noormohammadi

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main staple food for more than half of the world’s population. In 2011, worldwide rice production exceeded 672 million mt. Iran ranked 20th in terms of rice production in the world. Plant spacing has an important role on growth and yield of rice. Optimum plant density ensures the plant to grow properly with their aerial and underground parts by utilizing more solar radiation and soil nutrients. Timing of nitrogen application had a significant role on reducing nitrogen losses, increasing nitrogen use efficiency and avoiding unnecessary vegetative growth.

In order to do this research, an experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in a research farm located in Qaemshahr during the years 2013-14 and 2014-15. The experimental factors included three levels of plant density (16, 25 and 33.3 plants per m2) as the main factor and sub-factor was nitrogen splitting in 5 levels (S1: 100% at the beginning of planting, S2: 50% at the beginning of planting + 50% at the beginning of tillering, S3: 50% at the beginning of planting + 50% at the panicle formation, S4: 33.33% at the beginning of planting + 33.33% at the beginning of tillering + 33.33% at the panicle formation and S5: 33.33% at the beginning of planting + 33.33% at the panicle formation + 33.33% at the end of panicle emergence).

The results showed that grain yield of Hashemi and Koohsar cultivars in the second year decreased 9.21% and increased 23.74% respectively, than the first year. Also, the second year compared to the first year, showed a decrease of 11.62% and 30.36% of straw yield, respectively, in Hashemi and Koohsar cultivars. Grain yield and harvest index were increased and decreased with increasing density in Hashemi cultivar, respectively. Straw yield in both cultivars increased with increasing density. The lowest straw yield and the highest harvest index were obtained in both cultivars, with nitrogen application in equal proportions at the basic stages, initial cluster and complete clustering. The interaction between the factors in the cultivars showed that in each two years, the number of cluster per square meter increased with increasing plant density.

The results of this study showed that in the studied cultivars, the highest effect of plant density and nitrogen splitting on yield components was related to the number of panicles per square meter, because ultimately increasing the number of plants per unit area and nitrogen splitting equally in the basic stages, beginning tillering and primary cluster emergence resulted in the highest grain yield per hectare by increasing the number of panicles per square meter.

Pertussis is an important vaccine preventable disease. It is still a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality in the world. Although the incidence of pertussis was successfully reduced after vaccination, the resurgence of pertussis has been reported in many countries even with high vaccination coverage. Genetic variation in virulence factors is one of the important causes for pertussis reemergence. We investigated genetic characteristics and allele types of 3 important virulence associated genes, including ptxC, tcfA, and fhaB in clinical B. pertussis isolates collected from different provinces of Iran and vaccine strains. Genomic DNA was extracted and ptxC, tcfA, and fhaB gene regions were amplified, using specific PCR primer. DNA sequencing was performed and data were analyzed. ptxC2, tcfA2, and fhaB1 were the dominant alleles with 87.5%, 97.5%, and 97.5% frequencies, respectively. Vaccine strains B. pertussis 134 and B. pertussis 509 contain the genotypes ptxC2- tcfA2-fhaB1 and ptxC2- tcfA2-fhaB1. Results for dominant alleles in ptxC2, tcfA2, and fhaB1 genes in Iran are consistent with dominant alleles of other countries such as Netherland, Finland, and Italy. It seems that ptxC2, tcfA2, and fhaB1 are the dominant circulating alleles in many countries after vaccination period, while vaccine strains have different alleles occasionally. More reported cases in recent years despite high coverage vaccination in Iran and genetic distances between clinical and vaccine strains suggest that antigenic changes in virulence factors possibly have an important role in the survival and evolution of the bacteria.

Hemodialysis is a tense process and life events influence the treatment process of patients. The aim of this research was to determine the relation between metacognitive beliefs, life expectancy, and quality of life as three contributing factors and hospital depression in kidney patients undergoing hemodialysis in the city of Karaj.
The research method was correlative. Sampling was done based on 106 kidney patient volunteers undergoing hemodialysis in the year 1395. They all filled out the Metacognitive Beliefs Questionnaire (MCQ-30), Steiner-syndrome life expectancy questionnaire, kidney patients’ quality of life and the hospitalized patients’ depression questionnaires. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and the regression analysis was performed simultaneously.
Metacognitive beliefs were uncontrollable, cognitive confidence was low, general negative beliefs regarding thoughts were positive, and positive cognitive beliefs and negative conscious cognition were able to significantly predict depression in the hospitalized patients (P Hospital depression affects hemodialysis patients’ physical and psychological factors. Thus it is recommended that their condition is periodically examined and pharmacological or non-pharmacological procedures are applied accordingly.

In this study, the effect of three amplitudes of Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Extraction (UASE) (0, 20 and 40%; 100W, 30 kHz; the 0% treatment serving as control) on kinetics, thermodynamic, rosmarinic acid content, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) extract at different temperatures (25, 35 and 45°C) was evaluated. Increases in ultrasound amplitude and temperature increased yields and biological activities of extracts. The highest rosmarinic acid content, total phenolics, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were obtained for samples treated with UASE at 40% amplitude and 45°C. The kinetics of extraction were evaluated based on a second order mechanism. Increases of amplitude and temperature significantly increased saturated extraction Capacity (Cs), initial extraction rate (h), and rate constant of extraction (k). The thermodynamic aspects of the extraction process showed that samples treated with UASE at 40% amplitude had higher activation Energy (Ea), frequency factor (A), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) than control. UASE at 40% amplitude and control did not significantly differ in thermodynamic parameters. Results also showed very good linear relationships with high correlation coefficients between Ea and ΔH and, A and ΔS. Therefore, ultrasound can affect thermodynamic aspects and kinetics of extraction of basil extract and improve its biological activity.

The cultivated apple (Malus domestica) is one of the most important fruit crops cultivated in different regions of the world including Iran. For production and breeding of high quality apple, the knowledge of genetic diversity of the cultivated apples is necessary. Therefore we studied genetic diversity of 25 genotypes by using ISSR molecular markers. In present study, ten ISSR primers produced 85% polymorphism. (AGC)5GG and (GA)9C primers produced the highest number of bands, while primers (GA)9A, (GA)9A and UBC 807 produced the lowest number. Some of the genotypes showed presence of specific bands. PCoA (principal co-ordinate analysis) plot of genotypes based on geographical origin (Netherland, France, Lebonan and Iran) grouped cultivars from different geographical regions together and intermixed. UPGMA (unweighted paired group method with arithmetic average) and NJ (Neighbor Joining) dendrograms produced 4 major clusters with few subclusters in each of them indicating intra-group genetic diversity. AMOVA (Analysis of molecular variance) test performed on molecular features of the genotypes present in the 4 clusters revealed significant difference among the clusters. This high value of within clusters genetic variation is in agreement with subclusters formed in each major cluster due to intra-population group variation. STRUCTURE plots of k = 2-7 were obtained and the best groupings was done by k =7. It indicated differences in allelic composition and frequency of the subclusters. The results showed presence of high level of genetic diversity in apple samples studied which can be used in planning further selection and hybridization of apple trees.

Canids are reservoir for some zoonoses helminthic disease. They are one of main public health problem. The aim of this study was to ascertain frequency of gastrointestinal helminthic infection of stray dogs in Zabol city, southeaster of Iran. In this descriptive study, 30 stray dogs were euthanized, intestine was removed by necropsy. Then, the intestines was opened by scalpel and their contents passed through mesh sieve. The helminth were collected. The nematodes were preserved in 70% ethanol with 5% glycerin and cestodes were preserved in 70% ethanol. The cestodes were stained by acetocarmine. The nematodes were cleared by lactophenol. The genus and species of helminth were identified by identification keys. Twenty tow (73.3%) of stray dogs had at least one intestinal helminthic infection. Recovered helminth from stray dogs include: Taenia hydatigena, Taenia ovis, Taenia multiceps, Mesocestoides spp, Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati. Data showed that the stray dogs in Zabol city harbor some important zoonoses helminth parasite like Toxocara.

In order to study the effects of canopy temperature during reproductive growth stages on physiological characteristics and Soybean grain yield through different planting dates and plant densities, an experiment was conducted as split factorial based on Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications in Karaj and Moghan areas in 2011-2012. The factors included three planting dates, May 5th, June 5th and July 5th, three plant densities, 300, 400 and 500 thousand p/ha and two cultivars, Williams and L17. Results showed that the net photosynthesis in Karaj (16.14 µmol Co2 m-2s-1) was lower than Moghan area (19.13 µmol Co2 m-2s-1). The maximum stomatal conductance (330.6 mmol m-2 s-1) and net photosynthesis (19.13 µmol Co2 m-2s-1) were related to planting date at June 5th. The highest stomatal conductance (325 mmol m-2 s-1) was observed in 400000 p/ha. The leaf chlorophyll index at 300 and 400 thousand p/ha in Moghan region was more than Karaj. The second planting date and second plant density had the maximum rate of grain yield (3142 and 3154 kg/ha respectively). Except chlorophyll index, there was no significant difference in other traits between cultivars and the highest chlorophyll index was related to Williams cv. in Karaj area. According to the results and in order to prevention of encountering the pod set and grain filling stages with high canopy temperature, it is better that soybean planted in mid of June with 400000 p/ha.

Understanding soil carbon fractions in relation to global warming is important for improving soil carbon management in natural forest ecosystems. Therefore, in this study we measured the contents of soil total organic carbon (SOC) in soil upper layers (0–20 cm) along a natural altitudinal transect (100–1400 m a.s.l.) in northern slope of Salaheddinkola forests, Nowshahr. Accordingly, vegetation data based on Braun-Blanquet method with some environmental properties were recorded in totally 77 plot with an area 400 m2 including seven classes of altitudinal gradient. Four ecosystem units were distinguished by using combined results of clustering (based on environmental data) and TWINSPAN (based on floristic data) as numerical classification analysis. Results analysis of variance showed that the amount of soil carbon sequestration had significant difference (0/05> P) in the four ecosystem units and third unit, which represents beech-hornbeam forests, to be allocated the largest amount of carbon sequestration (73/57 ton/ha), Because of the establishment of this unit in higher elevations and then high density of beech. Results of stepwise regression showed that nitrogen percentage, sand percentage and altitude were the most important factors affecting soil organic carbon content. Totally, the results of this study reiterate that the variability of soil carbon sequestration does not show a regular pattern along the altitudinal gradient and ecosystem units by exhibiting a proper distinction of environmental changes in habitat can be priority used in soil carbon stock variations study.

To reach to organizational goals depend on personnel abilities in implementing duties and adaptation to changeable environment. human resource training and development were caused to implement activities effectively and increase personnel efficiency corresponding organizational changes and environment. todays, the most important feature of the organization is change.in such different and complicated environmental conditions together with rapid changes, if organizations, managers and personnel could not adopt to emerging changes, they will certainly eliminate. todays, organizations need learning more and more. According to researches, there is positive link between personnel training and their productivity.it is necessary to identify process, resources and training in organization and then plan them in a scientific model. Personnel training and improvement were affected values and personal satisfaction which are strategic in personal level and were caused improving and developing in organization level. This paper is to investigate training process including need assessment, evaluation, and personnel training effectiveness, necessaries and limitations.

Gully erosion is one of important erosion forms in Dareshahr، the Ilam province. The present study therefore aimed to recognize the watershed characteristics affecting gully development and dominant processes in gully initiation. Towards this attempt، 18 gullies with three types distributed in different topographic and soil characteristics were selected. Their associated relationships were then established. The results of topographic characteristics showed that the relation between slope and drainage area of linear gullies in rangeland areas was negative. The critical threshold area for gully development in slope of 12% was 6ha، highlighting the important role of surface runoff in the formation and development of gullies. However، no meaningful relationship could be established between slope and drainage area of frontal and digitated gullies. This confirms the significant effect of other factors compared to surface runoff influence. The study of gullies in different geologic formations also revealed that the sub-surface runoff plays an important role in Gsachsaran and Quaternary formations in the formation and development of gullies. In contrast، the Hortonian runoff was responsible for gully development in Pabadeh geologic formation. Soil sodium، silt and sand contents were also factors affecting gully topography with a reverse relationship with drainage area of the gullies.

In order to study the effect of grazed and soil surface scrafication on regeneration and soil physical and chemical properties in Zagros forests, three areas including preserved woodland with soil scrafication, preserved woodland without soil scrafication and no preserved woodland in forests of Aleshtar in Lorestan province were choosen. Soil sampling and seedling counting were done using random sampling. Ten sample plots were selected in each study area and soil properties and number of seedlings were studied in plots. The most important physical and chemical soil properties were analysied in lab. The results of One-Way ANOVA showed significant differences in Bulk Density (BD), Particle Density (PD), C, P, K and N between study areas. The results of this research indicated the number of seedlings in preserved and no preserved woodlands differed significantly. The correlation between soil properties and regeneration showed considerable effects of the grazed and soil surface scraficationon on soil properties and the number of regeneration. These results indicated that these two approaches can be considered as capable management strategies in revival of Zagross forests.

In order to study the effect of irrigation regimes and potassium fertilizer yield and yield components of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as a medicinal plant, a field experiment was conducted in a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. The experiment was performed on a winter safflower genotype (Goldasht) at the experimental farm of Ghazvin during cropping season 2009-2010. Four irrigation regimes including 60 (Control), 100, 140 and 180mm evaporation from evaporation pan (Class A) and four levels of potassium fertilizer including 0 (Control), 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1 comprised the experimental factors. Results showed that with increasing irrigation level, seed yield, plant height, stem diameter, number of branches per plant, head diameter, number of heads per plant and number of seeds per head increased significantly; as the seed yield of the irrigation based on 60mm evaporation was 110% higher than the that of irrigation based on 180mm evaporation. All traits also increased significantly with increasing potassium content. As application of 150kg.ha-1 potassium increased the seed yield by 58% compared to the control treatment. The interaction effect of irrigation and potassium was significant on all traits except stem diameter and head diameter. In irrigation based on 60mm evaporation, application of 150 kg.ha-1 potassium increased seed yield by 35% compared to the control treatment but in irrigation based on 180mm evaporation, it was increased by 130%. According to the results, application of potassium fertilizer showed positive effects on yield and yield components of safflower in sever and moderate water stress conditions.

A simple method for fabrication of highly ordered gold nanorod film is introduced in this article. The procedure is based on thermal evaporation of gold into a porous anodic alumina film (PAA). The PPA film was fabricated by combining the hard and mild anodization. This combination effectively decreases the processing time of fabrication of highly ordered porous anodic alumina film with controlled pore diameter and length. It was found that gold nanorods configuration affected by the porous anodic alumina film structure such as pore diameter and length. Furthermore the evaporation process change the rods diameter along the nanopores via the decreasing the pore mouth during the gold deposition.

T‏‏‏o study the genetic variability of agronomic characteristics in winter barley landraces collected from western parts of Iran, 32 landraces and four improved cultivars/lines as checks;EBYTC74-2, EBYTC74-10, EBYTC74-12 and Makouee were examined using randomized complete block design with three replications in Agricultural Research Center of Lorestan in 2001 cropping cycle. Twenty three agronomic characters were measured according to instructions of IPGRI. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among entries for all characters. This analysis also showed high genetic diversity within the germplasm. The two-row landrace barley from Gilan Gharb yielded 6054 kg.ha-1 which was significantly different from the yield of checks and other landraces. Grouping of landraces by cluster analysis resulted in three clusters. Most of the entries within clusters corresponded with their geographical origin. However, some discrepancies existed that could be due to exchange of germplasm between geographical regions, or because of unknown origin of some landraces. Broad sense heritability of grain yield and its components, such as umber of fertile tillers, main spike length, No. of grains per main spike and 1000-grain weight, were 0.79, 0.82, 0.98, 0.93 and 0.93, respectively. Because of high heritability, genetic coefficient of variation and genetic gain, it is possible to select superior genotypes for hybridization and developing superior lines.

In order to examine the effects of different levels of N fertilization and plant density on the yield of field mustard (Brassica campestris) cv. Goldrush, a study was carried out in Qazvin, Iran in 2009-2010 as a split-plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot was pure N from urea source at four levels of 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1 and the sub-plot was plant density at four levels of 60, 80, 100 and 120 plants.m-2. Statistical analysis showed that different levels of plant density and N significantly affected the number of siliques per plant, the number of seeds per silique, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, oil yield, biological yield and harvest index. The increase in N level increased all these traits at all treatments. Also, higher densities up to 100 plants.m-2 led to higher values of all traits. The density of 120 plants.m-2 resulted in the lowest value of all traits at all treatments. In total, the densities of 80 and 100 plants.m-2 and the application of 100 kg N.ha-1 were considerably superior and produced the highest seed yield (3491 kg.ha-1) and oil yield (1084 kg.ha-1). Furthermore, the highest seed oil content (37.97%) was obtained at the density of 100 plants.ha-1 treated with 150 kg N.ha-1.

In order to study dry matter accumulation in different developmental stages and photoassimilates remobilization in bread wheat genotypes, a field experiment was carried out using a split split plot design based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Torogh Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station (Mashhad, Iran) in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. Main plots were assigned to two levels of water stress treatments; D1: optimum irrigation, and D2: cessation of watering from anthesis to maturity stages. Sub plots were assigned to eight bread wheat genotypes: 9103, 9116, 9203, 9205, 9207, 9212, C-81-10, and Cross Shahi; and source limitations with two levels; P1: no source limitation and P2: inhibition of current photosynthesis from anthesis were in sub-sub plots. Results of combined analysis showed that, grain yield, accumulation of dry matter in different developmental stages (soft dough stage and physiological maturity stage), amount of remobilized dry matter (DMT), remobilization efficiency (RE), remobilization percentage (CPAAG), canopy temperature depression (CTD) and leaf relative water content (RWC) in anthesis and grain watering stages was significantly affected by water stress treatment. Water stress increased DMT, RE, and CPAAG by 15%, 18%, and 50.6%, respectively; compared with well-watered treatment. Current photosynthesis inhibition increased CPAAG by 43.1%, and decreased DMT and RE by 44% and 60.8%, respectively; compared with P1 treatment. Postanthesis water stress and current photosynthesis inhibition caused source and sink limitations, and decreased CTD and RWC. Considering that C-81-10, 9103 and 9116 genotypes showed the highest grain yield and translocated dry matter under different moisture conditions; thus, these genotypes could be introduced as promising lines in breeding programs for arid and semi-arid regions. Significantly positive correlations between CTD and RWC with grain yield, particularly at grain watery stage, showed that CTD and RWC can be used for selection criteria in breeding programs

Determining the most important effective factors on erosion is one of the main topics in soil erosion - and conservation science. In this respect، the introduced methods implement field works، laboratory and experimental analysis to estimate water erosion and deposition rate. This study investigates the most important variables affecting on water erosion using multivariate statistical methods in order to compare the results with experimental models including MPSIAC and EPM in a semi-arid area namely «Baghareh Watershed» located in northeast of Iran. For this purpose، 18 measureable quantitative parameters were selected based on the field survey، laboratory analysis and literature review. After determining the correlation between the quantitative factors، factor and discriminative analyses were considered in order to identify the groups of variables as well as determining the most effective parameters to classify erosion intensity in each model. The results showed that the most effective parameters are lime content and permeability percentage of soil، are the most affecting parameters based on EPM model. Consequently، erosion intensity can be classified with accuracy of 52% based on the results of canonical functions. However، nitrogen، phosphorus and organic carbon as the index of fertility as well as soil erosivity index and drainage network length of each working unit in the MPSIAC model showed to be the most effective factors. The soil erosion intensity، based on these factors، can be classified with an accuracy of 82%. Based on the canonical analysis، six primary components including soil depth، clay، phosphorus، calcium، slope، permeability and sensitivity illustrate more than 90% of the variations. Finally، concerning the resulted accuracy of the methods، the model MPSIAC is more applicable than the other one to classify water erosion intensity if the filed data are available. However، EPM model could be useful especially for short term studies and lack of sufficient data.

In this study, the relationship between the gully formation and some soil properties, climatic factors, land use and slope was investigated in Dareshahr Township in Ilam Province, Iran. Toward this attempt, 18 axial, digitated and frontal gullies were recognized. The soil samples were taken from the top and subsoil in the gully bank. The climatic, land use and slope information were obtained using Dareshahr Climatic Station and available maps, respectively. The relationship between gully erosion frequency and slope as well as land use was then studied using ANOVA and the most important factor was ultimately recognized by using principle component and regression analyses. The results of the study have shown that most numbers of gullies were formed in areas with slope less than 10% and land uses had no significant effect on gully formation. Besides that, the percentage of clay and sand as well as calcium content were found to be as most affective soil factors on gully formation. Among climatic factors, the rainfall depth and average intensity played important role in gully initiation. The results extracted from discriminate analysis also proved that the depth of rain is the most affective factor in gully formation in the study area.

In this study, the relationship between the gully formation and some soil properties, climatic factors, land use and slope was investigated in Dareshahr Township in Ilam Province, Iran. Toward this attempt, 18 axial, digitated and frontal gullies were recognized. The soil samples were taken from the top and subsoil in the gully bank. The climatic, land use and slope information were obtained using Dareshahr Climatic Station and available maps, respectively. The relationship between gully erosion frequency and slope as well as land use was then studied using ANOVA and the most important factor was ultimately recognized by using principle component and regression analyses. The results of the study have shown that most numbers of gullies were formed in areas with slope less than 10% and land uses had no significant effect on gully formation. Besides that, the percentage of clay and sand as well as calcium content were found to be as most affective soil factors on gully formation. Among climatic factors, the rainfall depth and average intensity played important role in gully initiation. The results extracted from discriminate analysis also proved that the depth of rain is the most affective factor in gully formation in the study area.

Background and ObjectivesTwo factors known to cause thrombophilia in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) are MTHFR polymorphisms including C677T and A1298C. This study aimed to determine the association between RSA and two polymorphisms of MTHFR in Iranian patients.Materials and MethodsIn this case-control study, 30 patients with the background of two or more consecutive unexplained abortions and 10 women with at least two live births without a miscarriage who referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital and Avicenna Infertility Clinic were analyzed for MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms by the PCR-RFLP method. Results achieved from estimating the genotype of each polymorphism were analyzed by the SPSS16. The Spearman method was also used to evaluate the correlation between the two polymorphisms.ResultsData has shown a significant correlation between MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms. Seventeen women (56.6%) with recurrent spontaneous abortions and 5 women (50%) among the controls were heterozygote for MTHFR C677T polymorphism. T allele frequency in the patient group was more than the control group (28.4% for patients and 25% for controls). Frequency of the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism was 63.3% in patients and 50% in controls. For A1298C polymorphism, 43.3% of patients and 20% of controls were heterozygote. Furthermore, 20% of patients and 30% of controls were homozygote for this polymorphism.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms were slightly higher in RSA patients compared to controls. These findings failed to support the relationship between thrombophilia polymorphisms and the increasing risk of RSA in evaluated Iranian women.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), wild or cultivated, is widely distributed throughout the world and belongs to the Fabacecae family. It is an old medicinal plant and has been commonly used as a traditional food and medicine. Fenugreek is known to have hypoglycemic, and hypocholesterolaemic, effects. Recent research has identified fenugreek as a valuable medicinal plant with potential for multipurpose uses and also as a source for preparing raw materials of pharmaceutical industry, especially steroidal hormones. A significant increase in quantity and quality yields through the suitable management of cultivation, breeding and biotechnology practices could make an immediate and important contribution to farm and pharmaceutical industry income. To achieve these goals with regard to sustainable production, we reviewed a summary of biology, cultivation and biotechnology of fenugreek in this paper.

A field experiment was conducted during 2005 – 2006 in Agriculture Research centre of Jiroft and Kahnouj to determine the effect of water stress on some physiological and anatomical aspects of alfalfa cultivars. Using a split plot design based on randomized Complete block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The three levels of water stress 1)- severely stressed (irrigation when soil moisture reached to %25 of F. C)، 2)- moderately stressed (irrigation when soil moisture reached to %50 of F. C) and 3)- least stressed (irrigation when soil moisture reached to %75 of F. C) was the main plot factor and five cultivars of alfalfa (1- Yazdi، 2- Nikshahri، 3- Rangar، 4- Bami and 5- Baghdadi) were collected sub plots. Several drought stress indicators، including leaf relative water content (RWC)، cell membrane stability expressed as electrolyte leakage، number of stomata and length of the stomatal aperture characteristics of leaves were examined. The results showed that water deficit stress، significantly reduced relative water content (RWC) values from 86% to 69%. With increasing water deficit stress، electrolyte leakage were increased in alfalfa cultivars the tolerant cultivars to drought (Nikshahri and Bami) maintained higher RWC at severe water stress treatment. The number of stomata and length of the stomatal aperture decreased with increasing water stress level. As overall result is to conclud that، stomata number of alfalfa cultivars tolerant to drought is less and RWC Ratio higher in low water stress condition compared to sensitive cultivars.

The effect of source restriction on yield and physiological indexes of corn was studied in Varamin، Iran، during 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 growing seasons. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized block design with split plot arrangement. The irrigation regimes were allotted to main plots. The intensity and time of defoliation combination were allotted to sub plots. In moderate irrigation plots، the irrigation was done when the soil water content reached to 75% of available water content. In under stress plots، two short periods of water-holding were applied at V8 and tasseling growth stages. Defoliation treatments were consisted of: Control، cutting 1:3 of leaves at V8، cutting of 2:3 of leaves at V8، Cutting 1:3 of leaves at tasseling and cutting 2:3 of leaves at tasseling. This result showed that remobilization efficiency of stem reserves for grain yield is mostly related to sink capacity than source strength. Under moderate irrigation، later or more intensity defoliation decreased the RGR. While under drought stress، cutting the 2/3 of leaves did not decrease the relative growth rate. The improved NAR due to defoliation caused to compensate the decreased leaf area. So، late and more intensity defoliation could not decrease the CGR. The grain yield of 8. 9 t ha-1 was attained by moderate irrigation which was a results of 16. 4% and 27. 3% greater biomass and harvest index compared to the water stress conditions. This indicates that pot-anthesis water deficiency decreased the sink capacity more than source strength. The results showed that under water deficiency and source strength restriction، the stem reserves play an important role in grains filling process. But under high soil water supply، these reserves will be needed when the source strength is limited after flowering stage. Under moderate irrigation، there were not significant differences among defoliation treatment for remobilization efficiency of reserves from stem to grains.

An experiment was conducted in research field of Firoozkooh sugarbeet elite seed production station in 2004 to study the effects of different planting and harvesting dates on quantity and quality of sugarbeet monogerm seed. The experiment was a split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. The planting date at three levels (March 18, April 15 and April 29) made the main plot and harvesting date at four levels (harvesting 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after 50% flowering) constituted the sub-plot. After harvesting and threshing, raw seed yield, seed distribution in terms of diameter and thickness and germination percentage were measured. The results showed that the change in planting date significantly affected the occurrence of 50% greening, stem-bearing and flowering in terms of days after planting and intercepted growing degree days (GDD) at 1% probability level, so that the delay in planting date decreased the number of days to 50% greening, stem-bearing and flowering. The main effects of planting and harvesting dates and their interactions had a significant effect on raw seed yield at 1% probability level. The highest sugarbeet raw seed yield (1164 kg/ha) in Firoozkooh was obtained by planting seed-bearing plants in March 18 and harvesting them 45 days after 50% flowering. The delay in planting date significantly decreased the loss caused by seed polishing, while harvesting date significantly af-fected the proportion of undersized seeds so that it decreased as the harvesting date was retarded. The results indicated that the studied factors did not significantly affect the proportion of standard (with diameters of 3.5-4.5 mm) and oversized seeds (with diameter of >4.5 mm). Delayed harvesting date significantly increased seed germination rate while the change in planting date had no effect on this trait.