigor. It seems that one of the appropriate strategies for reducing or moderating the effect of stress on yield is foliar application with micronutrients which can also affect germination and vigor of the produced seeds. For this purpose, the effect of water stress and foliar application on germination characteristics and vigor of barley seeds was investigated. 

A factorial experiment was carried out based on CRD with four replications on the seeds resulted from a field experiment at Isfahan Kaboutarabad Agricultural Research Station, during the cropping year of 2018-19.  The main factors was foliar application at five levels: no foliar application(water use), zinc sulfate (0.5%), potassium sulfate (0.5%) and salicylic acid (1.5 mM), and superoxide dismutase (3 mg/liter) at the start of tillering for three times at seven day intervals and the sub-factor was genotypes was Goharan (drought tolerant), Mehr (salt-tolerant) and Armaghan (stress-sensitive). After harvesting, germination traits were evaluated.

Foliar application of maternal barley plant at the late season drought stress had a significant effect on root and shoots length, root and shoot dry weight, length and weight vigor indices, allometric coefficient and germination uniformity of seed. Also among the studied cultivars in late season irrigation cut off conditions, Goharan cultivar had a better shoot and root development (seedling vigor weight index) and higher seed germination uniformity.

Foliar application of potassium sulfate and zinc sulfate on different barley cultivars resulted in favorable metabolic conditions in seed and due to better root development and higher dry weight than stem development and as a result, higher allometric coefficient and better establishment under late season drought stress, may provide better growth conditions under drought stress conditions.

Goharan barley cultivar responds more positively to foliar application under late season drought stress conditions. Foliar application of potassium sulfate, zinc sulfate and super oxidase superoxide on Goharan cultivar maternal plant under late season drought stress condition led to the highest seedling root length, root dry weight and shoot dry weight.

Application and nutrition of the maternal plant have a great role in germination and vigor of the produced seeds. In order to study the germination characteristics of barley native seeds obtained by application of different foliar application under saline irrigation (12 dS/m electrical conductivity), a factorial experiment with completely randomized design with three replications, was carried out at Isfahan Kaboutarabad Agricultural Research Station, in 2018-19. The first factor (foliar application) was in five levels: no foliar application, Zinc sulfate, Potassium sulfate, Salicylic acid and Superoxide dismutase at the beginning of tillering at 7 days interval and on three occasions. The second factor (barley cultivars) was Gohran, Mehr and Armaghan. Attributes such as germination percentage and rate, root length, shoot length, seedling vigor index, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, seedling vigor index, germination uniformity, and allometric coefficient was measured. Under saline water and different foliar application conditions, Mehr cultivar produced more radicle length, shoot length and seedling vigor index (except zinc sulfate). Seed longevity (root length, shoot length, seedling vigor index) appeared to be effective in selecting salinity tolerant cultivars. In foliar application of potassium sulfate, germination uniformity and germination rate of Mehr (salt tolerant) cultivar were higher than Armaghan (salt sensitive). The highest allometric coefficients of seed belonged to foliar application of potassium sulfate (0.85) and zinc sulfate (0.84) in Mehr (0.81) and Armaghane (0.83) cultivars.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that affect crops production in worldwide. In order to investigate of genotype, environment effect and interaction effect of genoytpe×environment on barley grain yield under salinity stress, 18 promising lines with two checks were evaluated at three salinity affected agricultural researche stations include Isfahan, Birjand and Yazd using Randomized Complete Blocks design with three replications for two cropping seasons (2012-2014). Results of combined analysis of variance of grain yield showed that the genotype and year×genotype×environment interaction effect were significant. AMMI model was used to investigate of interaction effect and identify stable genotypes. Analysis of variance of additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) showed that four IPCAs were significant and explained 92% of the total yield variation. In the base of results of mean comparison, AMMI stability value and genotype stability value, line No. 8 (L. 527/NK1272//JLB70-63/3/1-BC-80320) introduced as stable line with appropriate grain yield which could be used as new cultivar in salinity affected condition or for using in future breeding program and Khatam cultivar is identified as most unstable genotype.

This study was performed for determine stability of the 18 promising barley lines and two check lines Nosrat and MB-86-5 in Six parts of the temperate zone including Karaj، Isfahan، Birjand، Varamin، Zarghan and Nishapur based on randomized complete block design)RCBD (with three replications and in two cropping seasons (2009-2011). Following combined analysis، grain yield stability assessment was performed using graphical multivariate GGE biplot analysis. Genotypes 1، 2، 16، 5 had very high yield stability. This method was reveald three mega- environments including 1. Karaj، Varamin and Zarghan، 2. Nishapur and Birjand and 3. Isfahan. Superior genotypes 2، 16 and 5 identified for these three mega-environments، Results of this study showed genotype 2 (Kavir Kavir / / Badia Badia / 3 / Torsh Torsh /cr. 279-07/ / 9cr. 279-07 / Bgs Bgs /4/ / 4 / Karoon Karoon / / Kavir Kavir) with an average yield of 6. 626 tons per ha and genotype 16 (ZBL-2640) with an average yield of 6. 438 tons per ha as stable genotypes after check genotype1 with an average yield of 6. 492 tons per ha.

In order to selection of superior cold tolerant barley genotypes for cold regions of Esfahan province, this study was conducted with nine barley varieties/lines in Fereidan area, and in two successive years (2002-2004). The research was carried out in on-farm pattern experiment and in a CRB design. Results showed that grain yield and some of yield components affected by year, variety and their interactions, significantly. Positive and significant correlation observed between grain yields and numbers of spikes per square meter. Changes of numbers of spikes per square meter were main cause of grain yield variations. Grain yields correlated with thousand kernel weight, negatively and significantly. The grain yield of CB-74-2 barley line was the highest in all years, significantly. Also, the grain yield of IFN-12 and IFN-13 barley lines, selected from Esfahan province’s local varieties, were significantly higher than check variety (Makooii).