vali rabiei

Current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of quince A and hawthorn rootstocks on some morphological and pomological properties on the Esfahan local quince cultivar based on completely randomized design with 32 tree. The effects of quince A and hawthorn rootstocks were evaluated based on tree height, internode distance, shoot growth, average of fruit's size, weight, diameter, and length, percentage of dry matter, percentage of fruit juice, fruit color, fruit and leaf chlorophyll, TSS and total flavonoids of fruit. The results showed that the height of tree on hawthorn was less than quince A, the weight (317.5g), size (374.3 cm3), length (81.90 mm), and diameter of fruit (86.53 mm) were more than it, and the percentage of fruit juice (86.26), carotenoid of skin (3.056 mg/gFW) and were more. According to results of this study, it can be suggested that hawthorn rootstock can be as a dwarfing rootstock that leads the quality of fruits to increase. A positive correlation among tree height and shoot growth, flavonoids of total fruit, percentage of dry matter and TSS were observed. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation among tree height, and average of fruit's size, weight, and diameter, percentage of fruit's juice, internode distance. In some cases like fruit color there was no significant difference with tree height and other characteristics. According to the results of the present research, hawthorn rootstock can be suggested as a suitable dwarfing rootstock that increases quality of the fruit.

Low temperature has a major influence on survival and geographical distribution of plants and as an important environmental factor, it affects plant productivity. Physalis (Physalis peruviana L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is a tropical and subtropical plant that is affected by low temperatures at beginning and end of the growing season. These fruits are highly beneficial to human health due to their nutritional and bioactive compounds (antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, E and K1, flavonoids and carotenoids), so it has gained attention for cultivation worldwide. Amino acids (L-Phenylalanine and cysteine) or selenium play important roles in plant resistance to low temperature. However, the role of L-phenylalanine (Phe) and cysteine (Cys) or selenium (Se) in regulating chilling tolerance and improve fruit quality of physalis is still unknown. In this study, the effects of Phe, Cys and Se on quality and antioxidant capacity of physalis fruit under low-temperature stress were investigated. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The seeds of physalis (Physalis peruviana L.) were sown in seedling trays containing peat moss under optimal conditions of 25±2°C during the day and 20±2°C at night. Different concentrations of L-phenylalanine (0.75, 1.5, and 2.5 mM, Phe), L-cysteine (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mM, Cys), or sodium selenate (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1, Se) were sprayed on the seedlings at the 4–5th true leaf stage. Distilled water was used as the control treatment. To induce chilling stress, plants with the basically same growth were transferred to a 4 °C climate chamber for 48 hours. The control group was grown under optimal conditions. After applying the chilling stress, the plants were returned to optimal growth conditions for 24 hours. Plants transplanted to the field and foliar sprayed three times (growth stage, flowering and fruit set stages) with amino acids and Se. After exposed plants to autumn chilling, fruits harvested during calix and fruit color change from green to orange stage, and plant height, yield and the quality characteristics of the fruit including carotenoid content, membrane stability index, titratable acidity, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The results showed that low temperature stress significantly decreased fruit yield, carotenoids content and membrane stability index (MSI), and increased titratable acidity, phenols and flavonoids content and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Foliar spray of Physalis plants with Phe, Cys and Se under cold stress significantly increased plant height, fruit yield, antioxidant enzymes activity, MSI, carotenoids, phenolic compound and TA. The highest value of MSI (38.46 and 36.1) was obtained in fruit of plants treated with Se 0.25 and 0.5 mg L-1 under low temperature condition. The maximum phenol content (8.08 and 7.83 mg L-1) of fruit was observed with application of Phe 0.75 mM and Cys 0.25 mM in plants exposed to cold stress. Also, the highest antioxidant capacity was obtained in plant fruits treated with Phe 0.75 and 1.5 mM (60.8%), Cys 0.25 mM (60.26%) and Se 0.5 mg L-1, respectively under low temperature condition, and the lowest antioxidant capacity (50.5%) was observed in control plant fruits. The results of research showed that the foliar application of Phe, Cys or Se treatments, especially the levels of Phe 0.75 and 1.5 mM and Se 0.5 mg L-1 during seedling and field growing periods caused a significant increase in fruit yield, also increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, phenolic compounds and the membrane stability index of fruits exposed to autumn cold and led to improvement of fruit quality.

Xenia plays an important role in increasing yield and improving the quantitative and qualitative traits of nut fruits and is widely used in breeding programs. This study was conducted as factorial based on completely randomized block design. The first factor is pollen in four level, and the second factor is cultivar in four level with three replications. In this study, Ronde, Atrak, Ganjeh and Nemsa cultivars were used as the maternal and the Gerde- Eshkvarat, Ryasnet, Daviana and Negrate cultivars were used as pollinizers; Self-pollination of main cultivars was also used as a control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different pollen grain sources on some chemical and biochemical compounds of hazelnut kernel. The results showed that the interaction of pollen grains and cultivar on hazelnut kernel compounds was significant. The highest percentage of oil in Daviana × Ganjeh (65.93%), protein in Ronde × Daviana (17.75%), potassium in Ryasnet × Ronde (366.68 mg.100g-1), calcium in the Ryasnet × Ronde (336.53 mg.100gr-1) and phosphorus in Daviana× Ronde (370.87 mg.100g-1), phenol in Riacent×  Atrak (3.45 mg .g-1), total unsaturated fatty acid in Atrak × Daviana (91.56%), total saturated fatty acid in Gerde- Eshkavarat× Atrak (12.34%) were observed. The results showed that Daviana and Ryasnet pollen grains were suitable for pollination of the studied cultivars and they could be used as suitable pollinizer.

Pollination is one of the most critical stages for kernel formation in nut fruits, and without pollination, most fruit will be blanks, so that, to commercial production of hazelnut orchards, should be used two or more cultivars as pollinizer. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenology of flowers, xenia and metaxenia in four commercial hazelnut cultivars and select a suitable and compatible pollinizer for four commercial hazelnut cultivars.

This study was conducted as a two-factor factorial in a completely randomized design. The first factor is pollen, and the second factor is four cultivars having three replications in the period of 2019-2020 in Astara Horticultural Research Station. Gerde Eshkvarat, Riasnet, Daviana and Negret were used as pollinizer cultivars and Ronde, Nemsa, Ganjeh and Atrak cultivars were selected as maternal cultivars. In addition to open pollination (control), self-pollination of maternal cultivars was performed. At the time of fruit ripening, 100 nuts were harvested from each treatment, the variables related to the quantitative characteristics of the fruit, and the nut kernel were determined.

The results of phenology showed that the cultivars were protanderious and the opening time of male flowers (catkins) and shedding of pollen grains were from mid-January to March 24. The opening time of female flower clusters and stigma ready to accept pollen grains varied from January 19 to March 31. The study of xenia and metaxenia in this study showed that the quantitative traits of nut and kernel were strongly influenced by the sources of pollen grains. Increased fruit set and kernel percentage by 87% and 49.84% and the percentage of fruit drop decreased to 31.65% and blank nut by 10.86%. However, when pollen grains of Gerde Eshkorat cultivar were used, the percentage of fruit set, nut and kernel weight and percentage of kernel decreased to 75.86%, 2.48 g and 46.64%, respectively, and the percentage of blank nut with 15.60% and dropping fruit increased by 41.6. In the case of self-pollination, the percentage of fruit drop and the amount of blank nut increased, and the percentage of fruit set, nut, kernel weight, and kernel percentage decreased.

Based on the results, the source of pollen grains affected nut and kernel characteristics of hazelnuts through xenia and metaxenia effects. The effects of treatments on important components of hazelnut yield (nut and kernel weight, kernel and fruit set percentage, fruit drop and blank percentage) were remarkable and it was statistically significant at the 5% probability level. Therefore, for the economic production of hazelnut orchards, pollinizer cultivars should be used that overlap with the main cultivars in terms of pollination period and genetic compatibility.

Drought stress is one of the factors reducing olive yield in tropical and subtropical climates. In order to study the effects of different levels of drought stress on some photosynthetic parameters and related traits, a factorial completely randomized design with six replications was carried out in Taroum Olive Research Station greenhouse. 4 levels of water stress, including 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %(control) of field capacity, were applied on one-year-old seedlings of six commercial olive cultivars, including Arbequina, Amigdalolia, Abou-Satl, Konservolia, Manzanilla and Zard during 60 days. A significant difference was recorded between stress levels in terms of carotenoid content, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and photosynthesis rate (at p≤0.1% level), chlorophyll a and dry biomass (at p≤1% level,) and instantaneous water use efficiency (at p≤5% level). Furthermore, significant difference was observed among cultivars in terms of Chlorophyl a, carotenoid content, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and dry biomass (at p≤0.1% level), intrinsic water use efficiency (at p≤1% level) and instantaneous water use efficiency (at p≤5% level). According to the means comparison table drought stress reduced all measured traits. But, under drought stress levels of 25 and 50 % of field capacity, both instantaneous and intrinsic water use efficiencies were increased. Also among different cultivars, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficiency were correlated to each other. Abou-Satl and Arbequina cultivars showed higher resistance to drought stress than other cultivars. Therefore, these cultivars can be introduced as drought tolerance cultivars for breeding programs and cultivation in arid conditions.

Pomegranate (punica granatum L.) is one of the subtropical fruits and sensitive to chilling injury, so preservation of that in cold storage is associated with some limitations. In this study the impacts of Aloe vera gel (0, 40 and 80 %) on chilling injury, nutritional quality and decay of pomegranate fruit, during 90 days at 4 ºC and 85-90 % relative humidity were evaluated. Sampling to determination of intended criteria were done at 30, 60 and 90 days of cold storage. Results showed that Aloe vera gel decreased the chilling injury and decay incidence significantly and the lowest level of chilling injury (11.6 %) and decay incidence (18.66 %) were observed in fruits with 80% of Aloe vera gel treatment after 90 days of storage. Also this treatment controlled well the levels of malondialdehyde (as an indicator of membrane lipids peroxidation), electrolyte leakage, and weight loss. Furthermore, 80% of Aloe vera gel treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase and preserved the ascorbic acid content at higher level. High levels of total phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were observed in Aloe vera gel treated pomegranate fruits, as a result of a higher activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and a low activity of polyphenol oxidase. In conclusion, applying of Aloe vera gel in 80 % concentration, as an natural cover, could increase cold stress tolerance and preserve nutritional values of pomegranate fruits during the storage period.

Quality and nutritional value reduction after harvest, limit shelf-life of cornelian cherry fruit. In this study, the mechanism employed by hot water (HW) treatment (42 °C, 10, 20 and 30 minutes) on retarding senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality thus prolonging the storage life of cornelian cherry fruits during storage at 4±1 °C for 21 days was investigated. Result showed that the cornelian cherry fruits treated with HW 42 °C/20 min effectively slowed the process of senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality, with enhanced ascorbic acid contents. Cornelian cherry fruits treated with HW 42 °C/20 min via increasing ROS scavenging molecule accumulation or enzymes activity such as ascorbic acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione–s–transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase was accompanied with lower lypoxygenase activity leading to decreasing H2O2 accumulation and all of them results to enhancing membrane integrity revealed by lower malondialdehyde accumulation and electrolyte leakage. Finally, postharvest HW 42 °C/20 min treatment can be introduced as auseful strategy for supplying cornelian cherry fruits with higher bioactive molecules accumulation along with maintaining membrane integrity and prolonged storage life.

Due high flavonoids, including anthocyanins and flavonols, the table grape has a high nutritional and medicinal value, and the type and percentage of these compounds are affected by genotype and environmental conditions. For this reason, biochemical and antioxidant properties of 15 genotypes and commercial cultivars of table grapes (Shahani, Mecca Ozumi, Film Seedless, Malai Red, Google, Red Currant, White Currant, Sharshira, Orumi, Kralua, Yazdanudai, White Currant, Yadidi C. Birghari , Large white beans and Asgari) from Khorramdareh (Zanjan province) were prepared and evaluated. In this study, the amount of soluble solids, titratable acids, taste and flavor index, pectin, total phenol and flavonoids contents, antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins contents were measured. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the studied cultivars and genotypes in terms of evaluated traits. The highest amount of soluble solids (23.7%), taste index, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity (88.66%) was observed in Shahani cultivar. In cluster analysis based on antioxidant activity, Shahani cultivar showed the greatest difference compared to other genotypes and cultivars and belonged to a separate group. Based on the results of correlation analysis, a high correlation between total phenolics, flavonoids and anthocyanins with antioxidant activity was observed, 0.873, 0.530 and 0.762, respectively. Overall, the highest amount of soluble solids, taste index, total phenols and antioxidant activity compared was observed in Shahani cultivar.

In recent years, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic four-carbon signaling amino acid, has been employed as a safe strategy for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest life. In addition to applying GABA as exogenous safe procedure, heightening cellular GABA shunt pathway activity also is pivotal for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest life. Low temperature storage is widely employed for prolonging postharvest life of fruits and vegetables accompanying by keeping sensory and nutritional quality. Tomato is one of the most important horticultural crops, which exhibits higher benefits for human health but being endemic to subtropical climates, they are very vulnerable to chilling injury. Cold storage application is normally employed as a regular low-cost real postharvest technology. Owing to its great socio-economic significance, great efforts have been done by researchers to attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits during low temperature storage employing safe strategies such as melatonin, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, nitric oxide, and gibberellic acid. Attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits by postharvest treatments may attribute to keeping safe membrane integrity representing by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation occurring by eliciting endogenous polyamines, proline and nitric oxide accumulation by activating CBF1 signaling pathway, hampering phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes activity, activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes activity resulting in higher ascorbic acid and glutathione accumulation, maintaining endogenous GA3 homeostasis occurring by higher CBF1 signaling pathway concurrent with higher endogenous salicylic acid accumulation, which not only are pivotal for conferring chilling tolerance in tomato fruits but also are crucial for preserving sensory and nutritional quality.

Tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Izmir) were picked at the mature green stage in Zanjan Province, Iran, and transported to the fruit analysis laboratory at Zanjan University. In the laboratory, the fruit was screened for uniform size, maturity, and absence of mechanical damage. Fruits (1440) were divided into four groups, each consisting of 360 fruits. The experiment was done in triplicate in which each replicate consisted of 120 fruits. The exogenous GABA applying was done by immersing of fruits in GABA at 0, 0.1, 1, and 5 mM for 15 min at 20 ˚C. Then, fruits were air dried at room temperature and stored at 4 ± 0.5 ºC (85–90 % RH) for 28 days. After assessment of chilling injury every 7 days during storage at 4 ˚C followed by shelf life at 25 ºC for 3 days, biochemical analyses were performed.

In recent experiment, we showed that the exogenous GABA applying, especially at 5 mM, is beneficial for attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits during storage at 4 ºC for 28 days which was associated with higher membrane integrity representing by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Keeping safe membrane integrity in tomato fruits in response to exogenous GABA applying may ascribe to triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes activity giving rise to higher endogenous ascorbic acid accumulation concomitant with promoting phenylpropanoid pathway activity representing by higher phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity giving rise to higher phenols and flavonoids accumulation and superior DPPH scavenging capacity.

Therefore, exogenous application of GABA not only is proficient for attenuating chilling injury but also is beneficial for preserving nutritional quality of tomato fruits during storage at 4 ºC for 28 days.

As one of the most important nuts, hazelnut (Corylus avellana L. ) contain a valuable set of antioxidants and nutrients. The quality of hazelnut kernel was strongly affected by kernel compounds. The antioxidant capacity and biochemical compounds depends more on the cultivar, climatic conditions and the interaction between climatic conditions and genotypes. The present study was conducted to determine the quality properties including vitamin C, antioxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoid and mineral element in 11 cultivars and genotypes included seven imported cultivars (Ronde dupimont, Negreta, Segorbe, Sivri, Morfineski, Fertile decotard and Sochi), and four local Iranian genotypes (Eshkevar1, Eshkevar2, Eshkevar3 and Eshkevar 4) in the Rudsar Eshkevarat region in 2017. Analysis of variance results were showed that there was significant difference (P≤0. 01) among examined cultivars for all characters and showed high genetic variation in all of the studied cultivars. Correlation analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlation among some important traits. According to the cluster analysis dendrogram performed by "Ward" method, cultivar and genotypes of hazelnut in Euclidian distance 27 were classified into four clusters.

Alstroemeria is one of the most popular cut flowers in European Union owing to its postharvest longevity and broad color spectra. Nevertheless, premature wilting decreases the esthetic value of flowering branches even before the opening of the secondary florets in the fluorescence. The present study evaluated different biochemical and morphological traits of Alstroemeria cut flowers in order to screen the longevity of eight cultivars of Alstroemeria cut flowers including (Topaz, Chicago, Mayfair, Onyx, Frosty, Bellevue, Samantha, and Dimension). Traits such as longevity, wilting, water uptake, chlorophyll content, total soluble solids, relative water content, catalase activity, peroxidase activity, and protein content were evaluated. Data were subjected to the statistical and cluster analysis. The results showed that Mayfair and Frosty cultivars have the greatest distance from another. Mayfair had the lowest longevity. Frosty exhibited the most significant difference and was the most different cultivar from other cultivars in terms of biochemical traits, so that it was clustered in a separate group. As a result, two cultivars with the longest and the shortest longevity was determined. Maximum peroxidase activity was related to Frosty, differing significantly from that of Mayfair.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most important horticultural crops grown in Iran. To characterize the phenology of walnut genotypes in different seasons and its relationship with climatic conditions, this study was carried out in temperate fruits research center of Horticultural Science Research Institute, Karaj, Iran. The phenological characteristics of 39 selected superior walnut genotypes were compared with Chandler, Jamal and Rond de Montignac cultivars during 2012-18. The results showed that the overall average leafing dates of genotypes varied from March 15-29 over seasons. ‘Z16’ had the earliest leafing date (March 13) together with ‘Kr95’and high variation (24 and 25 days, respectively). Latest leafing date (April 13) and least variation (four days over seasons) belonged to ‘Ronde de Montignac’. The average leafing dates in ‘Chandler’, ‘88-1, ‘88-2’ were in April 6-8. The average pollen shedding, in different seasons, started in genotypes from March 29 to April 12. While the average of pistillate flowers receptivity varied from April 2 to April 11. The effect of season was not significant on nut ripening. The overall average fruit ripening was on August 24-25 in different seasons. However, the ripening dates for walnut genotypes varied from August 15 in ‘Kr111’ to September 16 in ‘Chandler’. The temperature of March showed to have a crucial effect on bud break, catkin development, pollen shedding, and pistillate flowers development and receptivity period. Leafing date showed to be more affected by season in comparison to other phenological characteristics. The leafing dates varied 5.5 and 2.8 days, with 1 °C increase in average temperature, in early and late leafing genotypes, respectively.

Apples are an important source of polyphenols in the human diet and the consumption of this fruit has been linked to the prevention of degenerative diseases. This study deliberation of the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of some cultivars of apples cultivated in Zanjan province were measured as a suitable strategy for their evaluation in 2017. The total phenol content, total flavonoid, anthocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoid, antioxidant properties, pectin, soluble solids, total acid and flavor index in the skin and pomace of nine apple cultivars (Malus domastica) including "Top Red", "Granny Smith", "Dellbar Stewal", "Golden Primorz", "Idared", "Red Delecious", "Red Starking", "Jonagold" and "Golden Delicious" were evaluated and clustered. According to the cluster analysis based on the accumulation of phenolic substances in the skin of fruits, there was no significant difference between Granny Smith and Red Delecious cultivars and had at least a significant difference with Top Red. The results showed that the amount of phenolic compounds in fruit skin was higher than pomace, and the amount of these compounds were distinct in various cultivars. The highest amount of total phenol, chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoids and anthocyanin was measured in fruit skin. As the final result, the highest amount of skin phenol (6.4 mg.kg-1), pectin (2.31%), skin chlorophyll (80.82 mg.g-1) and antioxidant properties (83.73%) were observed in Granny Smith variety compared to the others.

Nowadays, application of chemical compounds is limited due to their harmful effects on human health and environmental. Therefore, it is required to find safe compound that utilized in postharvest technology of fruit and vegetable. Calcium is regarded as a safe and potentially effective element for increasing the quality and storage life of several fruit. Pre and postharvest treatments with different calcium salts have been effective in maintaining cell wall stabilization and integrity, enhancing antioxidant capacity, delaying the ripening process, alleviating chilling injury, controlling postharvest decay and reducing physiological disorders of horticultural crops. However, there is little information about the effects of different calcium sources on bioactive components, antioxidant properties and quality attribution in pear fruits. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pre-harvest application of calcium acetate, calcium chloride, calcium lactate and calcium lignosulphonate on important quality characteristics, antioxidant properties and storage life of pear fruits. The experiment was carried out on 8-year-old pear [Pyrus communis (L.) ‘Dargazi’] trees, in a commercial orchard located in the Zanjan (Abhar). The results showed that treatment with different calcium sources significantly maintained content of total soluble solids, firmness, vitamin C, total phenolics and antioxidant capacity. The experiment conducted here indicated that a preharvest application of calcium salts increased calcium content of pear fruits.

Ripening of fruit includes major physiological and biochemical changes that change the color, taste, fruit aroma, texture and nutritional value of fruits.During storage and after the full ripening of fruits, if the fruit is not consumed or processed, over-ripe, and their quality is decaying rapidly. Since the harvest at the right time can improve the shelf life of fruits, therefore, the effect of harvesting stage and chitosan coating were studied on shelf-life and quality of physalis fruit. The experiment was conducted in factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments consisted of harvesting stage (green mature, yellowish green and yellow) and chitosan coating (0, 0.5 and 1 percent). Fruits were stored at 15 °C for 30 days. Results showed that the harvesting stage and different levels of chitosan coating had significant effects on quality and shelf-life of fruits during storage time. With fruit maturity, weight loss, vitamin C, carotenoid contents and flavor index significantly increased, and chlorophyll content, Total phenol and TA decreased. Chitosan coating treatment delayed decreasing of chlorophyll content, water loss, total phenol, TA, fruit maturity and color change. During storage time, the highest weight loss, flavor index and vitamin C, was observed in control fruits. Also, mature green fruit treated with 0.5 percent chitosan had the highest quality during storage time.

The effect of gamma rays was studied on the feasibility of breeding the Iris persica L. The experimental design was a randomized complete block  design with 4 replications in a farm located in the Khorramdarreh city and Biotechnology Institute of Zanjan since 2012 to 2014 years. In this experiment, were investigated the morphological, physiological, biochemical and cytogenetic changes. LD50 were determined 15 Gy for Iris persica plant and 22Gy for pollen grain. Increase physical mutagen dose of5 Gy of gamma radiation was to cause morphological changes in the plant, flowers were opened 12days earlier than control, and the tendency towards were higher bright blue flowers compared to other treatments and control (white flowers).Also in this treatment was observed petals a significant increase in the accumulation of anthocyanins and total flavonoids. With the increasein gamma radiationto25 Gy was observed the significant decrease in morphological characteristics, But by increasing the dose of physical mutagen, a significant increase was observed in the accumulation of carotenoids in the petals, total chlorophyll, proline, carbohydrate and polyphenol oxidase activity, also, by increasing the dose of gamma rays observed a significant reduction in the length of chromosome and significantly lower the percentage of TF, and were increase the percentage of abnormal chromosomes, and chromosomal abnormality were observed includes Bridge and Isolated. According to the results, 5 Gy dose had significant effect to breeding Iris persica and can be considered for revision and plant breeding.

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused a lot of environmental problems, so the use of organic and humic compounds, especially fulvic acid, has been considered in the production of horticultural crops. This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of foliar application of fulvic acid on quality and antioxidant properties of grapevine cv. Fakhri at four levels (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g/l) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Grapes were cultivated in a traditional traning system. The vines were sprayed at three stages: 1- Berry formation, 2- Lag phase, 3- Veraison. After harvesting, (Brix 20) qualitative and antioxidant properties of fruits were evaluated. Results of the experiment showed that 2.5 g/l of fulvic acid significantly increased soluble solids, vitamin C, soluble sugars, total phenol, antioxidant capacity of fruits, chlorophyll and leaf potassium content while 10 g/l of fulvic acid increased only titratable acidity of fruits. With increasing fulvic acid concentration evaluated traits decreased, so that 10 g/l fulvic acid did not show significant effect on improving qualitative and antioxidant properties of fruits. Application of fulvic acid did not show significant effect on fruit flavonoid, and carotenoid, phosphorus and nitrogen contents of leaves. As final result, fulvic acid treatment had an important effect on improving the qualitative and antioxidant properties of Fakhri cultivar and 2.5 g/l had the highest effect which is recommended to be considered as a best concentration.

To evaluate the effects of harvest time and duration of storage on the fruit quality and storage longevity of physalis )Physalis angulate L.(, an experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design (CRD), with three replications in 2016. Factors were three fruit harvest stages (mature green, yellowish green, and yellow) and storage times (0 (harvest time), 10, 20, 30 days). The results showed that different harvest times and storage durations had significant effects on the fruit quality indices and storage longevity. The highest value of flavor and fruit color index, vitamin C (201.54 mg) and total soluble solids (TSS) (7.6 percent of brix) contents were obtained in the fruit harvested at the yellow stage under 10 days storage duration, and with longer storage duration reduced vitamin C and TSS contents. The maximum titratable acidity (1.71 mg/100gr) and pH of fruit were observed at the mature green stage in harvest time. Chart differences color in storage was accompanied by an upward trend in the amount of mature green fruit significantly different than the fruit was yellowish green and yellow. According to the results, because of climacteric nature of physalis fruits, gradual ripening and fruit color change, harvesting of fruit at mature green stage increased the storage life up to 30 days at 15 °C compared to other fruits harvested times.

To evaluate the effect of water-deficit stress on the yield, antioxidant activity, and physiological traits of four Iranian melon genotypes (“Khatooni,” “Suski-Sabz,” “Zarde-Tabriz,” and “Shiari”), an experiment was conducted. The irrigation levels were: (1) control (100%ETc); (2) deficit irrigation 66% (66%ETc); and (3) deficit irrigation 33% (33%ETc). The results showed that the yield and relative water content (RWC) significantly decreased in response to an increase in water-deficit stress. The highest yield reduction (60.7%) was measured in Khatooni under 33% ETc deficit irrigation. Water deficit had no significant effect on the Vitamin C content. Among genotypes, the highest value of Vitamin C was seen in Suski-Sabz. Water-use efficiency (WUE) increased under water-deficit stress conditions with higher WUE values recorded in the Suski-Sabz and Shiari genotypes. Significant proline accumulation was detected with increasing water-deficit stress and the highest value of proline was obtained in Shiari under 33%ETc deficit irrigation. The increase in water-deficit stress resulted in higher catalase and peroxidase activities in all genotypes. According to the results, the Suski-Sabz and Shiari genotypes showed the lowest yield reduction respectively, related to high antioxidant enzyme activity and proline accumulation under water-deficit conditions.

It is important to understand the structural events associated with flower morphogenesis in horticultural plants, because it has many aspects of practical horticultural significance. Information about different stages of flower initiation and development is important for better management of the vineyardsand fruit set. Knowledge of floral ontogeny in kiwifruit is also important for the establishment of breeding programs and for the understanding of the evolutionary processes involved in the development of the floral organs. The main objective of this study was documentation of the differentiation stages of flower buds for better understanding of morphological and external changes in (Actinidiadeliciosa[A. Chev.] C.F. Liang &A.R. Ferguson var.deliciosa) cvs.Hayward (female) and Tomuri (male).
The experiment was carried out over two years in a mature 'Hayward' and ‘Tomuri’ kiwifruit vineyard at the Citrus and Subtropical Research Center of Iran (Ramsar city). Pistillate and staminate flowers development was followed from the stage of undifferentiated primordia, present in the axils of leaf primordia in dormant buds since mid-March to early June 2015 and 2016. Equally buds in diameter and size from sixth to twentieth buds on one-year old cane of Hayward and Tomuri selected at 5 to 7 days intervals. They were sampled and fixed in a solution of formalin, ethanol 70%, glacial acetic acid (2:5:1 FAA) then stored in refrigerator. Fifteen buds of each sample dissected under a Nikon SMZ645 stereo zoom microscope. The very dense pubescence within the buds was removed manually without damaging the axillary flower primordia. The remaining pubescence was removed using dissecting needles. Various stages of flower differentiation were explained with principal growth stage 5 of BBCH scale.
The first signs of the flower on Tomuri were observed 2 days before bud swelling stage (01), on the March 12th, about one month before bud break in 2015. While in the Hayward variety the first signs of the flower primordia were observed on the March 21th of 2015 (9 days later). At the beginning of bud swelling (01), flower primordia begin to differentiation and at advanced bud swelling stage (03), bracts and sepals initiated. As development proceeded, different parts of flowers initiated acropetally. Lateral flowers were formed in the bud break (07), before initiation of petals. In advanced budburst stage (09) stamen primordia appear almost immediately after petal initiation, as two whorls in 'Hayward' and as three whorls in the Tomuri cultivar. Stigma initiated in the open cluster stage (10) in Hayward cultivar about 24-25 days after bud swell stage. The process of differentiation of buds and reproductive organs in the second year was the same as the first year with the exception that differentiation began earlier than that in the first year. Climatic conditions were affected flower development and in the second year primordia differentiation began earlier two days in Tomuri and six days in Hayward than those in the first year. The advanced budburst stage (09) in Tomuri 9 days and in the Hayward 10 days was occurred earlier than that in the first year. Unlike other tree fruits, flower induction in the kiwifruit occurred about 6 months before flower initiation. Flower primordia differentiation initiated shortly before bud break stage and approximately two months before full bloom. Flower initiation and differentiation time may be partly estimated with external changes of buds development. According to cultivar, chilling and heat requirements and climatic conditions during the research, flower initiation and differentiation period have fluctuation. A reason for the difference between the development stages and different varieties can be caused by the chilling and heat requirements. The more heat requirement, the longer reproductive meristem differentiation period.
An understanding of the flower initiation and development is very important for the research and management of fruit trees. A knowing of flower initiation and differentiation can be developed corrective vineyard management and practices in crisis period and prepared breeding programs. Tomuri initiated and developed their floral organs earlier than those in Hayward. Different external changes in the bud may be partly used to estimate of flower development status. The results showed that flower initiation and differentiation in buds coincided with the beginning of development and elongation of bud in the early of spring.

In order to evaluate the effect of water deficit stress on growth and fruit yield of some Iranian melons, the experiment was set out in a split plot design with three replicates in research filed of University of Zanjan. Treatments consisted arrangement of three irrigation levels (starting irrigation at 100, 66 and 33% ETc) and 11 accessions of Iranian melons (Khatouni, Kali, Orshang, Mouri, Mozi, Zarde-Paeize, Shirazi, Shiardar, Ezmir, Eyvanaki and Suski-e-Sabz). Results showed that irrigation treatment had a significant effect on plant length, fruits number per plant, fruit weight, leaf area, leaf dry matter, yield, total chlorophyll and carotenoids. The water deficit stress 33% ETc caused 1.9% increases of leaf dry matter and reduced 34.4 and 59.75% of fruit weight and yield, respectively. The lowest values of plant length, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, leaf area and the highest leaf dry matter was obtained in the sever water stress (start point of 33 ETc). Melon accessions showed significant differences in studied traits. The highest values of yield, fruit weight and total chlorophyll were obtained under 100% ETc irrigation in “Eyvanakei” and “Shiardar” respectively. According to the results, “Eyvanaki” and “Mozi” with highest (72.27%) and lowest (43.4%) reduction of yield under irrigation 33% ETc were sensitive and tolerance accession, respectively to the water deficit stress compared normal irrigation.

Short postharvest life and susceptibility to chilling are the most important problems of persimmon fruit cultivars. Use of nanotechnology is one of the most effective ways to extend storage life of fruits. In this study, effect of different packaging material including nano-silicate, polyethylene and control (without packaging) on quality and antioxidant properties of persimmon fruits cv. Karaj was investigated during 40 days of postharvest storage at 1 ºC and 90-95% relative humidity. The fruits were removed after 20 and 40 days of cold storage and subsequently held at ambient temperature for three days (shelf life), and were analyzed for chilling injury index, weight loss, flesh firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, soluble tannin, total flavonoids, total carotenoid contents and total antioxidant activity. The results showed that nano-packaging maintained quality attributes of ascorbic acid, soluble tannin, total flavonoids, total carotenoid contents and total antioxidant activity for longer period than polyethylene packaging and controls. Also, nano- packaged persimmon fruits had the least chilling index (0.01%), weight loss (1.32%) and the most flesh fruit firmness (5.33N/cm2). Therefore use of nano-packaging is beneficial for quality maintaining and postharvest life of persimmon fruit during storage.

By considering short shelf life time of nectarine fruit and the importance of postharvest physiology, In order to study the effect of nano-packaging with hot water treatment to maintain qualitative characterestics and increase the storage life of nectarines cv. ‘Sunglo‘ an experiment was carried out in 2014. The experiment was designed in a CRBD (completely randomized block design) based on factorial with three replications and fruits qualitative characterestics every 10 days, during 40 days storage with 0-1C0 temperature, 90-95 percent RH were measured. The results showed that nano-packaging caused to maintain the vitamin C, titratable acidity and total soluble solids, and also nano-packaging compared to conventional packaging on weight loss, color quality and increasing browning was not significant effect. The amount of pH was decreased during 30 days of storage, then was increased to 40 days. The peroxidase enzyme activity increased with time, but this process in nano-packaging less than control treatment. The flavor index and carotenoids increased with time, but this process was significant decrease in carotenoids during 40 days of storage. Decrease in fruit firmness over time within 30 days of treatment with nano-packaging is lower. The results showed that nano packaging can be a suitable method to increasing the shelf life and maintain quality of nectarine fruit cv. ‘Sunglo‘.

In order to study the effects of chitosan and hot water treatments on storability and fruit quality of sweet pepper "Paks", an experiment was conducted as a factorial design in the base of CRD with three replications.Fruits were treated withchitosan at four levels (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 percent) and hot water at 20 and 45ºC (dipping for 2 min time) and 60ºC (dipping for 2o sec time), then stored for 12, 24 and 35 days at 8°C and 98% RH in refrigerator. The results showed that the quality and vitamin Ccontent of fruits decreased during storage. Coating of pepper with chitosan significantly delayed loss of TSS, firmness, vitamin C, weight losses and fruit quality. Pepper coated with 2% chitosan had the highest effect on keeping fruit quality. Hot water had significant effect on fruit quality. Water with 45°C as hot water treatment improved firmness, titrable acidity, vitamin C, visual quality and activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. Heat damage was observed on fruit dipping at 60°C. According to the results, treatment of 2 percent chitosan with hot water 45°C had the best effect on the studied parameters.