جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « کیفیت میوه » در نشریات گروه « باغبانی »

Pomegranate is a native fruit tree to Iran and has the best growth and performance in subtropical climate conditions. In recent years, due to environmental stresses conditions such as high temperature, high light intensity and low irrigation water a large number of orchards have faced to physiological problems such as fruit cracking, sunburn and a decrease in fruit quality. The high temperature along with high evaporation and transpiration can be considered as the main cause of these abnormalities, which causes disturbances in the process of plant metabolism and finally causes physiological disorders. Sunburn of the fruit is caused by high temperature and high sunlight intensity and has a negative effect on all the quality characteristics of the pomegranate fruit. Using net shade is one of the recommended ways to reduce the impact of climate change. Application of net shading in areas with high radiation levels has led to a decrease in the intensity of light radiation received by the canopy of the trees, which causes a decrease in the temperature of the leaf surface, and decrease the level of evaporation and transpiration in the trees.

This research was conducted during 2019-2020 for 2 years in a private orchard in the Kohmar area of Kazeron city of Iran. ́Rabab̕ pomegranate trees that were planted at a distance of 5 x 5 m and 15 years old were used. In this research, the effect of different types of net shading was investigated. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 9 treatments and three replications in two years. The experimental treatments included the use of net shading in white and green colors with two different shading (30% and 50%) and two implementation methods (on the base and on the canopy of the tree) which were compared with control trees (without cover). During the growing season, measurements were made in relation to leaf temperature, sunlight intensity, soil moisture, relative water content of leaves, fresh and dry matter of leaves, and prolin content, and at the time of harvest, the percentage of sunburn, cracking and aril paleness of the fruit, thickness of fruit peel and anthocyanin content of fruit juice in all treatments were measured.

Results and Discusions:

The use of net shading increased the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pomegranate fruits. The results of this research showed that the use of white and green nets 50% and green net 30% on the base had the best results. By using the appropriate type of net shading, the temperature of the pomegranate tree was reduced by about 6 degrees Celsius. Net shading also reduced the light intensity by at least 50%; the reduction of light intensity in green nets was more than in white nets.The highest relative water content was 85% in the green net shade (50% with base) treatment. Net shading significantly increased the water content of the leaves compared to the control.The use of net shading significantly reduced the percentage of sunburn on fruits compared to the control. Sunburn was about 14% in the control treatment and less than 5% in the net shading treatments. Net shading reduced the percentage of fruit cracking from 15 percent in the control treatment to about 7 percent in all shading treatments.

The use of net shading as a cover for pomegranate trees reduces the temperature of the canopy of the plant by reducing the radiation of the sun, and by better maintaining the moisture of the soil of the pomegranate tree. It reduces the heat and drought stress condition and has a positive effect on the quantity and quality of the fruit produced. Among the treatments used, the use 3 types of net including 50% white nets on the base, and 30% and 50% green nets on the base had the best results. These treatments better than others in terms of shading percentage, temperature reduction, and improving the quantity and quality of pomegranate fruits . Net shading should be installed when the fruits are about 5 to 7 cm in diameter and will remain on the tree until mid-September. This type of tree shading did not leave any side effects on the quantity and quality of the fruits.

Strawberry is known as one of the most important temperate small fruits which is cultivated in the field, greenhouse and high tunnels in the most regions of the world. The role of gibberellin and auxin in increasing fruit size of strawberries have been reported. One of the major problems of strawberry production in greenhouse is the fruits malformation which has reduced the market value of the fruit. Gibberellin and auxin have been different effects in vegetative and reproductive of growth stages. The purpose of this research was to improve the vegetative and reproductive indices of the fruit and to control the malformation problem by stimulating the development of seeds on the fruit and stimulating the growth of the fruit receptacle by gibberellin GA3.

Experiments were conducted in a commercial greenhouse in Karaj, Hashtgerd New City, Phase 7 during 2017-2019. Two separate experiments (spraying hormones on whole plant or immersing individual fruitlets on hormone solution) were designed and implemented in a commercial greenhouse unit. In the first experiment: GA3 was at concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 ppm and IBA at concentrations of 20, 40 and 60 ppm in growth stages of 60 and 65 according to BBCH worldwide model. In the second experiment, fruits were immersed in NAA with concentrations of 20, 40 and 60 ppm and GA3 with concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 ppm at fruit growth stages 70 and 73 according to BBCH procedure. After reaching the red stage, the fruits were manually harvested and transferred to the laboratories for additional tests. Vegetative and reproductive traits were evaluated including leaf area, number of leaves, crown circumference, plant height, number of flowers and fruit dimensions. Fruit biochemical characteristics include: total soluble solids, titratable acid content of fruit, anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes activities and content of vitamin C were evaluated. The experiments were designed and implemented in the frame of a randomized complete block design. The data were analyzed by SAS ver.9.4 and SPSS ver. 22 software, the mean data were compared based on Duncan's multi-range test, and the graphs were drawn by Excel 2013 software.

Foliar spraying with gibberellin had a significant effect on several characteristics, including leaf area, crown circumference, number of flowers, and plant height at the 1% level of significance. However, it did not yield a significant impact on the attribute of leaf number. The increase in vegetative growth could be due to the synthesis of more amino acids in the stimulation of gibberellin treatment. Gibberellin treatments increased the vegetative growth of the plant and increased the number of flowers, but their growth was stopped after fruit formation and no fruits were formed in gibberellin spraying. This can be due to the existence of an antagonistic relationship between vegetative parts and fruit developments. Auxin hormone treatments had a significant effect on increasing fruit size and reducing the percentage of malformed fruits. GA3 at concentration of 50 ppm improved plant vegetative characteristics such as: plant leaf area, plant crown circumference, plant height and number of flowers, while IBA reduced fruit deformity by 40% and also increased the amount of total soluble solids, the titratable acid content of the fruit and the antioxidant content of the fruit. In general, gibberellin at a concentration of 50 ppm in order to increase plant vegetative indices and auxin at a concentration of 60 ppm were statistically effective. In second experiment, it seems that three levels of gibberellin treatment have increased all traits related to fruit compared to auxin and control. GA3 at a concentration of 100 ppm, causing an increase in fruit size, fruit weight and the biochemical properties of the fruit and the deformity decreased by 37/5% while NAA at a concentration of 60 ppm increased the amount of fruit anthocyanin as well as total fruit phenolics and vitamin C content.

In the first experiment, gibberellin foliar application at a concentration of 50 ppm had the greatest effect on vegetative growth indicators. Also, in the same experiment, it was found that the use of GA3 in high concentrations has the negative effects on flowering and fruit growth., while it increases the amount of runner production. Also, IBA at a concentration of 60 ppm was the most effective treatment in fruit indices. In the second experiment, gibberellin at a concentration of 100 ppm was the most effective treatment in fruit and its biochemical traits, while NAA auxin in the second experiment showed a lower response to fruit than IBA auxin in the first experiment.

 Strawberries with the scientific name Fragaria × ananassa Dutch. It belongs to the Rosaceae family. Strawberry is one of the fruits that has found many fans around the world due to its aroma, taste and nutritional value. The main characteristics of strawberry fruit quality are flavor (ratio of sugar to acid and volatile compounds) and color. Excellent plants need nitrogen in addition to carbon to meet their growth and food needs. The most vital compounds in plant living cells are proteins, which are made up of amino acid building blocks. Different amino acid sequences cause variation in the resulting proteins. Arginine is a multifunctional amino acid found in living cells and is an important storage and transport form for organic nitrogen in plants. In addition to its function as a major component of protein, it is an essential metabolite for many cellular and growth processes. Studies have shown that arginine increases the synthesis of flowering hormones related to flowering and fruiting. This amino acid is also involved in the activity of various plant enzymes. This amino acid binds to membrane nucleic acids and phospholipids and increases the activity of enzymes such as catalase. Due to the importance of producing organic products and also due to the fact that so far no study has been done on the effect of arginine on the growth and physiological characteristics of strawberry cultivar Albion. Therefore, in this study, the role of arginine on some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of albumin strawberry fruit in hydroponic conditions was investigated.
 The present study was conducted in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Iran. In this study, the effect of arginine with three levels (0, 100 and 200 mg / l) on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Albion strawberry fruit under deficit fertigation conditions with two levels (140 and 180 ml) in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. In this study, traits such as fruit flavor, titratable acidity, soluble solids, fruit firmness, vitamin C, total phenol, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins and total antioxidant capacity were investigated. XTPlus-TA tissue analysis device was used to measure the firmness of fruit texture. Vitamin C content of fruit extract was measured by ascorbic acid based on dye reduction of 2,6 dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP). The Titration method was used to measure titratable acidity (TA). ATAGO manual refractometer was used to measure the amount of soluble solids. Also for measuring the taste of fruit by Voca et al. used. The Absorption difference method at different pHs was used to measure total anthocyanin. Total antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. Folin-ciocalteau method was used to measure the total phenol content. Shin et al. Method was used to measure the total flavonoid content of fruit.
 The results obtained from the analysis of variance of the data showed that the measured indices were affected by different treatments of arginine and deficit fertigation. Based on the results, arginine treatment on fruit flavor, titratable acidity, soluble solids, fruit firmness, total anthocyanin, vitamin C, phenol, flavonoids and total antioxidant capacity showed a significant difference. The highest amount of soluble solids, fruit flavor and firmness of fruit texture were recorded in arginine treatment with a concentration of 100 mg / l under normal fertigation conditions (180 ml). Also, the highest amount of phenol and total flavonoids was observed at the same level of fertigation, albeit with arginine treatment at a concentration of 200 mg / l. Also, the highest amount of anthocyanin, vitamin C and total antioxidant capacity were recorded in arginine treatment with a concentration of 200 mg / l, in conditions of mild deficit fertigation (140 ml).
 
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural production, especially in hydroponic cultivation in greenhouses, causes fertilizer wastage and as a result increases production costs as well as increases greenhouse drainage. Therefore, it has destructive effects on the environment, so reducing the amount of nutrient solution can be a management option to reduce the harmful effects on the environment and save water. Also, due to the importance of producing organic products and increasing demand, the use of healthy and organic compounds such as amino acids (arginine) to increase the quality and quality of the product, is very necessary. In the present study, arginine treatment increased the quality of strawberry fruit by affecting its photochemical content such as total antioxidant activity, vitamin C, total phenol, anthocyanin, etc. in low solubility conditions. Also, by increasing the firmness of the fruit texture, it improved the appearance quality of the fruit, which is important for attracting the consumer's attention. In general, the results showed that arginine spraying (200 mg / l) in normal solution and mild dissolution conditions can be effective in improving the quality of strawberries cultivated in hydroponic conditions.

Chilling injury (CI) is one of the main factors involved in reducing pomegranate quality during cold storage. In the present study, the interaction between 1-MCP and three different coatings (cellophane, confectionery waxy paper and 1%, 2% sodium alginate) on maintenance of postharvest quality of pomegranate fruits were investigated during 120 days of cold storage .The results showed that uncoated fruits had higher weight loss and total soluble solids (TSS) than coated fruits during storage. The results also showed that untreated (control) fruits showed higher weight loss, decay and total soluble solids (TSS) than 1-MCP treated fruits during cold storage. Cellophane had a significant effect on delaying ion leakage and preventing weight loss of pomegranate fruit.The 1-MCP+cellophane and 1-MCP+confectionery wax paper could reduce chilling injury by delaying the reduction of bioactive compounds such as total phenolics and antioxidant activity. The lowest decay severity was also observed in fruits treated with 1-MCP. In general, it can be concluded that postharvest application of 1-MCP+cellophane was the most effective treatment to induce chilling tolerance and extend the storage life of pomegranate.

Occurance of recent droughts and expanding cultivation area of rain-fed fig orchards in Fars province requires the supplemental irrigation for increasing the economic productivity of fig crop cv. Sabz. Thus, the present study was conducted to improve water use efficiency of this crop. Three supplemental irrigation methods included surface, subsurface drip, and microjet were used. Control trees received no supplemental irrigation. Irrigation water volume for each tree was 1500 liters that was given to the trees in three times and equal amounts in March, May, and August. The results showed that supplemental irrigation significantly increased the yield of dried fig fruits compared to control. Microjet method increased leaf width, shoot growth length, node number, content of chlorophylls and carotenoids, and number of AA fruits (fruit diameter > 22 mm) and light yellow color fruits. Teherefore, microjet method is introduced as the superior irrigation method to improve vegetative and reproductive traits of fig cv. Sabz.

Today, due to the importance of producing organic products and increasing demand, the use of healthy and organic compounds such as amino acids (glutamic acid) to increase the quality and quantity of the product, is very important. In this study, the effect of glutamic acid at three levels (0, 200 and 300 mg / l) as a foliar application on some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberry cultivar Albion under hydroponic conditions was investigated. According to the results, effect of glutamic acid on plant height, fruit shape, total yield, fruit flavor, titratable acidity, firmness, total anthocyanin and vitamin C of fruit tissue was significant. The highest total yield, soluble solids, tissue firmness, total anthocyanin and vitamin C of fruit tissue was observed in glutamic acid treatment with a concentration of 300 mg / l. Also, the highest titratable acidity was recorded in the control treatment. According to this study, the use of glutamic acid at a concentration of 300 mg / l is recommended to improve the quantitative and qualitative properties of strawberry fruit, but requires further research.

 Inefficient management of strawberry fields is one of the important factors in significantly reducing the strawberry fruit yield and quality. Nowadays application of polyethylene soil mulch is widely considered in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, with various purposes such as improving quality, increasing yield and reducing weeds. The thermal and light environment around the plant due to the use of polyethylene mulch, can affect the quality and yield of strawberry fruit.

 In this study, In order to investigate the effect of colored polyethylene mulch on fluorescence parameters, leaf chlorophyll and strawberry fruit yield (cv. Camarosa), an experiment was carried out as completely randomized block design with four experimental treatments including; colored polyethylene mulch (black, red, white) and control (traditional cultivation without mulch) in three replication in the Caspian Sea region, Iran during the 2016-17 and 2017-2018 years. The experimental plots were 5 m long and 1.5 m wide, with 4 planting rows separated by 30 cm in each plot. Then polyethylene mulch was laid on the ridge and the plants were planted at a distance of 20 cm in a row (1 October). Three harvest times (170, 185 and 200 days after planting) were determined to assess the characteristics of harvested fruits.

 Based on the results, the effect of mulches color on fruit yield was significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Considering fruit yield at the first harvest (175 DAP) and the second (185 DAP), red mulch showed the highest fruit yield and the lowest was observed in the control treatment. While at the third harvest time (200 DAP), it was the black and white mulches that resulted in the largest amount of yield. The effect of colored polyethylene mulch on the acidity (pH) and titratable acid (TA) of the fruit was not significant, but the amount of soluble solids (TSS) of the fruit at different harvest times showed a significant difference between the experimental treatments. So that in the first harvest time (170 DAP) and the second (185 DAP), the highest amount of soluble solids was observed in treatments with colored polyethylene mulch. The results also showed that colored polyethylene mulches effect on fluorescence parameters and leaf chlorophyll content was significant (P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that mulch color had a significant effect on Fv/Fo ratio, Fo and leaf chlorophyll content. During the both years, the highest Fv/Fo ratio, Fo and leaf chlorophyll were related to colored polyethylene mulches, and the lowest was observed in the control treatment, while colored mulches did not affect the Fv/Fm ratio. In fact, it can be explain that the plant's response to the colored polyethylene mulches, compared to the control treatment, improves fruit yield and increases the strawberry photosynthetic system.

Comparison of the average effect of polyethylene mulch on strawberry fruit yield during the growing season in both years, showed similar results. Polyethylene mulches can increase yields by increasing soil temperature, increasing nutrient availability, increasing root uptake in nutrients and increasing the efficiency of soil microorganisms. Based on the results, in the first harvest time (170 DAP), second harvest time (185 DAP) and third harvest time (200 DAP), the yield of strawberry fruit in both growing season showed that the highest yield was related to treatments with The colored polyethylene mulch and the lowest yield was observed in the control treatment. Red mulch had the highest fruit yield during the first and second harvests, but gradually decreased during the third harvest. It seems that red color, in addition to increasing yield, has also caused early ripening of the fruit. The amount of soluble solids (TSS) of the fruit at different harvest times showed a significant difference between the experimental treatments. During the first harvest (170 DAP) and the second (185 DAP), the highest amount of soluble solids was observed in treatments with colored polyethylene mulch. Based on the findings, the effect of colored polyethylene mulch on fluorescence parameters and chlorophyll content of leaves indicated that the color of polyethylene mulch had a significant effect on the amount of Fo and chlorophyll content of leaves. Therefore, the use of polyethylene mulch due to the increase in yield and quality of strawberry fruit compared to its traditional cultivation method seems very beneficial.

Today, the existence of various biotic and abiotic stresses has necessitated research with different rootstocks in different climatic and soil conditions. So, the growth trend and some characteristics of Miyagawa Satsuma mandarin on Swingle citrumelo rootstock in alluvial and piedmont plain in East Mazandaran during 10 years were evaluated. The results showed that the trees on this rootstock were vigorous and had high yield (62 kg per tree). The affinity of scion and rootstock in both locations was 0.8. The tree canopy volume at the end of the experiment was 19.09 in alluvial and 11.62 m3 in piedmont plain. So it is recommended to increase the number of alluvial and piedmont plain trees to more than 600 and 800 plants/hectare, respectively. Despite several frost stresses during 10 years, the survival of rootstock and scion compound was 100 % in both locations, however, the piedmont trees entered the alternate bearing cycle as at the end of the experiment, the trees alternate bearing index was 0.23 % in alluvial and 0.67 % in piedmont plain. The best harvest time for both locations was early October. Fruits of the alluvial plain had more weight and extract (7.6 g and 5.8 %), smoother peel, and higher harvest index (1.64 units); In contrast, fruits of the piedmont was more oblate and had thicker peel (0.35 mm) and higher peel weight, sugar, total acid and vitamin C (8.7, 25, 62 and 28.6 %, respectively). In general, the trees in alluvial location had higher visual quality fruits and a more regular and stable annual yield.

Today, the existence of various living and non-living stresses has necessitated research with different rootstocks in different climatic and soil conditions. Thus, the growth trend and some vegetative and reproductive characteristics of Miyagawa Satsuma mandarin on C-35 citrange rootstock in plain and foothills of east Mazandaran were evaluated during 10 years. The trees on this rootstock had medium growth and yield. The canopy volume at the end of the experiment was 13.75 and 5.90 m3 in plain and foothills, respectively. Despite several frost stresses, the survival of trees was 100% in both locations, however, the trees in foothills entered an alternate bearing cycle, and the alternate bearing index reached 0.27 and 0.65 percent in plain and foothills, respectively. Tree yield in plain and foothills was 48 and 35 kg and considering planting distances, the yield was 24 and 18 tons per hectare, respectively. Fruits in foothills had more total soluble solids, titratable acid, and ascorbic acid (24, 72, and 16 percent, respectively) and less harvest index (3.1 units). The best harvest time in plain was late September and in foothills was early October. In general, the plain had higher external quality fruits and a more regular and stable annual yield.

Attaining our predictions requires the use of desirable cultivars or hybrids based on the change in the cultivation pattern in southern Kerman province and also predicting the increase in the production levels and amount of crop over next four years. Therefore, while causing more and higher quality products, identifying the potential of native populations and moving towards their improvement, can be effective to reduce seed supply costs. To this objective, 45 samples of different types of native accessions of melon (Cucumis melo L. var.Reticulate) in southern Kerman province were collected and evaluated for quantitative and qualitative traits. The results showed that most traits had high phenotypic variation. Fruit firmness had the highest diversity coefficient (80.8%), and day to ripping had the lowest diversity (11.67%).  Among evaluated accessions, considering the appearance, there were six different types of fruits. Regarding the results, the accessions of southern Kerman cantaloupes have high diversity in terms of morphological and qualitative characteristics, and this diversity can be used to produce pure lines with desirable properties (including Fruit texture firmness and fruit shape). Moreover, producing the hybrid is possible by purifying the accessions and producing inbred lines.

The use of biofertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers has an effective role in increasing the health of plants, animals and humans and reducing environmental pollution. Biofertilizers are gradually being replaced by chemical fertilizers. Strawberry is a fruit with high nutritional value. Choosing the right nutritional conditions such as fertilizers and suitable cultivation beds to achieve high quantitative and qualitative yield in this plant is inevitable. In recent years, the use of humic acid has been common in enhancing the vegetative and generative characteristics of crops. Humic acid is a rich source of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. The method of application of humic acid has an effective role in improving the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of plants. The leaf application of humic acid was effective in increasing the amount of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. The amount of potassium and phosphorus in strawberry fruit is more than other elements. Combining some cultivation beds (perlite and composts) and fertilizers such as agricultural waste (rice bran and tea wastes) into soil cultivation beds have an effective role in improving the quantity and quality of plants.

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of humic acid and different cultivation beds on nutrition uptake of strawberry. Different concentrations of humic acid (0, 300, 600, and 1000 mg.l−1) were applied as foliar application in two steps (late March and late April) on strawberry cultivated in different beds (usual soil, usual soil + rice bran, perlite, or tea wastes). This study was carried out as two factorial experiment in completely randomized design. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, soil pH and electrical conductivity and leaf and fruit nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content were measured. Measurement of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was carried out by Kjehldal, spectrophotometry and flame photometry, respectively.

The interaction effect of humic acid ×cultivation beds on nitrogen and phosphorus content of leaves and fruits was significant at 1% of probability level and on fruit potassium at 5% of probability level. The interaction of these two factors on leaf potassium was non-significant. The results of comparing the mean comparison of humic acid and cultivation beds on soil elements showed that the highest amount of nitrogen was obtained in the treatment of 600 mg.l−1 humic acid and in the cultivation bed of usual soil+rice bran. The highest amount of phosphorus was obtained in the treatment of 1000 mg.l−1 humic acid and the cultivation bed of usual soil + tea wastes. The highest amount of potassium was obtained in the treatment of 600 mg.l−1 humic acid and in the cultivation bed of usual soil + tea wastes and the lowest one was obtained in the same bed without humic acid. Results showed that the highest potassium content (518 mg.l−1), and phosphorus (4.84 mg.l−1) of fruit were obtained in plants treated with 1000 mg.l−1 humic acid cultivated in usual soil + rice bran. The highest nitrogen content of fruit was obtained in plants cultivated in usual soil +tea wastes. The plants grown in this cultivation bed with humic acid application at 1000 mg.l−1 had maximum content of leaf nitrogen (5.47%). The highest content of leaf potassium (4.50 mg.l−1) and phosphorus (6.32 mg.l−1) were obtained in plants treated with 600 mg.l−1 humic acid in the cultivation beds of usual soil and usual soil + rice bran, respectively. The application of humic acid at 1000 mg.l−1 and using usual soil+rice bran as bed is recommended for strawberries production as potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen are the most important elements for increasing the quality of strawberry fruits , respectively. A positive association has been reported between the use of humic acid and the increase in growth, yield and product quality in strawberries and other plants. Humic acid can improve quantitative and qualitative production of crops by providing more available essential elements and increasing plant resistance to various biological and non-biological stresses.

Strawberries are widely cultivated worldwide due to their high nutritional value. Chemical fertilizers have been used as a way to increase crop yields, but have led to problems such as nitrate accumulation, short pot life, and poor quality and environmental pollution. Therefore, organic fertilizers have been recommended. A stimulating effect of humic acid on biomass production and plant growth is to increase the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Proper cultivation bed plays an important role in the optimal growth and development of plants. According the result of this study, the use of beds containing agricultural waste and foliar application of humic acid increased the growth, yield and quality of strawberry fruit.

The foreign and domestic markets are demanding for high quality citrus varieties. The physical and chemical properties of the newly released cultivars are also important for fresh market or processing. The fruit quality is a complex combination of size, firmness, taste, texture, pleasant aromas caused by a chemical compounds (soluble solid content, sugars, organic acids, aromas) and bioactive properties. Therefore, it is important to consider these indices for the introduction of a new cultivar. In this regard, the Citrus and Subtropical fruits Research Center has focused on improving its appearance, internal and organoleptic quality in releasing the new Jahangir cultivar compared to the Clementine as control.

In this study, Jahangir fruits a hybrid between Clementine mandarin (female parent) and Salustiana orange (male parent) (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka × C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Salustiana) was used for comparison with Clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex) Tanaka) as control during the last two years lead to the cultivar introduction. Fruits were randomly selected from different locatiosn on the tree (15 fruits from three trees) and evaluated at harvesting time (zero storage point). Then 30 fruits per box selected and placed in cold storage (5 °C, 85% RH). Different physico-biochemical and sensory characteristics of fruits were evaluated at 0, 20 and 40 days intervals during storage. Characteristics evaluation were including fruit lenght, width, thickness, arithmetic, geometric, equivalent and harmonic means, fruit aspect ratio, sphericity, surface area, true volume, apparent volume, volume error, density, peel and pulp firmness, peel thickness, weight, juice percentage, seed number, peel color indices (L*, a*, b*, hue angle, chroma and CCI), total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), technological index (TI), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total phenol, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacity during experiment.

Results showed that fruit size (length and two diameters), weight, means of arithmetic, geometric, equivalent and harmonic diameters, surface area and true volume of Jahangir mandarin were significantly higher than Clementine. The different mean diameters of each cultivar was the same as that equivalent diameter that is the most real mean fruit diameter. The higher spherical coefficient (>1) also indicated that Jahangir fruit was longer than the control. Additionally, aspect ratio of Jahangir was also higher than Clementine, which means that Jahangir fruit was a few flat than control. Jahangir had higher levels of L*, b*, C and hue than the control of clementine. In contrast, Jahangir's a* and CCI indices were lower than those of clementine. Therefore, except for L* which is slightly lower than citrus standard (65-70), other indices in both cultivars were conformity within the citrus standard range. Seeds of Jahangir were more than control but both were in the mid seed group (9-15 seeds) of citrus. Jahangir peel was also less easily peeled than control. The weight loss of Jahangir fruit was significantly (almost half) lower than that of clementine at each sampling but increased during storage. It seems Jahangir has a peel with higher density and adhesion than to clementine, which partly prevents the fruit from dehydration. The amount of TSS of fruit juice was higher than that of clementine at harvest and storage but increased in both cultivars during storage. In addition, TA (0.34%) was lower in Jahangir fruit than Clementine (0.45%). Therefore, the ratio of TSS to TA was much higher in Jahangir mandarin (44.25) than clementine (26.16). Juice percentage of Jahangir fruit (44.87%) was significantly higher than Clementine (40.12%). The high percentage of Jahangir fruit juice is a positive trait for this cultivar. Technology index changed depending on cultivar and also during storage. This index was higher in Jahangir fruit than in Clementine with 6.45 and 4.67, respectively. The antioxidant capacity only affected significantly by storage time which showed a decreasing trend during storage. Ascorbic acid content was only affected by cultivar and was higher in control than Jahangir. Lower levels of ascorbic acid in the Jahangir may be due to increased respiration that results in the elimination of ascorbic acid. The phenolic content of Jahangir fruit was higher (0.43 mg/g) than clementine (0.4 mg/g). PCA analysis showed that most of the Jahangir samples placed in the left part of the PCA graph which were dominated by the traits such as taste, sweetness, good peel and pulp appearance and overall acceptance and were more accepted by the sensory evaluators.

In this study, different qualitative characteristics of Jahangir fruit compared to Clementine which are important for the producers. Accordingly, the Jahangir fruit was larger in size but slightly flatter than the Clementine fruit. Jahangir fruit peel color indices were within the standard range of citrus fruits. Jahangir fruit is favored among commercial available mandarins due to ease of peeling, high juice percentage, technology index, vitamin C, phenol and antioxidant capacity. It also had better storability than Clementine because of less water loss and decline of organoleptic properties.

In this study, with the aim of final evaluation to introduce the cultivar, the fruits of Khoram mandarin (Citrus reticulata ‘Clementine’ ×C. sinensis ‘Hamlin’) were used as a new cultivar and Clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka) as the control. Fruits were evaluated at harvest time and 20 and 40 days of cool storage for two years. Results showed that the size and weight of Khoram fruits was less than Clementine (control). Khoram was more spherical with easy to mid peeling. Weight loss of Khoram fruit during storage was lower than control. Color indices as L*, a*, b*, hue, and CCI of peel in both cultivars were not changed significantly during storage. TSS and TA levels in Khoram fruits were higher than control. The juice percentage of Khoram fruit was higher (48.45%) than Clementine (40.12%). Khoram fruits had the highest antioxidant capacity (34.29%) after 20 days of storage. Phenolic content of Khoram peel at harvest time and at the end of the storage was lower than control. The vitamin C content of both cultivars was not changed significantly during storage. Sensory traits such as taste, sweetness, peel and pulp appearance, and overall acceptance were dominant in Khoram fruits. In general, Khoram cultivar is suitable for freshness, moderate storability, good taste, high juice percentage and optimal nutritional value.

Recently, new and various methods such as anti-transpiration coatings are used for increasing the quality of pomegranate fruit. In the present study, the effect of antiperspirants and shading net on physiological characteristics of pomegranate fruits of Malas Saveh cultivar was investigated in 2017. The experiment was based on a completely randomized design in three replications with eight treatments including control, talc, zinc oxide, silica, kaolin, TSZ (talc, silica, zinc oxide), TSZK (talc, silica, zinc oxide and kaolin) and shading net. Foliar application of all treatments was carried out at 2% concentration in both late June and early August. Important physiological factors of fruits including color and anthocyanin, vitamin C, and sugars content were evaluated. The results showed that TSZK and talc increased fruit diameter by 5% and 10%, respectively. The shading net reduced fruit sunburn by 100% compared to the control. Shading net, talc and silica caused a five to eight percent increase in vitamin C in comparison to the control. Shading net, talc, kaolin, and TSZ increased fruit TSS by two to three percent. However, the anti-transpiration materials improved some of the fruitchr('39')s qualitative characteristics and improved skin color, reducing the number of burnt fruits by reducing fruit temperature by five to seven centigrade.

Efficiency of the pre-storage hot water dip to prolong storability and maintain the quantitative and qualitative traits of the cold-stored ‘Rabab-e-Neyriz’ pomegranate was evaluated. Fruits were stored at 2 ± 0.5 ºC and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 90 days. The experiment was factorial based on a complete randomized design with 4 replicates in each treatment. Experimental factors included pre-storage heating for 4 min (at two levels: dip in water at 45 ºC, and distilled water at 25 ºC as control) and sampling time (day 0 followed by 30 days intervals). The weight loss and skin characteristics assessed remained unchanged for up to 1 month, which was related to the internal ability of the fruit skin to acclimate to chilling temperature conditions. Afterwards, significant increase in chilling injury indices was happened. After 90 days of storage, treated fruits had higher (63%) total phenol (as a non-enzymatic antioxidant index) and lower (42.53%) malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in their skin compared to controls. Furthermore, the treated fruits had a 23.63% lower weight loss and lower chilling injury symptoms, but their quality characteristics were the same as the control.

In order to study the effects of biochar and chicken manure tea compost on the nutrition responses and growth characteristics of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum), a greenhouse experiment was carried out. The experiment was designed as factorial based on randomized completeblock design with three replications. Factors included biochar in two levels (including 0 and 10 t/ha) and organic and chemical nutrition in six levels (including fresh chicken manure 30 t/ha, three levels of chicken manure compost tea 1:4, 1:8, and 1:12 chicken manure-to-water ratio by w/w, Macromix and Polymicro chemical fertilizer 1 lit/ha and water as control). The results showed there were significant differences among different treatments in regard to soil total N, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. The highest leaf N, shoot dry weight and yield were obtained in T1B1 treatment(biochar and chemical ferlilizer) and the maximum manganese, zinc, copper and iron were obtained in T3B1 (compost tea 1:4 and biochar) and T4B1 (compost tea 1:8 and biochar) treatments. T3B1 (compost tea 1:8 and biochar) treatment contained the highest value of DPPH IC50 (3.75 mg), vitamin C (29.03 mg/100g), however, no significant differences were observed between biochar and biochar plus nutrition on soluble solids and titratable acidity compared with control.

Pomegranate is one of the most important horticultural products cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Iran. It plays a major role in the economic situation of the peoples of these areas. In recent years, due to the good quality of Iranian pomegranate, this product is considered to be of great interest to many different countries of the world. There are about 2,100 hectares of pomegranate in the Ferdows region, which is the dominant and major part of Ferdows pomegranate, and is called Shish Kap variety. Zinc and iron are two of the essential elements for the growth of all plants and over a century, the necessity of iron and zinc for plant nutrition have been identified. White seed disorders were reported in Ferdows region in 2001 for the first time. The results of pomegranate juice analysis of ferdows pomegranate samples showed the iron and zinc deficiency, compared to the normal pomegranate in that year. Based on this, considering the general condition of soils in the proposed area, the effect of iron and zinc on the removal of seed whitening of pomegranate was investigated.

In order to investigate the effect of spraying different concentrations of iron and zinc sulfate on the reduction of seed whitening, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in the pomegranate field of Ferdows region. The first factor included: spraying three concentrations of iron sulfate (0, 0.3 and 0. 6 %) and the second factor included the concentration of zinc sulfate (0, 0.3 and 0. 6 %). The distance gap between the trees was (2.5 * 3) meters and the garden age was about 12 years old. The soil and water were sampled from the garden. Each experimental plot was consisted of three trees, in which leaves and fruits were sampled for analysis from the middle tree. Samples were taken from the leaves before spraying. Spraying with the desired concentrations was carried out twice. Leaf and fruit samples were sent to the soil and water Laboratory. Each of the samples due to the peculiar color of the pomegranate juice was also sent to the laboratory for analysis. Pomegranate juice samples were then assigned to the quality control system of the seed and seedlings research department. Finally the brix and pH of the samples were determined.

The amount of nutrients in soil, and the mount of zinc and iron in the leaves were below the critical value. The deficiency of other elements in the soil and leaves were quite evident. The results showed that the concentration of iron and zinc elements increased significantly in pomegranate leaves (α = 1% level). Qinglong and Brown (1995) showed the same results. Spraying of Fe and Zn increased the concentration of these elements in the leaves, without any negative effects on the tree yield. The mean concentration of zinc and iron were lower in control treatments, which was more common in white seeds. The interaction effect of iron and zinc treatments on iron concentration in pomegranate leaves was significant (α = 1% level), and the highest iron concentration in leaf was obtained from zinc and iron sulfate solutions at the concentration level of 6,000.Pomegranate samples were analyzed in soil and water laboratory, and nutrient concentrations of the pomegranate juice were determined. The results showed that the pure effect of iron sulfate spraying on the concentration of pomegranate juice was not significant, but the pure effect of zinc sulfate solution increased zinc concentration of the pomegranate juice. The pure effect of zinc sulfate treatment, and the interaction effect of iron and zinc sulfate spraying treatments on pH of pomegranate juice were significant (α = 5% level). The pomegranate juice quality was evaluated in terms of color in a panel method. The results showed that all treatments increased the redness of pomegranate juice color. The best treatment in this study, was spraying at 0.6% zinc sulfate alone.

By spraying 0.6% zinc and iron sulfates, spray treatments increased the concentrations of iron and zinc in the leaves. However, due to the specific behavior of iron in the plant, the high pH of irrigation water and soil and the presence of carbonate and bicarbonate in irrigation water, the effect of iron absorbed in the leaves were not evident in the fruit. Spraying with iron and zinc sulfate improved pomegranate seed color. According to the results of the project implementation, and due to the high soil pH and organic matter deficiency, spraying with 0.6% zinc and iron sulfates is recommended.

Genetic diversity in strawberry is low due to its asexual propagation. One method of increasing genetic diversity, as an important tool in plant breeding, is the use of gamma rays to induce mutation. In order to determine the appropriate dosage of gamma irradiation for genetic diversity creation by mutation in strawberry, Kurdistan cultivar, and to study the influence of various doses of gamma ray (zero (control), 15, 30, 60 and 90 gray) on different traits of strawbery, this research was conducted in Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, in 2012-2013. Results showed that irradiated plants had a lower rates in comparison to the control plants for most of the studied characteristics, except for number of leaves, fruit sugar and anthocyanin. Leaf area, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit fresh and dried weight, and fruit volume, shape, and juice decreased with an increase in the gamma irradiation dosage. Moreover, multifoliate and dwarfism were increased in the irradiated plants. The appropriate dosage of gamma irradiation for mutation induction in strawberry, Kurdistan cultivar, for threshold 50% plants mortality (LD50) treated by gamma ray, was approximately 65-70 gray. Therefore, gamma ray intensity in the recommended limit could be used for the highest genetic diversity creation with the lowest plant mortality in strawberry breeding programs such as in fruit quality improvement.

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.