جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « Carotenoid » در نشریات گروه « باغبانی »

Light is one of the environmental factors influencing the growth and development of plants. In recent years, the attention of agricultural experts has been directed to plant growth regulators in order to improve the quality and stability of the cultivation system. The current research was carried out in the year 2021 in the greenhouse of Shahid Fozveh Biological Research Center in a factorial format in the form of a completely randomized design in 5 replications. For this purpose, the effect of test factors including four concentrations of abscisic acid (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/liter) and 5 day lengths (16, 14, 12, 10 and 8 hours of light) on the growth characteristics and content of photosynthetic pigments. The cannabis plant was evaluated. The results showed that the highest plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, fresh and dry weight of roots, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and fresh and dry weight of leaves were obtained under the lighting duration of 14 hours, while the lowest amount of this the traits were observed during the lighting period of 16 hours. Also, the highest amounts of chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoid were obtained in the treatment of 16 hours of light duration without the use of abscisic acid hormone. While the highest amount of anthocyanin was observed in the treatment of 16 hours of light duration under the treatment of abscisic acid hormone with concentrations of 10 and 20 ppm. Also, the highest amount of total phenol was obtained during the lighting period of 16 hours under the treatment of abscisic acid with a concentration of 20 ppm. Considering the importance and many uses of secondary metabolites in today's human life, investigating the existence of a relationship between environmental conditions and the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants can be very useful. Therefore, it is recommended to use LED light with lighting durations of 14 and 16 hours to increase the growth characteristics and content of photosynthetic pigments of hemp plant.

Attention to the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the fruit is very important due to its effect on the yield and quality of olive oil. The aim of this study was to compare the three cultivars Picual, Coratina, Zard and T18 genotype in terms of physiological, quantitative and qualitative indices of olive fruit and oil planned and implemented. Results showed that Picual cultivar had the highest fruit and kernel and larger and heavier fruits. The Picual cultivar with producing 116.75 kg/tree was the best cultivar. After examining the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the oil, it found that the Picual cultivar had the highest amount of total phenol, carotenoid and chlorophyll in the oil and, in contrast, the oil acidity was lower than the others. Coratina cultivar showed the highest amount of oleic acid (72.53 %), the highest ratio of oleic acid to palmitic acid and stearic acid, the highest amount of unsaturated fatty acids (84.03 %) and the lowest palmitic acid. Therefore, according to the results of this study, it can be concluded that Coratina cultivar due to its higher content of phenolic compounds as well as higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids and proper balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, it had better quality oil, but the percentage of oil and yield in Picual and Zard cultivars was higher than Coratina cultivar, so the combined cultivation of these three cultivars should be used to maintain quality and higher yield.

Lily is one of the most important cut flowers, which is also widely used as a potted flower. In order to study the effects of gibberellic acid and humic acid on growth, flowering and vase life of Lilium LA Hybrid ‘Original Love’, an experiment was conducted as factorial in a completely randomized design with 2 factors, 16 treatments and 3 replications. The first factor was gibberellic acid at 0, 150, 300 and 450 mg L-1 which was carried out by immersing bulbs gibberellic acid for 24 hours. The second factor was humic acid, at 0, 200, 400 and 600 mg L-1 as foliar application at the beginning of sprouting every two weeks. The results showed that the effect of gibberellic acid treatment on bud number and flowering stem height was significantly different from control. The highest bud number (5.04) and flowering stem height (79.08 cm) were obtained by treating gibberellic acid at 450 and 300 mg L-1, respectively. Gibberellic acid and humic acid treatments effects separately showed significant differences on fresh weight of cut flower, total soluble solids and percentage of cell membrane stability index. Also, the interaction effect of gibberellic acid and humic acid treatments caused a significant increase in chlorophyll index (67.70 spad value), vase life (13.66 day), total chlorophyll (0.370 mg g-1 FW), chlorophyll a (0.266 mg g-1 FW), chlorophyll b (0.103 mg g-1 FW) and petal carotenoids (0.026 mg g-1 FW). The highest relative fresh weight was related to the interaction of gibberellic acid at 450 mg L-1 and humic acid at 400 mg L-1, with 113.47 and 103.75% increase on third, and fifth days, respectively. Also, the highest relative fresh weight at seventh day was observed in the treatment of gibberellic acid 450 mg L-1 and humic acid 600 mg L-1 with an average of 97.01%. Also, the highest water uptake was related to the interaction of gibberellic acid at 300 mg L-1 and humic acid at 600 mg L-1, with 1.99, 1.81-, and 1.48-ml g-1 FW at third, fifth and seventh days, respectively. In general, gibberellic acid 450 mg L-1 and humic acid 400 mg L-1 were the best treatments to improve the growth, flowering and vase life features of lily.

To evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorous on some physiological and morphological traits of golden rod (Solidago canadensis L.) a split plot experiment carried out based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Research Farm of Shahrekord University. Nitrogen fertilizer at four levels of (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) as main factor and phosphorous fertilizer at three levels (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha) were used as subsidiary factor. Results showed that different levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and their interactions had a significant effect on growth indices such as shoot fresh and dry matter, leaf area and flower flavonoid content. Also, nitrogen and phosphorous application showed a significant effect on flowering time and flowering duration. Increasing in nitrogen and phosphorous levels, caused early flowering and increased flowering period in treatments as the best results observed in 150 kg/ha accompanied with 100 kg/ha of nitrogen. Generally, in order to obtain the maximum growth indices in same conditions, application of nitrogen in 150 kg/ha with phosphorous in 100 kg/ha can be suggested for golden rod cultivation as an ornamental and medicinal plant.

Oranges are the second most widely consumed fruit in the world after apples. The quality of citrus fruits depends not only on the appearance of the fruit size, shape, color and absence of disease and any surface damage, but also on the flavor, richness of food, vitamins, seedlessness and fruit aroma. The present study investigated the fruit qualitative differences between the ten orange varieties (Thomson Navel, Tarocco, Mars Early, Frost Novel, Local, Italian, Khorram Abadian, Hamlin, Morbeld and Moro Valencia) that grafted on sour orange rootstock, in the Jiroft region. The aim of this study was introducing the fruit qualitative characteristics and nutritional value of ten orange cultivars on the sour orange rootstock in climate conditions of Jiroft region, for fresh uses and processing. Also, determine the capabilities of each cultivar in antioxidant content and antioxidant capacity to introduce the properties of these cultivars to researchers in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Fruit weight was determined by digital scales. The volume of the fruit was obtained by moving the water. The 0.1 mm caliber device was used to measure skin thickness, length and fruit diameter. To measure the thickness of the fruit skin, a cut was first separated from the middle part of the fruit and its thickness was recorded in mm. The total number of hollow and healthy seeds was counted and was recorded as seed number. The juice percentage was calculated by calculating the percentage of juice mass to fruit mass. A manual refractometer was used to measure the total soluble solids, and thesodium hydroxide titration method was used to measure the titration acidity. The flavor index or maturity index was obtained from the TSS/TA ratio and technology index was calculated by multiplying the percentage of TSS in the percentage of juice. Vitamin C measured by the iodometric method. The antioxidant activity of juice was determined based on the DPPH method. Carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments in juices and skins, were calculated using the Liechtensteiner pigmentation method. The experiment was done as a randomized complete block design in three replications. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SAS software and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at 5% of probability level.

The results showed that Thomson Novell, Frost Novell and Italian cultivars had the highest freshness quality in terms of appearance characteristics (fruit weight, volume, and length, number of seeds, and fruit shape index) among the ten cultivars evaluated. All cultivars were in the physiological maturity stage and were suitable for the juice industry due to their high technology index. The range of vitamin C varied 57 - 109 mg per 100 ml juice and the range of antioxidant capacity varied 65 - 94%. Morbeld, Valencia Morocco, Frost Novell and Mars Early cultivars had higher nutritional value due to higher vitamin C, and Hamlin, local, Tarocco and Frost Navel had higher antioxidant capacity. Khorramabadian cultivar had higher carotenoid pigments in juice and skin.

Therefore, most of the studied cultivars had high freshness and nutritional value, but among them, Frost Novell cultivar, considering the amount of vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, technology index and appearance characteristics in the higher statistically groups  and was in the lower statistical group in terms of number of seeds, therefore was selected as the best cultivar.

In order to study the effects of spermine in Catharanthus roseus L under salinity stress conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design pots containing 4:1 brown peat moss to perlite in greenhouse of Zanjan University. Treatments were four spermine at four levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 ppm) and salinity stresses at three levels (0, 60 and 120 mM) of sodium chloride. Traits which were studied were as fresh and dry weight, plant height, flower diameter, leaf number as morphological traits, relative water content, total chlorophyll, carotenoids as physiological traits, activity of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase and proline. Results showed that application of polyamine spermine improves growth and yield of Chatarantus roseus L in stress condition and on fresh and dry weight, plant height, flower number, relative water content, proline, chlorophyll content, carotenoid, peroxidase enzyme and leaf number at 1% and 5% probability levels. The highest proline content (0.37 µmol/g FW) was obtained in 10 ppm and the lowest (0.23 µmol/g FW) in control treatment. The highest peroxidase enzyme (0.099 units. g-1 FW.min-1) was obtained in 15 ppm spermine treatment which showed an increase in spermine compared to the control. Therefore, the use of spermine in this plant for achieving desirable growth indices is recommended and can be beneficial.

 the lack of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the most important limiting factors of the growth of plants, especially fruit trees. Grapevines are one of the most important horticultural products in the world as well as in Iran. The water content of plant tissues, their growth, and the availability of different nutrients in the soil are significantly reduced under water stress conditions. Therefore, the successful production of the plant under water stress conditions depends on the management of plant nutrition. By application of organic and chemical fertilizers, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil can be improved. Besides, it can reduce the adverse effects of drought stress conditions.    

 To evaluate the effect of compost, biochar, and potassium sulfate application on dry matter, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid contents, as well as the concentration of macro-and micronutrients of leaves of grapevines ‘Bidane-Ghermez’ under two drought stress conditions, this experiment, was conducted in the research greenhouse during 2017-2018. The experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and four replications. The first factor, without drought stress conditions (80% field capacity (FC)), and drought stress conditions (40% FC), and fertilizer treatments included potassium sulfate (1.25 g.kg-1), compost (5 % w/w), and biochar (10% w/w).
  

 The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the interaction effect of drought stress ×fertilizers application was not significant for dry matter, and RWC (P>0.05). Also, the results of ANOVA indicated that the simple effect of drought stress conditions was not significant for dry matter but the simple effect of fertilizer application was significant for leaf dry matter (P<0.01). Without drought stress conditions, there were no significant differences in leaf dry matter between different fertilizer treatments. However, under drought stress conditions, the highest dry matter of grapevine leaves was observed in biochar, compost, and potassium sulfate, respectively. Also, there were no significant differences in leaf dry matter of grapevine between biochar treatment under drought stress conditions and all fertilizer treatments without drought stress conditions. The simple effect of drought stress conditions was significant for leaf dry matter (P<0.05). The results of ANOVA revealed that the interaction effect of drought stress ×fertilizer application was not significant for chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid contents of grapevine leaves. However, the simple effects of drought stress conditions and fertilizer application were significant for chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid contents of grapevine leaves (P<0.01). Relative water, chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents of grapevine leaves were not significantly different among fertilizers treatments. The increase of chlorophyll a/b ratio compared with control was changed in order biochar>potassium sulfate>compost. Moreover, the interaction effect of drought stress ×fertilizer application was significant for nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), ferrous (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations of grapevine leaves (P<0.01). The ANOVA indicated that the simple effects of drought stress conditions and fertilizer application had a significant effect (P<0.01) on macro- and micro-elements concentrations of grapevine leaves. By application of biochar, the concentration of P, K, Mg, and Cu of grapevine leaves significantly were higher than compost and potassium sulfate applications. This consequently resulted in higher chlorophyll a/b ratio and dry matter of grapevine leaves in biochar treatment for control under drought stress conditions.

 Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that the application of fertilizers reduced drought stress effects on biochemical characteristics and dry matter of grapevine leaves. According to the results, at first the application of biochar is recommended, then potassium sulfate and compost. Our previous results indicated that by application of compost, the available sodium (Na) of soil was increased 8.53 and 60.52 % for potassium sulfate and compost treatments compared to control, respectively. While, by application of biochar, the available Na of soil reduced 3.73 % in comparison with control. This finding is so important regarding the Na effects on soil structure, the toxicity of Na for plants as well as the interaction between Na and K. Considering K is a critical element to regulate the water content of plant tissue and reduces the hazards of water stress conditions, the higher concentration of Na prevents K uptake from the soil solution by plant.

To determine the effects of Myco-Root biofertilizer and different irrigation levels on the content and essential oil compounds of thyme (Thymus daenensis Celak.), a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications in the greenhouse of Plant Production and Genetics department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran, in 2020. The factors included drought stress at four levels of without stress (irrigation at field capacity (FC) as a control), mild (irrigation at 75% FC), moderate (irrigation at 55% FC), and severe (irrigation at 35% FC) stresses and biofertilizer at two levels of inoculation and non-inoculation with Myco-Root. The results demonstrated that the fresh and dry weight of leaves, stem dry weight, total dry weight, leaf relative water content, chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll content, and root colonization percentage decreased significantly with increasing the water deficit level. However, the carotenoid content and essential oil percentage showed an increasing trend with increasing drought stress. The highest carotenoid content and essential oil percentage was obtained by using Myco-Root under moderate drought stress. Thymol, carvacrol, p < /em>-cymene, 1,8-cineole, (E)-caryophyllene, borneol, γ-terpinene, and α-pinene were identified as the major constituents of essential oil in the all treatments. The highest content of thymol was obtained under mild drought stress with the Myco-Root application. Furthermore, the highest content of carvacrol was recorded under mild, moderate, and severe drought stresses, respectively with the Myco-Root application. On average, the application of Myco-Root biofertilizer increased the content of thymol, carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, E-caryophyllene, borneol, and α-pinene by 4.19, 48.28, 15.93, 16.33, 14.15, and 3.78%, respectively compared to not using this biofertilizer. Overall, the results showed that some morphological and physiological traits of thyme decreased significantly with increasing the water deficit levels, but the application of Myco-Root biofertilizer could amend drought stress and improve the growth, percentage and essential oil quality of the plant. Thus, the use of Myco-Root biofertilizer instead of chemical fertilizers could be recommended to achieve the sustainable agriculture in the thyme cultivation.

Spinacia olerace is the most important leaf vegetable of the Chenopodiacea family, which has a special place in human nutrition because of its variety of minerals and vitamins. Cultivation of this plant in Iran is several thousand years old and accordingly Iran is considered as the main place and a source of spinach in the world. Growth of plants is affected by genetics, environmental conditions, growing season, nutrients, and soil, harvesting method, temperature, intensity and quality of light. Among these factors, soil nutrients have a significant influence on plant growth and yield. Nowadays, the consumption of organic matter as fertilizer due to its high cost and limited availability is not sufficient and the major nutritional needs of plants are met by chemical fertilizers, which can lead to environmental problems and, over time, reduced yields. In this connection humic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound and contains 2% to 5% organic matter. Humic acid can be used to seedling nutrition and improve its quality and quantity. Given the recent use of organic acids such as humic acid to improve crops and horticulture, but little research has been done on transplant birth, this experiment was conducted to investigate the application of different levels of humic acid in irrigation water at the time of irrigation. Different effects and their effects on growth indices and spinach production were investigated.
The present experiment was conducted to investigate the application of different concentrations of humic acid at different times and its effects on quantitative and qualitative indices of spinach in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications in research greenhouse at Torbat Heydariyeh University. Treatments consisted of three concentrations of humic acid (0, 3 and 6 ml/L) at two application times (one-week and two-week). The mean daily greenhouse temperature at the time of plant growth was 25°C and the mean nighttime temperature was 18°C, the average relative humidity was 60%. After seedlings were planted in the main pots at four-leaf stage, they were irrigated with humic acid (0, 3 and 6 ml/L) at different intervals once a week, twice weekly. The humic fertilizer used belonged to Green Seed Company, containing 24% humic acid and 3% folic acid and 2% potassium. Five weeks after treatment, the traits were measured. Transplant growth indices including number of leaves (by counting the number of shoots per plant), leaf length and width, leaf area, canopy, height, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and dry weight of each plant were determined.
Based on the results of this experiment, the effect of humic acid concentration on morphological and physiological traits of spinach transplant was significant. The highest leaf number (4.6) at 3 ml concentration and the lowest number (3.5) were at zero concentration. These traits were subjected to humic acid titer, but the increase in concentration had no significant effect on these traits. The increased number of leaves and traits mentioned in the early stages of transplant growth is probably due to the rapid expansion of the root system of the plant at high concentrations of humic acid, which in turn leads to increased nutrient uptake, better plant growth and subsequent growth. Leaf number and other traits become leaf dependent. The results showed that the highest chlorophyll a (1.8 ml/g fresh leaf), chlorophyll b (2.5 ml/ml fresh leaf), carotenoids (7.1 ml/ml). Fresh leaf g) and biomass (150 mg) at 3 ml concentration and the lowest at zero concentration. The highest chlorophyll index (74.1 ml/ml fresh leaf g) was also found in the concentration of 6 ml and the lowest was obtained from zero concentration. Humic acid increased spinach transplant biomass by increasing the amount of photosynthetic pigments and leaf area or the same photosynthetic capacity. In most of the traits, the two-week application time was higher than the one-week, so that spinach transplant biomass increased by 110% over the two-week application period. So that spinach transplant biomass was 156 at the two-week application and 74 mg at the one-week application. Based on the results of this experiment, humic acid application can improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of spinach transplant and its production.
Production of vegetable seedlings have an important role in the production and olericulture economy. Specializing in different activities in the vegetable production process will simplify the production process and increase efficiency. This means that the best conditions for seedling growth should be provided during transplanting. Application of humic acid organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer can reduce environmental pollution in line with sustainable agriculture and healthy eating with vegetables to prevent the accumulation of chemicals in the human body to be effective. In this regard, the results of this study showed that using low humic acid as organic fertilizer can improve morphophysiological traits of spinach transplant.

To investigate the effects of irrigation cutting and different fertilizer on yield and qualitative traits of black cumim an experiment was conducted as split plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at University of Zabol Research Farm during 2016. Main plot included four levels of irrigation cutting; conventional irrigation, irrigation cutting in between stem elongation to flowering, irrigation cutting in between flowering to beginning of seed filling period and irrigation cutting in between beginning to end of seed filling period. Subplot was different type of phosphorous fertilizer including control (no fertilizer application), Azoto-e-Barvar 1, Phosphate-e-Barvar 2 and triple super phosphate. Interaction effect of irrigation cutting and fertilizer on yield and yield components, leaf chlorophyll content, carotenoids content, essential oil percentage and yield was significant. The highest yield and yield components, photosynthetic pigments and essential oil yield were achieved in normal irrigation along with application of Azoto-e-Barvar1 and the greatest essential oil percentage were observed in irrigation cutting in between beginning to end of seed filling period along with application of Azoto -e-Barvar 1. Seed yield affected by irrigation cutting in seed filling period and without application fertilizer was 46.76 % less than seed yield in conventional irrigation along with application of Azoto-e-Barvar 1. In conclusion, to improve the characteristics of black seed, except for essential oil content, the application of bio-fertilizers along with conventional irrigation would be appropriate.

Water deficit has been the major contributor to the decline in plant yield. Soil amendment and certain hormonal agents are some strategies applied to mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of one soil modifier and one growth regulator on some physiological and morphological characteristics of Borago officinalis L. under water deficit conditions. The experiment was implemented as a split-factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications at the research farm of Agriculture Faculty of Shahroud University of Technology, Iran during 2017- 2018. The main plots consisted of three levels of irrigation (usual irrigation every five days, irrigation every 10 and 15 days) and sub-plots consisted of biochar at three levels (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) and salicylic acid at two levels (0 and 0.5 mM). Based on the results, biochar, salicylic acid, and water deficit factors affected the number of flowering stems, number of stems, stem height, the amount of chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids significantly. Interactions between salicylic acid and water deficit levels had the most effects on carotenoids and chlorophyll b. Triple interaction of factors also affected the total dry weight, number of flowering stems, the number of stems, stem height, and chlorophyll b. Generally, water deficit stress decreased the amount of photosynthetic pigments and leaf growth indices of European borage compared to control, and salicylic acid and biochar reduced the negative effects on the amount of photosynthetic pigments. Therefore, the use of biochar as a soil modifier and salicylic acid as a growth regulator seems to be useful in ameliorating some of the negative effects of water stress on Borago officinalis.

Nanotechnology has been able to pave the way for new methods in plant sciences and agricultural research. This research was carried out to investigate effects of Nanosilver in 4 concentrations (0 (control), 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1) at 8 replications in a complete randomized block design, on viability, bacterial contamination and some morphological and biochemical indices of GN15 explants at Urmia University. Shoot tip of cultivated GN15 rootstock were placed in MS medium containing 3% sucrose and 0.8% agar and different concentrations of Nanosilver and 1 mg L-1 BAP. Samples were recultured and were grown in growth chamber. By increasing Nanosilver concentration, the plants survival increased and the percentage of bacterial and fungal contamination decreased. Nanosilver increased the root length, leaf number, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and soluble carbohydrates at concentrations from 0 to 100 mg L-1. At higher concentrations, these factors were decreased. Increasing the concentration of Nanosilver decreased the shoot number and lateral branches number of explants, but did not have a significant effect on root number. Despite the effect of increasing the concentration of Nano silver on reducing bacterial contamination, up to 200 mg L-1, even to less than 10%, the best level, improving the biotic properties of GN15 explants was 100 mg L-1.

In order to evaluate the effect of zeolite and vermicompost on Marigold (Calendulaofficinalis L.), a field experiment was conducted in 2017 in the research field of Ramin University, Khuzestan, in split plot as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Vermicompost (0, 3, 6, 9 t ha-1) and zeolite (0, 4, 8 and 12 t ha-1) were investigated as the main factor and sub plot, respectively. Results of variance analysis showed that vermicompost and zeolite had a significant effect on flower yield, biological yield, harvest Index, chlorophylls and carotenoids of leaves, petal carotenoids, nitrogen removal, phosphorus removal, and index of the intensity of the color of the petals. Also, interaction effects of vermicompost and zeolite was significant on all top-mentioned characteristics. The highest flower yield (69.53 g m-2) was obtained at 3 t vermicompost per ha and 12 t zeolite per ha. Maximum biological yield (474.84 g m-2) was achieved at 9 t vermicompost per ha. The highest leaf and petal carotenoids were recorded at 9 t vermicompost per ha and maximum chlorophyll a and b belonged to 9 t vermicompost per ha and 4 t zeolite per ha. The highest soil nitrogen harvest was obtained at 8 t zeolite per ha. Maximum soil phosphorus harvest belonged to 9 t vermicompost per ha and 12 t zeolite per ha. In total, knowing that zeolite is more cost-effective rather than vermicompost, increasing the amount of zeolite consumption can enhance flower yield. In the current research, the best flower performance could be obtained at an optimum amount of 3 t vermicmpost per ha and 12 t zeolite per ha.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most important and precious medicinal plants in the world. In order to investigate the effects of different of municipal waste vermicompost on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of leaf and corm of saffron, an experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand during the growing season of 2015. The treatments included four levels of municipal waste vermicompost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t.ha-1). Results showed that municipal waste vermicompost in the second year improved the reproductive characteristics so that the highest flower yield was obtained from 10 t.ha-1 municipal waste vermicompost (22.5g.m-2) and the highest dry stigma yield was obtained from 5 t.ha-1 municipal waste vermicompost (0.44g.m-2). The highest average leaf number (8.36), average fresh weight and dry weight of leaf (0.33 and 0.099 g, respectively) were obtained in plants treated with 15 t.ha-1 municipal waste vermicompost and the highest leaf length (249.3 mm) was obtained at 10 t.ha-1. Application of this organic fertilizer could have a significant effect on chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content and SPAD. The highest photosynthetic pigments were obtained from application of 10 t.ha-1 municipal waste vermicompost. The characteristics of the corm including the number of cormel, fresh and dry weight of cormel and number of cormel buds were affected by municipal waste vermicompost treatment. The highest number of cormel was obtained from plants treated with 10 t.ha-1. Also results showed that treatment of 5 t.ha-1 of municipal waste vermicompost had the greatest effect on fresh and dry weight of cormel. This treatment improved the number of cormel (33/1) as compared with control (5). Thus, results showed that municipal waste vermicompost had strong impact on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of saffron.