mohammadhossein aminifard

The annual herb Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fabaceae) is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. It is commonly known as Fenugreek and used as both a spice and medicinal plant. Fenugreek is used to treat many ailments due to the presence of various bioactive compounds, like apigenin, luteolin, orientin, quercetin, vitexin, isovitexin, saponins, amino acids, phenols, alkaloids, etc. Combining chemical and organic fertilizers offers a sustainable approach to nutrient management. This integrated strategy enhances the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers, fosters improved soil health, and minimizes nutrient loss from the system.Chicken manure is one of the types of animal manure and a source of organic matter to strengthen all types of soil. In addition to having nutrients, it is one of the cheap fertilizers compared to common fertilizers in the production of crops, and it is richer in nitrogen than other animal fertilizers. Potassium is a critical element for plant growth and development, playing a vital physiological role in plant health and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses.

To investigate the effect of chicken manure and potassium sulfate on yield and biochemical traits of the fenugreek medicinal plant, factorial research was conducted in the form of randomized complete block design in three replications in the crop year 2021-2022. Experimental treatments included chicken manure at three levels (0, 1000, and 2000 kg.ha-1) and potassium sulfate at four levels (0, 1.5, 3, and 5 per thousand). To determine the seed yield after full ripening, the seeds were collected from one plant in each plot, weighed, and recorded. Arnon's method was used to measure the pigments in the leaves at the full flowering stage of the plant. To measure the amount of total phenolic compounds in the leaf using the Folin Cicalto method, antioxidant using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, total sugar using anthrone method, total flavonoid using aluminum chloride reagent method was used in the full flowering stage of the plant.

This experiment revealed that chicken manure significantly boosted crop yield and improved most biochemical traits, with the exception of sugar and antioxidant content.The amount of antioxidant activity decreased with increasing levels of chicken manure and soluble sugar was not affected by this manure. Treatment of 2000 kg.h-1 chicken manure has the highest phenol with 10.793 mg.g-1 dry weight, flavonoid with 4.475 mg.g-1 dry weight, Chlorophyll a with 2.591 mg.g-1 of fresh weight, Chlorophyll b with 3.055 mg.g-1 of fresh weight, and seed yield with 1185.8 kg.h-1. Regarding the impact of Soluptas on biochemical traits, all except phenol and antioxidant content peaked at a concentration of three parts per thousand. Notably, these peak levels were statistically indistinguishable from those observed at five parts per thousand.Treatment of 5 per thousand Soluptas also increased 28% seed yield, 13% soluble sugar, 20% phenol, 31% flavonoid, and 97% chlorophyll b. In the interaction effect in the treatment, it was observed that the highest amount of the two fertilizers had the highest amount of yield and biochemical traits, except for the antioxidant, whose activity level decreased with the increase of fertilizer levels. The results showed that the highest amount of soluble sugar in fenugreek leaves was related to the level of no chicken fertilization with Soluptas 5 per thousand at the rate of 21.53 mg.g-1 dry weight. The highest levels of both treatments (2000 kg.h-1 of chicken manure and Soluptas 5 per thousand) caused an increase in grain yield (1396 kg.h-1), phenol (12.86 mg.g-1 DW), and chlorophyll b (3.62 mg.g-1 FW) compared to no fertilization (control level). The highest amount of chlorophyll a was related to the interaction of 2000 kg.h-1of chicken manure and Soluptas 3 per thousand at the rate of 3.11 mg.g-1 of fresh weight.

Overall, chicken manure exhibited the strongest positive influence on the greatest number of traits among the single treatments. When considering the combined effects, a combination of 2000 parts per thousand chicken manure and 5 parts per thousand Soluptas appears to be optimal for enhancing the fenugreek plant's properties.

This experiment was carried out to examine the impacts of glycine betaine (GB) and methionine (Met) on basil plants' biochemical and morphological traits in two experiments under greenhouse conditions at Guilan University, Iran.

Two completely randomized plans were used for the experiment, each involving three replications. The experiment factors during the first experiment were various amounts of GB (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg. L-1), and in the second experiment, we utilized four Met quantities (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1).

The results showed that GB utilized at 150 mg L-1 led to the maximum leaf fresh and dry weight, stem dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total antioxidants, and leaf calcium and nitrogen content. The treatments with GB had a 1000 seed weight higher than the control. According to the results, leaf fresh and dry weight, root dry weight, and chlorophyll a and b in control were significantly higher than other Met treatments. Root fresh weight and the florets number per plant in control and 50 mg L-1 Met were significantly higher than in other treatments. Besides, the 50 mg L-1 Met treatments resulted in higher total phenol, antioxidants, and leaf phosphorus content than the control.

Research limitations:

 No limitations were found.

Originality/Value:

 The findings of this experiment demonstrate that the use of Met in greenhouse conditions does not have significant effects on basil plants, but GB has significant effects.

The growing attention and interest in alternatives for chemical preservatives with natural types has led to numerous studies on essential oils and plant extracts. Strawberries, due to their high respiration and metabolic activity, and high water content, are highly sensitive to microbial contamination. Research

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the essential oils of some medicinal plants on the fungus Aspergillus sp. in strawberry fruit in in vivo and in vitro conditions as a factorial form in a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor included the type of essential oil: frankincense, ginger, cinnamon, and tarragon essential oils, and the second factor included the concentration of essential oil at five levels (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 µL.L-1).

In vitro results showed that with the increase in the concentration of plant essential oils, their antifungal activity increases. As a result, the lowest fungus colony diameter was obtained from the concentration of 800 µL.L-1 of essential oil. A comparison of the average type of essential oil showed that cinnamon essential oil had more antifungal activity than other essential oils used, so that at any level (200 to 800 µL.L-1), it caused a 100% inhibition of Aspergillus sp. growth. In vivo, results showed that the best appearance of the fruit and the highest soluble solids were recorded from the concentration of 800 µL.L-1 of essential oil. Cinnamon essential oil treatment resulted in the best fruit appearance, the highest soluble solids, and the highest levels of antioxidants, anthocyanin, and sugar compared to frankincense essential oil. Research limitations: There were no limitations.

Originality/Value: 

Among the essential oils, cinnamon essential oil showed better antifungal activity against Aspergillus sp., which causes strawberry fruit spoilage. Therefore, it can be used as a substitute for chemical fungicides, although other essential oils may also be effective.

In order to assay the impact of silicon (Si) and nano-Si on morphological and physiological traits of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) under salt stress conditions, an experiment was conducted under greenhouse and field conditions.

The experiment was based on a completely randomized design including two levels of saline water (1.1 (control) and 6.1 dS m-1) and three levels of foliar spray (0, 2.5 mM Si and nano-Si) with 4 replications.

Salinity stress decreased the vegetative and flowering parameters of pot marigold in the both conditions. Supplemental Si and nano-Si increased the dry weight of flowers under salt stress in the greenhouse (47 and 71%) and field (86 and 94%) conditions, respectively. Foliar application of nano-Si enhanced the flower total phenols of salt-stressed plants by 76% (greenhouse) and 50% (field), respectively. Under saline conditions, the use of nano-Si increased the flower antioxidant activity in the field by 17% in comparison to the control. Supplemental Si and nano-Si could reduce the negative impacts of salinity through increasing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, accumulating soluble sugars, improving water relations, and enhancing chlorophyll content.

Research limitations:

 No limitations were found.

Originality/value: 

Based on the results of present study, the use of Si and nano-Si improved the growth and physiological characteristics of pot marigold under saline conditions.

Municipal waste compost is effective on increasing plant yield. Due to the lack of organic matter in the soils of arid and semi-arid regions, the use of organic compounds such as municipal waste compost improves the physical and chemical properties and increases the fertility of the soil (Khoshgoftarmanesh & Kalbasi, 2002). The use of municipal waste compost due to the presence of nutrients in its composition and their gradual release, which prevents the leaching and stabilization of these elements in the soil, leads to the improvement of the availability of elements for plants and direct and indirect effects on yield (Ghasraldashti et al., 2014). Therefore, the purpose of this project is to study the effect of different levels of municipal waste compost on the absorption of heavy metals in the soil and saffron plant, as well as its relationship with the flower and stigma performance of this valuable medicinal plant. 

Municipal waste compost must be used more carefully. Therefore, the effects of the application of municipal waste compost on the uptake of heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd, and Co) in saffron plants and their relation with arable characteristics and yield of saffron were evaluated under field conditions. Treatments were four levels of municipal waste compost (0, 5, 10, and 20 t. ha-1). Before planting, different amounts of municipal waste compost were mixed with the soil to a depth of 20 cm according to the experimental plan. The first irrigation was carried out at the same time as planting (7 September 2015 as a flood), and the second irrigation was done ten days after the first irrigation to facilitate the sprouting of the tubers. Subsequent irrigations after the end of the flowering period were carried out according to the region's custom at intervals of one month and in the leakage method using a siphon. This experiment was carried out based on a randomized completely block design with three replications in the research farm of the University of Birjand, Iran, during the cropping year 2015-2016. 

Results showed that municipal waste compost improved the concentration of soil Pb and Cd of saffron beside control. But, municipal waste compost has not affected significantly soil Ni and Co. The highest concentration of soil Pb and Cd (2.85 and 1.60 mg.kg-1) were obtained in plants treated with 20 t. ha-1 municipal waste compost while the lowest values were recorded in the control. Results showed that municipal waste compost improved the Pb concentration of saffron leaf besides control. The highest concentration of leaf Pb (0.68 mg.kg-1) was obtained in plants treated with 10 t. ha-1 municipal waste compost. Results showed that municipal waste compost did not significantly affect the heavy metals concentration of saffron corm and flower. The average weight of cormel, flower, and stigma yield was influenced by municipal waste compost treatments. In a study by Gholizadeh et al., (2018), by investigation the effect of municipal waste compost levels and maternal corm weight on vegetative and reproductive traits and photosynthetic indices of saffron plants, they found that the highest average fresh weight of flowers was obtained from the treatment of 20 t. ha-1 of urban waste compost with 5.06 g. m-2. Similarly, other researchers have also reported the positive effect of municipal waste compost on the yield of dry saffron stigma (Amiri, 2008). It seems that the use of municipal waste compost has increased flower yield and as a result stigma yield due to its positive effects on improving physical and chemical properties and increasing soil fertility as well as increasing the availability of nutrients by plants (Khoshgoftarmanesh & Kalbasi, 2002; Ghasraldashti et al., 2014). Therefore, considering the effect of organic treatments on the stabilization of heavy metals in the soil and reducing their absorption by plants, the use of organic materials can be a useful solution in controlling the concentration of pollutants (Karimi et al., 2012). 

Based on the results of this research and according to the environmental and soil conditions of this experiment, it was determined that municipal waste compost had an effective role in increasing the corm weight and flower yield of saffron, and in this way, it was able to increase the stigma yield. Although the use of municipal waste compost in this research did not increase the concentration of heavy elements in soil and plants more than the permissible limit, due to the presence of heavy elements in municipal wastes, the necessary care should be taken in using this fertilizer in other areas so that, at the same time, using the benefits of municipal waste compost reduced the environmental risks caused by the use of compost for soil and plants.

In order to investigate the effect of biopotase and iron sulfate on physiological characteristics of fenugreek under drought stress conditions, an experiment was conducted as split plot in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications, 2017. Treatments were included: drought stress (including normal irrigation as non-stress and irrigation in early growth for 14 days as drought stress) as main factor, biopotase (0 and 5 kg.ha-1) and iron sulfate (0 and 1.5 per thousand) as sub-factors biofertilizer treatments were considered. The results showed that the effects of drought stress, bioptase and iron sulfate and their interaction on the most traits were significant. The height and fresh and dry weight of the plant were affected by bioptase and iron sulfate. The highest biological yield and grain yield were observed in 5 kg bioptase trainee under drought stress conditions. The treatment of iron sulfate in drought stress conditions increased 22.54% in 1000 seed weight compared to control in drought stress conditions. Bioptase and iron sulfate treatments under irrigation conditions increased 29.66% total chlorophyll compared to control under stress conditions. The interaction of drought stress and bioptase caused 85.48% increase in carotenoid than control in drought stress conditions. The results showed that biofertilizer and iron sulfate fertilizers could modify drought stress in fenugreek strain and improve the qualitative and quantitative properties of this medicinal plant.

To investigate the effects of foliar application of Acadian seaweed extract® and Biomix poultry manure® on qualitative traits and secondary metabolites of saffron, an experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the city of Ferdows the during growing season of 2017-2018. Experimental treatments included four levels of Acadian seaweed extract® (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 kg. l000 L-1 water) and four levels of liquid Biomix poultry manure® (0, 2, 4 and 6 L. l000 L-1 water). Measured traits included phenol, anthocyanin, crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, and fresh and dry stigma yield. Results showed the effect of treatments was significant on the studied traits. So that saffron stigma picrocrocin in treatment of 2 kg. l000 L-1 Acadian seaweed extracts® was 26% more than the control. Liquid poultry manure® also had a significant effect on secondary metabolites of saffron, so that saffron stigma picrocrocin in treatment of 6 L. l000 L-1 Biomix poultry manure® was 24% more than the control. Interaction between Acadian seaweed extract® and Biomix poultry manure® had a significant effect on anthocyanin, crocin, safranal, and phenol content. The highest increase was observed in 2 kg. l000 L-1 Acadian® and 6 L. l000 L-1 Biomix poultry manure®. Also, the use of seaweed extract® had a significant effect on stigma yield, so that the yield of fresh stigma (13%) and dry stigma (20%) in the treatment of 2 kg. l000 L-1 seaweed extracts® was higher than the control. According to the results of this study, the use of seaweed Acadian® (2 kg. l000 L-1 water) alone or in combination with Biomix poultry manure® (6 L. l000 L-1water) can play an important role in enhancing the yield and quality characteristics of saffron.

This study evaluated the response of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum var. Red chili) towards cow vermicompost application under field conditions.

Cow vermicompost was supplied in four levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1) across the two growing seasons in 2017 and 2018.

Vermicompost application significantly increased the plant height, internode distance, and the number of lateral branches in both seasons. It was noticed that manuring with 15 t ha-1 of cow vermicompost resulted with enhanced chlorophyll contents, fruit yield, and fruit number in both years. In both seasons, the highest leaf number, fruit weight, and total soluble solids are related to the third treatment (10 t ha-1 of cow vermicompost). The results showed that 1000-seed weight and vitamin C content were affected by cow vermicompost. Data showed that manuring with vermicompost (5 t ha-1) caused the best quality components in 2017 and 2018.

It was concluded that the application of vermicompost had a significant impact on vegetative and reproductive growth and fruit quality of hot pepper.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herbaceous medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family with a wide range of applications in the culinary, cosmetic, food, perfumery, and medical industries. The presence of more than 200 chemicals, including flavonoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, and aromatic compounds in basil oil, have been identified. The main components of its oil are eugenol, methyl eugenol, linalool, estragole, and anethole, varying by chemotype. Basil is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran, which is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sanitary, and food industries, and it is considered an anti-fluff and appetizer in traditional medicine. Therefore, to maximize yield and increase the length of the basil production period, the appropriate management of this product is necessary. Among these, the use of suitable nutritional elements is one of the useful ways to improve the performance of this plant. The centers of origin of basil are the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of vermicompost and copper sulfate and their interaction on vegetative, reproductive growth, and yield of basil's medicinal plant.

To investigate the effect of vermicompost and copper sulfate on some vegetative and reproductive characteristics of the basil plant, an experiment was carried out as factorial based on a randomized completely block design with three replications in the research farm of Birjand University, Iran, during the growing season 2017-2018. Treatments were three levels of vermicompost (0, 5, and 10 t.ha-1) and three levels of copper sulfate (0, 3, and 6 per thousand) with three replications. The measured indices include vegetative characteristics (plant height, lateral number, plant fresh and dry weight, leaf fresh and dry weight, number of leaves and node per plant, lateral branch length internally spaced, and diameter stem) and reproductive characteristics (inflorescence number and length, number of plant seeds, the weight of one thousand seeds, harvest index, grain performance, and biological function).

The results showed that the studied treatments had a significant effect on the number of lateral branches, plant dry weight, number of leaves per plant, lateral branch length, number of seeds, 1000-seed weight, harvest index, grain yield, and biological yield so that the highest number of lateral branches (17.33), Plant dry weight (14.83 g.m-2), Number of leaves per plant (167), Lateral branch length (26.83 cm), Number of seeds (3854.3), 1000-seed weight (1.80 g), Seed yield (3350 kg.m-2) and biological yield (20968.3 kg.m-2) basil was obtained in the treatment of 5 t.h-1 of vermicompost and 6 per thousand of copper sulfate and its advantage over the control was 67, 51, 16, 43, 79, 26, 87 and 26%, respectively. Harvest index in the treatment of 5 t.h-1 of vermicompost and 3 per thousand of copper sulfate with 13.01 in its maximum amount.

In general, the results indicated a positive and incremental effect of the combined application of the chemical and organic fertilizers on the yield of the basil plant, and according to the results, treatment with 6 per thousand copper sulfate and five t.ha-1 vermicompost was recommended as the best treatment for increasing yield. But always in agricultural products, especially in the production of basil as a medicinal and vegetable plant, the best results in terms of crop production and health, as well as essential oils and medicinal compounds, were related to the combined treatments of organic and chemical fertilizers, because these treatments are relative compared to organic treatments alone, they increased the yield and on the other hand, compared to chemical fertilizers, they had a healthier product and more medicinal compounds.Acknowledgments: Authors are grateful to Ebrahim Ebrahimabadi for their help with the field experiments.

The effects of applications of humic acid and planting density on characteristics of fenugreek were evaluated. Treatments were of three levels of humic acid (0, 5 and 10 kg ha-1) and tow density planting (25, 50 plants /m 2). This experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized completely block design with three replications. The results showed that humic acid was significant on fresh and dry weight of the plant, so that the fresh and dry weight of the plant were recorded in 10 kg ha-1 humic acid and the lowest fresh and dry weight of the plant were obtained in control treatment, however, there was no statistically significant difference between treatments of 5 and 10 kg ha-1 in dry matter per plant. The results showed a significant effect of humic acid on the number of leaves and its pigments. The highest number of leaves (44.77) was observed from application of 10 kg ha-1 humic acid and the lowest number of leaves (32.55) was obtained in control treatment. Planting density was significant on the index of harvest index. The highest harvest index was obtained with 72.57% in the density of 50 plants/m 2 and the lowest was 57.79% in a density of 25 plants/m 2. Also, the interaction of humic acid and plant density on biological yield and 1000 seed weight were significant, so that the highest biological yield was observed in 10 kg.ha-1 humic acid and plant density 50 plants/m 2.

In order to evaluate the allelopathic effects of bulb and leaf aqueous extracts of narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) on seed germination characteristics and growth of two weed species,  redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) and common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), a factorial experirent based on completely randomized design was conducted with three replications at University of Birjand Research Laboratory and Greenhouse, in 2017. Experimental treatments included narcissus organs (leaf and bulb) and extract concentrations (0, 1, 2 and 3% w/v). The laboratory results showed that leaf and bulb extracts of narcissus reduced seed germination percentage of redroot amaranth, but had no significant effect on seed germination percentage of common purslane. Results showed that 3% concentration of leaf and bulb extracts of narcissus reduced seed germination percentage of A. retroflexus by 97 and 93% compared to the control, respectively. Germination rate of redroot amaranth and common purslane seeds decreased under concentration of 3% of extract by 97 and 53% compared to the control, respectively. The results of greenhouse experiment showed that the application of narcissus extract decreased root length, plant height and dry weight of root, shoot and their total in redroot amaranth and common purslane. The concentration of 3% of bulb and leaf extracts decreased plant height of redroot amaranth by 66% and 60%, repectively compared to the control plants. Also, the concentration of 3% of the extract decreased total dry weight of redroot amaranth and common purslane by 73 and 90% compared to control plants, respectively. The results of this study showed that the allelopathic effects of leaf and bulb extract of narcissus can be used to biological control of these two weeds.

The effects of applications of chicken manure on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) were evaluated under field conditions. Treatments were 4 levels of chicken manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 t.ha-1). The experiment was designed in randomized block design with three replications at the Research station of Faculty of Agriculture University of Birjand during growing season of 2015. The main secondary metabolites saffron (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal), antocyanin and total phenol were influenced by chicken manure treatments. The highest total phenol (9.078 mg.100 g dry weight-1) and antocyanin (26.70 mg.100 g dry weight-1) were obtained in plants treated with 5t.ha-1 of chicken manure. But, no significant difference was found in antioxidant activity under chicken manure treatments. The highest crocin (86.24%), picrocrocin (65.53%) and safranal (29.92%) were obtained in plants treated with 15, 10 and 5 t.ha-1 chicken manure, respectively using these treatments caused 57 and 29 % increase compared to control. but there was no significant difference between 5, 10 and 15 t.ha-1 chicken manure. Generally, the findings of current study revealed that the use of 5ton ha-1 chicken manure had strong impact on qualitative characteristics of saffron in this study.

Medicinal plants are one of the main natural resources of Iran from ancient times. Coriander medicinal plant is one of the most valuable resources in the vast range of Iranian natural resources which, if properly managed, can play an important role in non-oil production and export. Management and environmental factors such as nutritional management has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of plants. Application of organic fertilizers in conventional farming systems is not common and most of the need for food plants supply through chemical fertilizers for short period. The use of bio-fertilizers and organic matter are taken into consideration to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and increase the quality of most crops. The use of organic and biological fertilizers in the production of medicinal plants in a sustainable agricultural system is important in order to achieve product quality environmental protection and community health. Stability and soil fertility through the use of organic fertilizers are important due to having most of the elements required by plants and beneficial effects on physical, chemical, biological and soil fertility. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of amino acid and fulvic acid on vegetative, reproduction characteristics and yield of coriander.

In this study, the effects of applications of fulvic acid and amino acid on yield and growth characteristics of coriander were evaluated under field conditions. Treatments were two levels of amino acid (0 and 3 per thousand) and three levels of fulvic acid (0, 5 and 10 kg.ha-1). The experiment was designed as factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research station of Faculty of Agriculture University of Birjand during growing season of 2017. The measured indices including vegetative characteristics (height plant, branches number, plant weight, leaf weight, leaf number) and reproductive characteristics (grain yield, 1000- seed weight, seed number, yield biological and harvest index). Finally, the experimental data were statistically analyzed using SAS ver. 9.2 and means were separated Duncan’s multiple test at 5% probability level of probability.

The results showed that fulvic acid had a significant effect on vegetative characteristics (height plant, fresh and dry weight of plant, branches number, leaf number and leaf dry weight), so that the highest fresh  and dry weight (49.9 and 7.3 g, respectively) were obtained  with application of 10 kg.ha-1 of fulvic acid. Also, the results showed a significant effect of fulvic acid on reproductive characteristics (seed yield, biological yield, harvest index and seed number), so that the highest seed yield (942.5 kg.ha-1) was obtained at 10 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid, and the lowest of seed yield was observed (710.0 kg.ha-1) in the control treatment. Amino acid also affected vegetative characteristics (leaf number and leaf weight), and reproductive characteristics (grain yield, seed number and 1000- seed weight), so that the highest number of leaf (27.0 per plant) and grain yield (873.3 kg.ha-1) were obtained with the application of 3 per thousand amino acids. Interaction effects showed that different levels of fulvic acid and amino acids had a significant effect on reproductive performance (grain yield, biological yield, seed number and 1000-seed weight). The highest grain yield and seed number (985.0 kg.ha-1 and 204.6. per plant, respectively) were obtained at 5 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid and 3 per thousand amino acid.

The results of this study showed that fulvic acid and amino acid had significant effect on yield and growth characteristics of coriander. Thus, results showed that fulvic acid (5 kg.ha-1) and amino acids (3 per thousand) had strong impact on yield and growth characteristics of coriander under field conditions.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of foliar application of Acadian seaweed extract and Biomix liquid poultry manure on vegetative growth, corm, and yield of saffron. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the city of Ferdows city during the 2017-2018 growing year. Experimental treatments included four levels of Acadian seaweed extract (0, 1, 1.5, and 2 kg. l000 L-1 water) and four levels of liquid Biomix liquid poultry manure (0, 4, 5, and 6 L. l000 L-1 water). The results showed a significant effect of treatments on the studied traits, such as maximum number of flowers (99.50 N. m-2), fresh yield of flowers (33.34 g.m-2), dry weight of saffron stigma (0.341 g. m-2), dry leaf weight (0.592 g plant-1), and leaf length (63.75 cm) obtained in 2 kg. l000 L-1 seaweed extract. Besides, the results showed a significant effect of liquid poultry manure on flower number and yield (94.250 N.m-2 and 32.285 g. m-2, respectively), leaf length (60.66 cm), fresh and dry leaf weight (0.74 and 0.46 g.m-2, respectively), and total weight of replacement corm (37.02 g.m-2). Also, the least amount of the mentioned traits were observed from the control treatment. The interaction between these two fertilizers was also significant in fresh and dry leaf weight and the total and average diameter of replacement corm. Thus, fresh and dry leaf weight (210% and 273%, respectively) were highest in the treatment of 2 kg. l000 L-1 of seaweed extract and 6 L. l000 L-1 of liquid poultry manure. Moreover, total and average diameter of replacement corm (33% and 50%, respectively) were highest in the treatment of 2 kg. l000 L-1 of seaweed extract and no liquid poultry manure. According to the results of this study, the use of Acadian seaweed extract (2 kg. l000L-1 water) alone or in combination with Biomix liquid poultry manure (6 L. l000 L-1 water) can play an important role in enhancing the vegetative growth, corm, and yield of saffron.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different rates of vermicompost manure on biochemical characteristics and active ingredients of saffron based on a randomized complete block design with different vermicompost rates (0, 5, 10, 15t/ha) as treatments in three replications. According to the results, vermicompost had a significant effect on picrocrocin (taste), safranal (perfume) and crocin (color) of content of Saffron. The highest picrocrocin and safranal were gained in 15 t/ha of vermicompost (with 37.88% & 17.06%, respectively) and these lowest were observed in control (with 25.78% & 8.5%, respectively). Also, 10 and 15 t/ha vermicompost, caused 60% increasement in crocin content compared to control. Although petals phenol content was not significantly affected by vermicompost rates, but anthocyanin and antioxidant content of petals were significantly affected. As the highest anthocyanin, content was gained from 10 t/ha of vermicompost (16.43mg/100g) and the lowest was obtained from control (8.34mg/100g). Also the highest antioxidant content of petals was observed in 10 t/ha vermicompost (34.90%). In general, the results of this study showed that the use of vermicompost at the rates of 10 and 15 t per ha can improved the amount of active ingredients of saffron.

Algae are usually aquatic photosynthetic organisms that sequester CO2 in their biomass. They are rich in organic matter and nutrients, and thereby can be used in agriculture as an organic fertilizer. Their application will lead to the production of healthy and qualitative foods. To the best of our knowledge, so far the effect of application of marine algae has not been evaluated on saffron qualitative parameters. Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate the effect of algae in different levels of mother corm weight on qualitative indices of petals and stigmas in saffron.

To investigate the effect of growth promoting fertilizer containing seaweed extract and mother corm weight on qualitative parameters in petals and stigmas of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was conducted at Research Field of College of Agriculture at University of Birjand in 2017. The experimental factors included seaweed extract (0, 15 and 30 l ha-1) and corm weight [0.1-4 (small), 4.1-8 (medium) and 8.1-12g (large-sized)], which were tested in a RCBD with three replications.
 Results

The use of algae extract had a significant effect on the petal yield, carotenoid content and antioxidant activity of petals (antioxidant and anthocyanin content) and quality of stigma (picrocrocin, safranal and crocin content). The highest amounts of dry petal yield (0.027 g plant-1), carotenoid content (1.83 mg g-1 FW), anthocyanin (24.49 mg 100g-1 DW), antioxidant (29.80%), safranal (42.43), crocin (198.78) and picrocrocin (74.57) were obtained when seaweed extract was used at the rate of 30 l ha-1. However, no significant difference was found between the two levels of algae extract in terms of all mentioned parameters. The lowest values of petal yield (0.023 g plant-1), carotenoid (1.04 mg g-1 FW), anthocyanin (22.29 mg .100 g DW), antioxidant (25.54%), safranal (40.61 λ), crocin (176.64 λ ), and picrocrocin (72.60 λ ) were obtained from control treatment. Mother corm weight also exerted a significant effect on antioxidant activity, petals anthocyanin content and safranal content in stigma and the highest of them were gained when large-sized mother corms were planted. The interaction effect of experimental factors was not significant on measured parameters.

Overall, the results of this study indicated the beneficial effects of seaweed extract on improving biochemical traits and effective ingredients, which is appropriate for organic production of saffron. The positive role of algae on plants is related to providing micro- and macro-nutrient as well as production of biologically active biotical substances against plant-infecting pathogens. In addition, they have a significant role in improving soil physical and chemical properties, which lead to better growth and development of the plants. Better quality of saffron produced from larger mother corms may also be related to more nutrient reservoir in such corms.

Drought and salinity are among the most important factors limiting plant growth in many parts of the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction effects of drought and salinity stresses on some morphological and physiological factors of Narcissus tazetta L. This pot experiment was conducted as a factorial based on completely randomized design with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand in 2017.The treatments included sodium chloride (NaCl) in four levels 0 (control), 20, 40 and 60 mM and drought stress in four levels 30, 50, 70 and 90% of field capacity.The results showed that salinity and drought stresses decreased length and width of leaf, dry weight of shoot and bulb, relative water content and chlorophyll content. However, the effects of salinity and drought stress and their interaction on reducing the number of flowers in flowering stem were not significant. In contrast, electrolyte leakage and proline content were increased under these two stresses. In general, the results showed that in the range of applied treatments, the destructive effects of salinity stress on growth, ornamental and physiological traits of N. tazetta flower were more than drought stress.

Pepper (Capsicum annum L.), which belongs to the solananceae family, is one of the most important vegetable and garden products. Due to its nutritional value, its use tends to rise all over the world. Germination and seed emergence are strongly influenced by environmental stresses such as salinity and drought. Drought stress affects various aspects of plant growth. It reduces germination, delays vegetative growth and reduces dry matter in the plant. Salinity stress, as an environmental stress, is a limiting factor for the growth and development of crops and garden production.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of drought and salinity stress on seed germination characteristics of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in two separate experiments, using a completely randomized design with three replications in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand in 2016. PEG 6000 was used for drought stress and NaCl, for salinity stress. The treatments included drought and salinity stress levels (0, -2, -4, -6, -8, -10 and -12 bars). Seeds were disinfected with sodium hypochlorite (2%) solution for 1 minute, and were then washed with distilled water. The medium was petri dishes with a diameter of 9 cm.  25 seeds were placed on two layers of filter papers in each dish. 5 ml of distilled water or solution was added to each petri dish. The measured traits were germination percentage, germination rate, seed vigor index, radicle length, plumule length, ratio of radicle length to plumule length and dry weight of radical and plumule.

The results indicated that salinity and drought stress had significant effects on seed germination characteristics of sweet pepper so that salinity stress with osmotic potential of -10 and -12 bar decreased the germination of sweet pepper and reached zero. Increasing salinity stress from zero to -12 bar decreased germination percentage, germination rate and seedling dry weight by 43.75, 41.67 and 93.46%, respectively. The results indicated that with increases in both salinity and drought stress, seed vigor index decreased significantly. The results showed that with increasing drought and salinity stress from 0 to -12 bar, seed vigor index decreased 96.58 and 100 percent, respectively.

The results of this study showed that the tolerance of sweet pepper to salinity stress was higher than its tolerance to drought stress at the germination stage, but for more accurate evaluation, it is necessary to conduct additional experiments in the field and in the greenhouse.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herbaceous medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family with a wide range of applications in culinary, cosmetic, food, perfumery and medical industries. The presence of more than 200 chemicals includes flavonoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and aromatic compounds in basil oil have been identified. The main components of its oil are eugenol, methyleugenol, linalool, estragole and anethole, varying by chemotype. Basil is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran, which is widely used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sanitary and food industries, and it is considered as an anti-fluff and appetizer in traditional medicine. Therefore, in order to maximize yield and increase the length of the basil production period, the appropriate management of this product is necessary. Among which the use of suitable nutritional elements is one of the useful ways to improve the performance of this plant. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of NPK fertilizer and fulvic acid, and their interaction on vegetative, reproductive growth and yield of Basil's medicinal plant.

In this study, the effects of applications of fulvic acid and NPK fertilizer on yield and growth characteristics of basil were evaluated under field conditions. Treatments were three levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 3 and 6 per thousand) and three levels of fulvic acid (0, 5 and 10 kg.ha-1). The experiment was designed as factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the research station of Faculty of Agriculture University of Birjand during growing season of 2017. The measured indices including vegetative characteristics (plant height, laterals number.plant-1, plant weight (g.m-2), leaf weight(g), leaves No.plant-1) and reproductive characteristics (grain yield, 1000-seed weight, seed number, biological yield and harvest index). Finally, the experimental data were statistically analyzed using SAS program ver. 9.2 and means were separated Duncan multiple test at 5% probability level of probability.

The results showed that NPK fertilizer had a significant effect on vegetative characteristics (plant height, fresh and dry weight of plant (g.m-2), lateral number per plant and leaves No.plant-1), so that the highest plant height and biological yield (48.4 cm and 2.16 kg.m-2, respectively) were obtained with application of six per thousand of NPK fertilizer. The results showed that NPK fertilizer had significant effect on 1000-seed weight. The highest 1000-seed weight (1.6 g) was obtained at six per thousand of NPK fertilizer, and the lowest of 1000- seed weight, (1.4 g) was observed in the control. Fulvic acid affected vegetative characteristics (plant height and laterals number per plant), so that the highest plant height and laterals number.plant-1 (46.0 cm and 15.88 per plant) was obtained with the application of 10 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid treatment. Also, the results showed a significant effect of fulvic acid on reproductive characteristics (plant weight (g.m-2), 1000- seed weight (g)). The highest leaves No.plant-1 (129.5) and 1000- seed weight (1.5g) were obtained at 10 kg .ha-1 fulvic acid, and the lowest of plant weight, 1000-seed weight were observed in the control. The interactions showed that the highest biological yield (2.29 kg.m-2) and plant  dry weight (483.83 g.m-2) were obtained from treatment at six per thousand of  NPK fertilizer and 10 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid and the lowest amounts (1.44 kg.m-2 and 259.5 g.m-2) was obtained from control.

The results of this study showed that fulvic acid and NPK fertilizer had significant effect on yield and growth characteristics of basil. Thus, results showed that fulvic acid (10 kg.ha-1) and NPK fertilizer (six per thousand) had strong impact on yield and growth characteristics of basil under field conditions.  Acknowledgements Authors are grateful to Ebrahim Ebrahimabadi for their help with the field experiments.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effects of bulb and leaf aqueous extracts of narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) on germination, growth and physiological characteristics of two weed species namely couch grass (Agropyron repens) and wild oat (Avena fatua). For this purpose, two seprate experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in laboratory and greenhouse conditions in 2017. Treatments included three levels of leaf and bulb extracts (1, 2 and 3 % w/v) along with control (distilled water). The results showed that increasing the concentrations of leaf and bulb extracts reduced germination percentage and germination rate of the seeds, root length, plant height and chlorophyll content a, b and total of couch grass and wild oat, but total soluble sugars and antioxidant activity increased. The concentration of 3 % of the bulb extract reduced seed germination percentage, root length, plant height and total chlorophyll in couch grass by 81, 42, 38 and 49 %, and in wild oat by 63, 44, 36 and 40 % compared to the control plant, respectively. The results of this study showed that can be used the allelopathic effects of leaf and bulb extracts of narcissus in order to biological control of these two weeds.

In order to investigate the impact bio fertilizer novafol and mother corm weight on leaves growth, chlorophyll content and flower and stigma yields of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was done as randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand, during the growth season of 2016-17. Experimental factors were amino acid application (Novafol, containing 28% amino-acid. Applied as corm soaking + fertigation in three levels: 0, 2 and 4 L.ha-1) and mother corm weight (0.1-4, 4.1-8 and 8.1-12 g). The effect of bio-fertilizer novafol was significant on the flower number, flower yield, dry stigma yield and chlorophyll a content. The highest flower number (16.5 per m-2), flower yield (5.63 g m-2), dry stigma yield (0.108 g m-2) and chlorophyll a content (1.09 mg. g-1 FW) were obtained from 4 L.ha-1, while, the lowest flower number (14.22 per m-2), flower yield (4.55 g m-2), stigma yield (0.085 g. m-2) and chlorophyll a (0.97 mg. g-1 FW) were gained in control treatment, but, there was no significant difference between two levels (2 and 4 L.ha-1) novafol bio fertilizer. Corm weights aslo significantly affected all studied traits. The highest stigma length (25.1 mm), flower yield (10.4 g m2), leaf length (31.42 cm) and fresh and dry weight of leaves (0.29 and 0.083 g per plant, respectively) were obtained from big corms, but the lowest of them were obtained from small ones. Interaction effect of corm weight and novafol bio fertilizer was significant on chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents and number of leaves per plant. The highest chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll (1.77 and 2.95 mg. g-1 FW, respectively) and number of leaves (7.58 per plant) were obtained from 4 L.ha-1 of novafol bio fertilizer and big corm. Overall, application of novafol bio fertilizer (4 L.ha-1) improved the vegetative and reproductive growth parameters. Big corms planting also had an important role in increasing the growth and yield of saffron.

This research was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of different levels of chemical fertilizers on vegetative and ornamental characteristics of wild species of colchicum (Colchicum kotschyi Boiss). For this purpose, a pot factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications including three levels of nitrogen (N= 0, 60, 120 kg ha-1) three levels of phosphorus (P= 0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1) and three levels of potassium (K= 0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2015-2016. Studied traits was included leaf number and area, leaf fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, number of flowers and flower diameter, and length, diameter and fresh and dry weights of the corms. Results of interaction effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels showed that the highest number of flowers, leaf number, fresh and dry weights and corrn diameter was obtained in 60:60:40 kg ha-1 of N×P×K, respectively. The highest flower diameter, chlorophylls and carotenoids were obtained in treatments of 60:60:80 kg ha-1 from N×P×K, respectively. Overall, results indicated that the application of moderate levels of N, K and P improved most vegetative and ornamental traits in C. kotschyi Boiss. More research on ornamental aspects and efforts to preserve, domestication and propagation of native species of colchicum, can lead to the sustainable use of this ornamental plant in landspace.

components of saffron were evaluated under field conditions. Treatments were four levels cow manure (0, 10, 20 and 30 t.ha-1) and three fulvic acid (0, 5 and 10 kg.ha-1). This experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized completely block design with three replications in research farm of Birjand University, Iran, during cropping year 2015-2016. Results showed that cow manure improved the active ingredients of stigma (picrocrocin, safranal and crocin) in first year of study. Also, results showed that petal antioxidant compounds (total phenol and anthocyanin) and active ingredients of stigma were influenced by cow manure in second year of study. The highest safranal was obtained in plants treated with 10 t.ha-1 cow manure in first year of experiment. Results also showed that fulvic acid has a positive effect active ingredients of stigma (picrocrocin and crocin), anthocyanin and total phenol in two years of experiment and the highest rate of anthocyanin and total phenol were obtained with 5 kg.ha-1 fulvic acid while the lowest values were recorded in control. Application of different levels of cow manure and fulvic acid had a positive effect on the active ingredients of stigma in two years of experiment and anthocyanin and phenol in second year of study. Thus, results showed that cow manure and fulvic acid have significant impact on antioxidant compounds and active ingredients of saffron under field conditions

The most expensive medicinal spicy plant in the Middle East countries is saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Saffron is one of the most valuable indigenous plants and herbs, spice in the world. Saffron is prepared from dried, bright red stigma and its value is determined by the color compounds, carotenoids, crocin, and other crocetinglocosyl ester, slightly bitter flavor, picrocrocin, and pleasant aroma, safranal Application of organic material is one-main factor for acheiving maximum yield of saffron plants. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of soil and foliar application of humic acid on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of saffron. This experiment was carried out as a factorial based on randomized completely block design (RCBD) with three replications in research farm of University of Birjand, Iran, during 2015 - 2016 growing season. The first factor is the humic acid type of use (soil and foliar application) and the second factor dose levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg.ha-1). The measured indices were included of leaf characteristics (leaf length, fresh and dry weight), corm characteristics (corm number, total weight, cormel weight and diameter) and flower characteristics (flower number and fresh total yield, average stigma length, stigma fresh and dry yield). Results showed that, humic acid type of use improved the leaf growth indices (leaf length, fresh and dry weight) and corm growth indices (cormel weight and diameter). The highest these indices were obtained in the humic acid soil application. Also, results showed that flower reproductive characteristics (flower number and fresh total yield, stigma fresh and dry yield) were influenced by humic acid type of use.The highest stigma fresh (0.781 g.m-2) and dry (0.147 g.m-2) yield were obtained in humic acid soil application. Humic acid concentration improved the leaf growth indices (leaf length, fresh and dry weight) and corm growth indices (cormel weight and diameter) and flower reproductive characteristics (flower number and fresh total yield and stigma fresh and dry yield).The highest flower fresh total yield (18.201 g.m-2) were obtained in plants treated with 10 kg.ha-1 humic acid. While the lowest values was recorded in the control. Interactive effects of these factors were effective on leaf length, flower number and stigma dry yield.The highest stigma dry yield (0.158 g.m-2) and flower number (48.833 per.m-2) were obtained in plants treated with 10 kg.ha-1 humic acid soil application. Thus, humic acid increased vegetative and reproductive saffron characteristics and soil application than the spray was more effective role in these characteristics.That, of 10 kg.ha-1 humic acid soil application was increased stigma yield of saffron.

The effects of application of humic acid on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron were evaluated under field conditions. Treatment was of four levels of humic acid (0, 5, 10 and 15 l.ha-1) This experiment was carried out as based on randomized completely block design with three replications in research farm of Birjand University, Iran, during growing season 2015-2016. Results showed that humic acid improved the leaf growth indices (fresh and dry weight of leaf) and chl a. The highest leaf fresh (0.116g.p-1) and dry (0.029g.p-1) weight were obtained in plants treated with 5 and 10 l.ha-1 humic acid while the lowest values were recorded in the control. Also results showed that humic acid improved the corm growth indices (corm number and total fresh, cormel average weight and diameter). Stigma fresh and dry yield were influenced by humic acid treatments in second year of study. The highest stigma fresh (0.700g.m-2) and dry (0.029g.m-2) yield were obtained in plants treated with 5 and 15 l.ha-1 humic acid. While the lowest values (0.267 and 0.022 g.m-2) were recorded in the control. But, no significant difference was found in flower number and fresh total yield. Thus, results showed that application of 5 l.ha-1 humic acid useful to improve vegetative and reproductive characteristics of saffron.