جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « Oil Yield » در نشریات گروه « اکولوژی »

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of natural and organic fertilizers, compared to chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of black cumin.

Factorial experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications at the Research Farm of the University of Kurdistan during 2021 growing season. The first factor consisted of three levels of fertilizer (control, digested fertilizer, and chemical fertilizer) and the second factor included three concentrations of humic acid foliar application (0, 200, and 400 mg.L-1).

The digested fertilizer significantly increased plant height, capsules number per plant, seeds number per capsule, grain and biological yield, oil percentage and yield, and essential oil yield. These mentioned traits significantly increased with humic acid foliar application except for essential oil yield. The third level of humic acid had the most effect. The highest values of seed nitrogen and phosphorus content belonged to the integrated treatment of digested fertilizer and 400 mg.L-1 humic acid.

The digested fertilizer and humic acid (400 mg.L-1) improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of black cumin and they can be alternative inputs for chemical fertilizers.

For centuries, medicinal, functional, and nutraceutical herbs have been used for food and medicinal purposes. Lallemantia species are versatile and can be used for lightening, varnish, painting, food, and medicine. The genus is distributed in several countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Syria, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and some European countries. Lallemantia iberica belongs to the Labiatae family, which has about 220 genera and almost 4000 species worldwide, with 46 genera and 410 species and subspecies in Iran. Dragon’s head seed is a good source of polysaccharides, fiber, oil, and protein, with medicinal, nutritional, and human health properties. Its high mucilage content allows it to absorb water quickly, producing a sticky, turbid, and tasteless liquid, which can be used as a novel food hydrocolloid in food formulations. Given the increasing consumption and high economic value of dragon’s head medicinal plants, research on planting factors of this plant is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate some traits, such as grain yield, oil yield, percentage, and mucilage yield of five dragon’s head medicinal plant accessions.

The experiment was carried out in the research farm of Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training Center in the 2018 crop year. The research farm's geographical coordinates are longitude 48°35′N and latitude 33°48′E, elevation above sea level is 1147.8 meters, average rainfall is 525 mm, and average temperature is 14.13 °C. Khorramabad region has a subtropical climate with hot and dry summers and a temperate climate based on long-term statistics. The experiment was performed on a randomized complete block design with three replications, including five dragons’ head accessions (Takab, Kaleibar, Kurdistan, Nazarkahrizi, and Jolfa). Traits evaluated included grain yield, biochemical traits, and photosynthetic pigments. Data analysis was done using SAS 9.1 statistical program, and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% probability level.

Analysis of variance showed that grain yield, oil yield, mucilage yield, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were affected by mass. According to the comparison, the highest mean of grain yield, oil yield, biological yield, and mucilage yield were obtained in Kaleibar mass and ranked next in Takab mass. The lowest grain and oil yield were obtained in Julfa mass. In the dryland conditions of Khorramabad region, Kaleibar massif was superior to other masses in terms of the studied traits. Correlation analysis in rainfed conditions showed that grain yield had the highest correlation coefficient with oil yield, mucilage yield, and biological yield. Pearson correlation between the studied traits and grain yield showed a significant correlation between grain yield and oil yield, mucilage yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Grain yield also correlated significantly with oil content, mucilage percentage, 1000-grain weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The highest positive and significant correlation was observed between chlorophyll b content and total chlorophyll content.

The study found that mass had a significant effect on the evaluated traits.ConclusionThe study found that mass had a significant effect on the evaluated traits.  The highest grain mucilage yield, grain oil, biological yield and also grain yield were observed in Kaleibar mass and then in Takab mass. There was a significant difference with other dragon’s head accessions. The lowest grain yield, mucilage yield, grain oil yield and biological yield were also obtained in Julfa massif. According to the experimental findings, in dryland conditions of Khorramabad region, Kaleibar mass are suitable for cultivation first and then Takab mass and have acceptable yield and can be recommended for cultivation in similar conditions.

Investigation of environmental factors and stresses on the fatty acid composition of soybean oil and identification of water deficit tolerant cultivars is one of the strategies to improve the fatty acid composition of its oil.Effect of water deficit stress on quality characteristics and oil yield of 13 soybean genotypes were evaluated as a split plot based on randomized complete block design in three replicates in Karaj in two years.In this work irrigation was conducted at three levels including routine irrigation (control),mild and severe stress were based on 50, 100 and 150mm evaporation from ClassA evaporation pan, respectively,in main plots and soybean genotypes in sub-plots.The results showed that effect of year×irrigation×genotype on oil yield, oil content, oleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidic acid was significant.Oilyeild of soybean decreased under mild and severe stress, 27 and 38%, respectively.Saba and Williams×A3935 had the highest oilyield with an average of 422 and 427 kg/ha, respectively. palmitic acid in mild and severe stress compared to control irrigation decreased by2.6% and 1.2%.While stearic acid increased by9.5% and 10.8%in mild and severe stress conditions, respectively.In control irrigation, L425002 line with 0.22%, in mild stress conditions,Williams×Century and L425002 with 24.6% and 24.1%, and in severe stress conditions, Saba and L425002 genotypes with 24.1% and 24.5%, had the highest percentages of oleic acid and high oil content.In control irrigation, Saba cultivar,in mild stress conditions,Saba cultivar and Williams×A3935 and in severe stress conditions Williams×A3935 had the highest oil yield.L425002 and Williams×Century had the highest oil quality in all stress conditions.

To increase the quantitative yield of canola (Brassica napus L.),due to the interaction of zinc application in winter planting dates on spring canola cultivars.

The experiment was performed as a factorial split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted during two experimental years (2016-2017) in Alborz province (Karaj).Experimental factors including winter planting date in three levels (11.20, 11.30 and 12.10) and zinc factor in two levels (no application of zinc and application of zinc in stem elongation stage were considered as factorial in the main plots and factor cultivars were classified into four levels (Sarigol, Dalgan, Salsa and Solar) in the subplot.

The results showed that planting date has a great impact on yield, yield components and oil of canola cultivars.Delayed culture reduced leaf chlorophyll concentration.Also the yield components of canola were reduced due to delay in planting and non-application of zinc,which eventually reduced the yield of canola seed and oil.The tested genotypes had the highest yield on the date of normal cultivation.The highest oil yield was observed in the Dalgan cultivar (2066 kg/ha) due to zinc application on normal cultivation.Delay in planting caused an increase in glucosinolate.

In general, foliar application of zinc,reduced the negative effects of delay in planting in most of the studied traits of different rapeseed cultivars.Due to the effect of zinc application and adaptation of Dalgan cultivar to a certain range of planting date for canola production in this area and areas with similar climates is recommended

The present study was conducted to investigate morphological traits, yield, and oil content of some safflower cultivars as affected by humic acid. 

Factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications at the research field of the University of Kurdistan during 2017 growing season. The first factor was three concentrations of humic acid (0, 2, and 4 per thousand), and the second factor was five safflower cultivars (Isfahan native, Sina, Faraman, Goldasht, and Sofeh). 

The results showed that the highest plant height, capitol number per plant, seed number per capitol, and 1000 seed weight belonged to Faraman cultivar compared to the other cultivars. Humic acid significantly increased morphological attributes, yield components, yield, and oil content. The greatest biological yield, seed yield, and oil yield was obtained from Faraman and 4 per thousand of humic acid. The lowest values of mentioned traits belonged to the Sofeh cultivar. 

The Faraman cultivar as affected by 4 per thousand Soluble acid humic not only produced the greatest values of seed and oil yield but also showed a significant response to the second level of humic acid.

One of the main factors of sustainable agriculture is organic fertilizers. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of vermicompost and urea fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame in field conditions.

The experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement base on randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research, Training Center and Natural Resources of Golestan Province. Experimental factors included vermicompost at four levels (zero, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 t.ha-1) and second factor was urea fertilizer at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1).

The results showed that vermicompost and urea fertilizer had a significant effect on all measured traits. The highest plant height, biological yield, number of capsules per plant and grain yield (1601 kg.ha-1) were recorded from the application of 150 kg/ha of urea and 7.5 t.ha-1 of vermicompost. The oil yield was increased by concomitant use of vermicompost and urea fertilizer. The percentage of oil decreased by increasing urea level and increased with increasing vermicompost amount. The highest oil percentage was recorded by application 7.5 t.ha-1 of vermicompost. With increasing levels of urea and vermicompost, harvest index was increased. There was a positive and significant correlation between yield and biomass (r = 8,850 **) and number of capsules per plant (r = 0.745 **).

Considering the role of organic fertilizers in the stability and preservation of soil specificity to achieve maximum productivity, the combined use of urea and vermicompost is recommended to increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame.

The goals of study were to recognize the effects of water deficit on eco-physiological and agronomic responses of safflower and introducing drought tolerant genotypes to cultivate in saline and dry lands.

The experiment was conducted as split plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the East Azarbaijan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center during two cropping seasons (2017-19). The experimental factors included drought stress as non-stressed and stressed from flowering to maturity and six safflower genotypes including Padideh, Golemehr, Mexico14, Mexico248, Mexico295 and Parnian.

Seed and oil yields and yield components of genotypes decreased by drought. Water deficit stress decreased RWC, stomatal conductance and leaf chlorophyll index significantly. Amounts of these characters were significantly different among genotypes. Correlations among studied traits were significant. Stomatal conductance and RWC indicated significant correlations with capitulum number per plant and oil percent. Also RWC indicated significant correlation with seed yield. Correlations among capitulum number per plant and grain number per capitulum with each other and seed oil percent, seed and oil yields, were positive and significant. These yield components had important role in productivity.

stomatal conductance and RWC are able to reflect the effects of late season drought stress on safflower and can be used to select drought-tolerant genotypes. Golemehr, Mexico14, Mexico248 and Mexico295 genotypes indicated higher seed and oil yields in both normal and drought conditions and were seen suitable to cultivate in saline areas around Ormieh lake and areas with similar climate.

A two-year trial (2014-2016) was carried out to investigate the response of rapeseed genotypes to foliar application and sowing date in Karaj, Iran.

Factorial-split plot arrangement of the treatments was set up as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor consisted of three sowing dates of 7 October (well-timed sowing) 17 October, and 27 October (delayed), the second factor consisted of four levels of foliar application with pure water (control), selenium (1.5%), Zn (1.5%), and selenium and Zn (1.5%), and the third factor was the five genotypes including Ahmadi, SW102, Okapi, GKH2624, and GK-Gabriella. Sowing date and foliar application were factorial in main plots and genotypes as split plot in subplots.

Number of silique per plant, number of grain per silique, length of silique, grain weight, biomass, and grain and oil yields were significantly affected by the sowing date, foliar application, and genotype. Among the foliar application treatments, results showed that the highest grain and oil yields with an average of 3692 and 1512 kg.ha-1 were related to selenium and Zn, respectively. The average grain and oil yields of rapeseed genotypes decreased by 45.7 and 49% on 17 October and by 52.5 and 52% on 27 October compared to 7 October.

The results indicated that GK-Gabriella genotype sown on 7 October and GKH2624 genotype sown on 17 and 27 October treated with selenium and Zn could produce the highest grain and oil yields under Karaj climate condition.

In order to evaluate the effect of different bio-fertilizer on agronomical traits and photosynthesis pigments of linseed under irrigation cut-off condition a farm experiment carried out as split plot base on randomized complete block design with three replication at research field of Yasouj university in 2017. Irrigation regimes at three levels, full irrigation, irrigation cut-off at beginning of flowering until beginning of podding, irrigation cut-off at beginning of podding to end of maturity and bio-fertilizer application at four levels as mycorrhiza arbuscular fungi, Phosphate Barvar2, mycorrhiza arbuscular fungi+Phosphate Barvar2 and non-application of bio-fertilizer were considered as the main and the sub plots, respectively. Results showed that the lowest grain and oil yield (93.7 and 32.9 g.m-2) and the lowest  capsule numbers per plant, seed numbers per capsule and 1000 seed weight and also the highest seed protein percent were achieved from irrigation cut-off at  beginning of podding to end of maturity. Application of mycorrhiza arbuscular fungi + Phosphate Barvar2 comparison with non-application of bio-fertilizer increased capsule numbers per plant, grain and oil yield, and protein percent by 25.5, 26.5, 33.1 and 17.4 percent respectively. Use of mycorrhiza arbuscular fungi + Phosphate Barvar2 under irrigation cut-off at beginning of podding to end of maturity increased leaf carotenoid content significantly in seed filling stage sampling. Also in full irrigation condition at beginning pooding stage sampling, Use of mycorrhiza arbuscular fungi + Phosphate Barvar2 increased leaf chlorophyll content significantly.

In order to study the effect of mycorrhiza fertilizer application on the growth and yield of linseed in intercropping with fenugreek, a field experiment was conducted at research farm of Yasouj University, agricultural college in 2017. Experimental arrangement was factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications and 15 treatments. The experimental factors were application of biofertilizer in three levels as non- bio fertilizer application (control), application of mycorrhiza fungus Funneliformis mosseaeand Rhizophagus irregularis species and cropping system in five levels, linseed sole cropping, fenugreek sole cropping and intercropping of linseed- fenugreek with ratios 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. The results showed that the yield of linseed and fenugreek increased under the influence of mycorrhiza bio fertilizer. Also in between the cropping systems the highest grain yield of both linseed (233 g .m-2) and fenugreek plants (221.6 g.m-2) achieved from sole cropping systems. The highest seed oil percent (41.27%) of linseed was found in 1:1 ratio of linseed-Fenugreek intercropping with the application of Rhizophagus irregularis mycorrhiza fungus. Land equal ratio (LER) in all experimental intercropping system was higher than one that indicating the beneficial effects of linseed intercropping with Fenugreek compared to sole cropping of each. Based on the results, the cultivation ratio of one row of fenugreek: one row of linseed with Funneliformis mosseaemycorrhiza fungus application can be introduced.

The olive and grape intercropping in Kermanshah province was studied by an experiment in Dallaho Olive Research Station (longitude of 45˚, 51΄ E and latitude of 34˚, 30΄ N and the height of sea level 633m). A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 3 density (6×7, 7×7 and 8×7 meters) in olive and 2 training systems for grapevine in 3 replications was carried out. Each experiment unit consists of 9 olive tree and 12 grapevine were used. Land was prepared in November 2010 in a 3528 m2 area and trees was planted. Trees were irrigated by drip irrigation in a 3 day intervals. Olive tree compared in growth character (juvenile period). The results showed that olive density and grape training system affected the fruit and yield characteristics of olive and grapevine trees in intercropping system. 7 × 7 cropping density and grape supporting training increased fruit and oil yield, fruit size and dry weight in olive trees, as well as increased cluster weight, weight and diameter of berry, yield per vine and yield per hectare in grapevine Yagutoi cultivar. The results showed that the grape supporting system compared to the Pabrahi system increased the yield of approximately 12% in olive and grape intercropping. Moreover, the grapevine training systems did not affect the fruit attribute and yield of olive trees, but the vine density had significant effect on olive and grapevine yield, In conclusion 7 × 7 olive density and also the supporting system in olive- grape intercropping is recommended.

The effect of bio fertilizers of Mycorrhiza and phosphate Barvar2 on yield of safflower cultivar soffeh under drought stress were investigated in a Research Farm Faculty of Agriculture at Yasouj University in 2016, as split plot Experiment randomized complete block design with three replications. Main factor included droughtt stress in three stages (full irrigation, flowering and pollination stage, and grain filling stage) and bio fertilizers as sub factor were included control or no application Bio fertilizer, Phosphate Barvar 2, Arbuscular mycorrhiza, and Arbuscular mycorrhiza + Phosphate Barvar 2. Application of bio fertilizers increased the grain yield components including number of fertilie head, number of grain per head and 1000-grain weight. The highest grain yield (3413 kg.ha-1) was obtained in conventional irrigation treatments and the combined application of biofertilizers, arbuscular myrrhiza and phosphate Barvar2, and the lowest grain yield (1451 kg.ha-1) in stress at flowering stage and in the absence of bio fertilizer application. Stress at flowering stage reduced the grain yield. The highest percentage of grain oil was obtained in conventional irrigation treatments and integrated application of bio fertilizers, and the lowest percentage of grain oil was due to grain filling stage stress and non-application of bio fertilizers. Drought stress at flowering and grain filling stages reduced grain yield, oil yield and grain oil content. Application of biofertilizers in drought stress conditions with improvement in yield components increased the mentioned traits in compared with non-application of biofertilizers.

Castor bean, as an important commercial oil-based by products are used in the manufacture of several commercially important commodities like surfactants, coatings, greases, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polyesters, polymers. Castor bean is a non-edible oilseed crop which produces an oil rich in Ricinoleic acid, commonly over 80%. The seeds of castor consist of 40-60% by weight of the most useful natural plant oil. Interactive effects among species on inter-species populations are called interference. Interference is one of the main issues on the eco-physiology of plant populations where weeds impose negative effects by approaching the plant to compete in light, water and nutrient elements availability and results in reduced growth and yield. Various reasons have been attributed for the low productivity of crops, among them weed competition is the most important. Redroot pigweed belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, as an important competitor to slow growth of the castor bean plant, can deprive it from nutrients. The purpose of this research was determining the effects of redroot pigweed plant density interference on the yield of oil and fatty acids composition of castor bean plant to increase quantity and quality of oil. To evaluate the effects of Pigweed interference on yield, oil content and fatty acid composition of castor oil plant, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Center for Agricultural Research in West Azerbaijan (Urmia) (Saatlu station: 37°44´18״ N Latitude and 45° 10´ 53״ E Longitude, at 1338 m above sea level) with silty-sandy soils. The first factor included Castor plant densities (3, 4, 5 and 6 plants per square meter) and the second was Amaranth densities (zero, 5, 10 and 15 plants per square meter). Castor seeds cv. Mobarakeh were planted with red root pigweed simultaneously on 14 June 2013. After Soxhlet extraction, fatty acid analysis was performed by Gas Chromatography. Data were analyzed with SAS 9. 1 software. The results showed the significant effects of castor and amaranth densities, and their interaction effects on the castor oil yield, but only significant effect of amaranth density on the fatty acid composition. According to the results, increasing Amaranth density caused to reduction of 20-38% in castor grain yield, 39% in oil yield compared to pure cultures (without weed). Due to the unique characteristics of ricinoleic acid, it was reduced 19% by increasing pigweed density, but the palmitic acid (74%) and stearic acid (108%), linoleic acid (12%) and Oleic acid (64%) were increased compared with pure cultures (weed free). The results of the survey indicated that the pigweed at densities of 10 and 15 plants per square meter is one of the most important factors affecting yield, oil content and fatty acid composition. In this experiment, Amaranth weed caused to significant reduction of the yield of castor grain, oil and major fatty acids. In this regard, pigweed control at the beginning of the growing season will be effective to reduce seed production, in order to reducing crop yield loss and reduce the scope of its release in the next years. In general, despite the importance of castor plant there has been limited research work carried out on the crop in Iran to increase the crop competitive ability. In this present study, the oil content, oil yield and fatty acids composition of Iranian castor bean oil have been outlined. The results of this experiment showed that changes in oil content and fatty acid composition is depending on environmental conditions such as competition with weed and the Pigweed is a competitive weed which significantly reduces the quantitative (seed and oil) and qualitative (oil composition) yield. Increasing pigweed density decrease grain yield, oil yield and fatty acids composition of castor bean. The amount of this reduction was related to pigweed density. On the other hand, 6 plants/m2 of Castor bean can be recommended for reducing pigweed damage in Castor bean.

Intercropping is an old and widespread practice used in low input cropping systems in many areas of the world. In fact, intercropping is claimed to be one of the most significant cropping techniques in sustainable agriculture, and many researches and reviews attribute its utilization to the number of environmental benefits from promoting land biodiversity to diversifying agricultural outcome. Furthermore, it is thought to be a useful mean for minimizing the risks of agricultural production in many environments, including those typical of under-developed or marginal areas. Intercropping systems, especially those employing non legumes with legumes, have several major advantages such as higher total yield and better land use efficiency (Dhima et al., 2007), yield stability of the cropping system (Lithourgidis et al., 2007), better utilization of light, water, and nutrients (Javanmard et al., 2009), improved soil conservation and better control of pests and weeds. Intercrops including of legume are common in agriculture ecosystems, but now are rarely used in developed countries, except for certain intercropping systems used for animal feed. Intercrops can use the available environmental resources more efficiently and thus result in higher yields than mono crops. The reasons for the higher yield in such systems is that the intercropped species do not compete for exactly the same growth resource niche and thereby tend to use the available resources in a complementary way. In particular, non legumes seem to be more competitive for soil inorganic nitrogen (N) than legumes due to faster and deeper root growth and higher demand in N. Consequently, the legumes usually increase their reliance on symbiotic N2 fixation. In the present study, it was aimed to assess the production of biomass, yield, grain quality and land equivalent ratio (LER) in plant society of sunflower/bean.
This experiment was carried out with aim of evaluation of the yield, seed quality and LER in sunflower and bean intercropping based on a randomized complete block design with three replications and nine treatments at Bu-Ali Sina University during growing season 2010-2011. Additive intercropping of 25, 50, 75 and 100% bean with sunflower, replacement intercropping of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 (bean:sunflower) and monoculture of sunflower and bean were the experimental treatments. SAS procedures and programs were used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) calculations. The significance of the treatment impact was determined using F-test by measuring significant differences between the means of the treatments, and least significant differences (LSD) were estimated at the probability level of 5%.
Results indicated that with shifting from sole cropping toward intercropping, seed weight, kernel weight, kernel to seed ratio, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index (HI), oil percentage and yield and protein yield decreased significantly, but protein percentage and SPAD reading increased. The highest sunflower seed yield (353 g.m-2) without significant difference with additive intercropping of 50% bean with sunflower observed at sole cropping of sunflower. Except seed number per pod and protein percentage, the effect of treatments was significant on pod number per plant, 100- seeds weight, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index, yield of protein and SPAD reading of bean. Maximum yield of bean recorded in bean sole cropping treatment. In all intercropping treatments, the value of LER was more than one and the value of competition index (CI) was less than one. Treatment of additive intercropping of 50% bean with sunflower had the lowest CI (0.03) and the highest LER (1.66).
Therefore, it seems that additive intercropping of 50% bean with sunflower treatment is suitable treatment for maximum production in society of sunflower and bean.

Evaluation of drought effects on some physiological traits relevant to drought tolerance, seed and oil yields, yield components and recognizing tolerant oilseed rape genotypes were the goals of research. The experiment was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in East Azarbaijan Research and Education Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources during 2015.The experimental factors were drought stress with three levels: non-stressed and drought stress from flowering and pod formation stages and genotype in 5 levels: RGS003, Zafar, Sarigol, Zarfam and Dalgan. Occurring drought from flowering and pod formation stages led to significant increase in leaf temperature and significant decrease in leaf relative water content, stomatal conductance, pods per plant, 1000 seeds weight, seed and oil yields. But the effects of drought from flowering stage were too hard. In case of water resources limitation, irrigation during flowering stage will be more important than pod formation stage. The existence of significantly negative correlation among leaf temperatures and significantly positive correlations among leaf relative water content, stomatal conductance with the pods per plant, 1000 seeds weight, seed and oil yields showed that, these traits can indicate drought effects on spring oilseed rape. Also the existence of significantly positive correlations among the pods per plant and 1000 seeds weight with seed and oil yields, showed that, drought reduced yields via decreasing these components. All of studied genotypes indicated similar performance under non-stressed condition. But under drought conditions, RGS003 indicated higher seed and oil yields.

Considering the nutrient loss, environmental pollution and increase in production costs on account of chemical fertilizer application, supplying mineral nutrients based on organic sources and mycorrhizal inoculation can improve organic matter content in soil (Hallajnia et al., 2007), promote sustainable production of oil crops (Kawthar et al., 2010) and ultimately affect the long term performance of the agricultural ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an annual oil seed crop belonging to the Asteraceae family and its spring cultivars are mainly grown in semiarid regions, especially in Iran. Hence, the current experiment was aimed to evaluate the effects of manure application and mycorrhizal inoculation on yield and yield components of spring safflower cultivars in Iran. In addition, quality yield in term of oil percentage was studied in response to experimental treatments. A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran (latitude: 15° 36´ N, longitude: 28° 59´ E, altitude: 985 m), during growing season of 2009-2010, by using a completely randomized block design based on factorial fraction with three replications and sixteen treatments. The experimental treatments included four spring safflower cultivars (Darab, Isfahan, Arak and IL-111), two manure levels (no applying and applying manure 25 t.ha-1) and two mycorrhiza levels (no inoculation and inoculation with Glomus mosseae). The experimental field was prepared according to the local practices for safflower production. Each plot was 6 m2 (3 m long) and 1 m apart. Between blocks, 2 m alley was kept to eliminate all side effects of treatments. Seed sowing was performed at 14th April in 2010. Final density was 50 plants.m-2. The first irrigation was immediately done after seed sowing with weekly irrigation until physiological maturity stage (10 days before harvesting). At fully blooming stage, plant were harvested in one square meter in each plot and fresh and dry petal yield were recorded. At maturity stage, five plants from each plot were chosen randomly and number of branch per plant, number of seeds per head, seed weight per plant and 1000-seed weight were recorded. Final grain and oil yields were measured by harvesting 1 m2 of the central part of each plot. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) were performed using SAS ver. 9.1 software. Results indicated that applying manure significantly affected number of branch per plant, number of seed per head, seed weight per head and 1000- seed weight as well as petal, grain, biological and oil yields of safflower cultivars. For instance, the applying manure significantly increased grain and oil yields of safflower cultivars more than two times. As mentioned before, organic fertilizers can improve the organic matter content, aggregates stability and nutrients availability in soil (Khandan & Astaraei, 2005; Halajnia et al., 2007), so application of manure fertilizer and gradual release of mineral nutrients into the soil would increase the growth, production and quality yield of spring safflower cultivars. Based on the results, effects of mycorrhiza inoculation on increasing the number of seed per plant, 1000 seed weight, petal, grain, biological and oil yields of safflower were significant. The highest grain (2546 kg.ha-1) and oil yields (685 kg.ha-1) were obtained from manure + mycorrhiza inoculation treatment. However, manure + mycorrhiza inoculation treatment did not have any effect on oil percentage and harvest index. Effective role of mycorrhizal inoculation in increasing the grain yield of safflower has also been reported by (Mirza Khani et al., 2010). Among safflower cultivars, Darab cultivar indicated the highest grain and oil yields (1327.7 and 346.4 kg.ha1, respectively). Based on our results, Darab and IL-111 cultivars had the most grain and oil yields, in comparison with Isfahan and Arak cultivars. However, no significant difference was observed between the spring safflower cultivars in term of number of seed per head and oil percentage. Consequently, selecting the Darab cultivar and applying manure in combination with mycorrhizal inoculation is strongly recommended to achieve a reasonable and stable yield of safflower. However, the environmental conditions of the cultivated area should be specifically considered to select a spring safflower cultivar.

Given the importance of soybean oil as a valuable oilseed crop compatible with Iranian climate، this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biological and organic fertilizers on soybean yield and yield components. A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted with three replications in the spring of 2011 in Yasouj، Iran. Experimental factors included five levels of organic fertilizer (10 and 15 t/ha manure، 5 and 10 t/ha vermicompost and control without organic fertilizer) and two levels of bio-fertilizer (lack of bacteria and the use of the Bradyrhizobium japanicum bacterium plus phosphate Barvar 2). The results showed that the highest grain and oil yield were obtained using 15 t/ha manure (449 and 102 g/m2، respectively) and 5 t/ha vermicompost without bio-fertilizers (400 and 98. 6 g/m2، respectively) and the lowest were obtained in the control treatment without organic fertilizer. Application of 10 t/ha vermicompost decreased oil content significantly compared to treatment without organic fertilizer. The use of organic fertilizers increased pods per plant، biological yield، grain yield، oil yield، protein percentage and protein yield. Results showed that application of 15 t/ha manure and five t/ha vermicompost can caused higher soybean grain yield in Yasouj.

In order to investigate the effects of vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on growth characteristics، yield and yield components of marshmallow (Altheaeofficinalis L.)، a field experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Faculty of Agriculture، Ferdowsi University of Mashhad، Iran، during growing season of 2012. Experimental treatments were designed based on 3 levels of vermicompost (0، 5 and 10 t ha-1) and 5 levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0، 25، 50، 75 and 100% of 200 kg N ha-1). Results indicated that applied vermicompost had significant effects on increasing leaf area، flower weight per plant and grain yield of marshmallow. Flower weight per plant and grain yield of marshmallow was increased by 2 to 3 times by applying vermicompost at 10 t. ha-1، as compared to control treatment. In addition، nitrogen fertilizer had a significant effect on increasing flower weight per plant and grain، mucilage and oil yields of marshmallow. It seems that applying vermicompost can be suitable strategy in reducing the problems caused by excessive using of chemical fertilizers.

In order to study the effects of different amounts of nitrogen and plant density on yield، yield components and seed oil percentage of Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) an experiment was conducted as split plot based on randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications at Agricultural Research Field Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad، Iran، during growing season 2010-2011، The main factor nitrogen fertilizer included three levels 150، 250 and 350 kg. ha-1and the subfactor plant density، included three levels 2. 5، 1. 25 and 0. 62 plant. m-2. Test results showed that nitrogen fertilizer had no significant effect on fruit yield and 1000-seed weight، but plant density had significant effect on Pumpkin yield. Between different densities 2. 5 plant. m-2 was significantly increased seed yield and fruit yield. The interaction results showed that 250 kg of nitrogen /ha in density 2. 5 plant. m-2 achieved the highest seed yield. Also the highest oil percentage and oil yield was in density 1. 25 plant. m-2. These results indicated that، the optimal amount of fertilizer was 250 kg of N. ha، which achieved the highest seed and oil yield in pumpkin. Plant density lower than 1 plant. m-2 did not had significant effect on yield improvement.