مجله پژوهشهای گیاهی (زیست شناسی ایران)
سال سی و سوم شماره 4 (زمستان 1399)

Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) is one of the most dangerous invasive aquatic plant species in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. 4 different sites were selected in Guilan and Mazandaran provinces to examine the habitat suitability of Azolla. 15 physical, chemical and structural variables at each site were monthly sampled simultaneously with biological data (based on 24 presence instances and 24 absence instances of Azolla) during one year (2017-2018). The results of the Mann-Whitney test showed that except water and air temperature, ammonium and turbidity (p > 0.01 for all), a significant difference was observed between the presence and absence of Azolla and the remaining variables (p < 0.01 for all). The obtained results of the principal component analysis showed that water depth, phosphate and electric conductivity were the most influential factors in the first to third components, respectively so that they had the major effect on the habitat suitability of Azolla in the sampling sites. The results of generalized linear model showed that there was a significant difference between the presence and absence of Azolla in the sampling sites and all variables used in the principal component analysis (p < 0.01).

Aquatic plants are severely increased in eutrophic ecosystem and sometime be caused problem as different aspects. The high abundance of aquatic plants and sedimentation are the main problems in Anzali Wetland. In this study the identification and biomass of dominated aquatic plants was investigated in western part of Anzali Wetland. Among four submerged macrophytes, the Ceratophyllum demersum and Myriophyllum spicatum had the highest distribution and abundance. The biomass average were 743.8 ± 536.5 and 292 ± 311 gr dry weight m-2 in summer 2017 and winter 2018, respectively. The biomass seasonal change was more in eastern rather than western of studied area. Azolla filiculoides had a high abundant and distributed in marginal area during summer while it was completely and incredibly disappeared until winter around Anzali Wetland. Among marginal floating macrophytes, Nelumbo nucifera and Hydrocotyle vulgaris were highly distributed with 240.6 ± 70.4 and 338.8 ± 142 gr dry weight m-2 respectively. The Wetland Macropphyte Index value was nearly similar around study area and was about 1. The annually dead of macrophytes in winter can increase the eutrophication trend in Anzali Wetland. Then, it's necessary to remove the aquatic plants in Anzali Wetland to preserve of its ecological and economical values.

Nitrogen is taken up by plants in two forms - ammonium and nitrate and plays an important role in growth, metabolism and vital processes of plants. To investigate the relationship between these two nitrogen sources with sulfur metabolism, the rapeseed (Brassica napus) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea) plants were cultured in a hydroponic medium under nitrate and ammonium treatments for 14 days. The results showed fresh and dry weight of the shoot in both seedlings and also shoot to root ratio in canola seedlings exposed to ammonium nitrate were significantly increased compared to those of the plants grown in nitrate medium. The content of total sulfur in the shoot of the broccoli seedlings exposed to ammonium nitrate was higher than that of plant grown in nitrate medium. While the amount of sulfate in canola seedlings fed with ammonium nitrate was significantly decreased compared to nitrate-fed seedlings which it was accompanied by an increase in the gene expression of sulfate transporter 4:2. In addition, the expression of adenosine 5-phosphosulfate reductase and subsequently the synthesis of thiols and cysteine was increased in both seedlings exposed to ammonium nitrate compared to seedlings grown with nitrate. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizers in an equal proportion of ammonium and nitrate are of great importance in growth and synthesis of organic sulfur compounds in both seedlings. Although the positive effect of ammonium nitrate on growth and sulfur metabolism of canola with higher need for sulfur uptake and synthesis of organic sulfur compounds, was greater than those of broccoli plant.

Diabetes is a progressive metabolic disorder that affects many people in the world. One way to prevent any after meal upsurge in blood glucose levels is to inhibit intestinal carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes such as α-glucosidase.

To investigate the inhibitory effect of hexane extract obtained from separated aerial parts of Descurainia sophia L.schuar and Fumaria vaillantii Loisel on α-glucosidase activity.

After preparation of hexane extracts from aerial parts of the plants, their effect on α-glucosidase activity was investigated in seven different concentrations. Enzyme activity was assayed in triplicate using pNPG as substrate. The amount of produced pNP was determined at 405 nm wavelength. Acarbose was used as the positive control.

Among the aerial parts of two plants, Descurainia sophia's flower hexane extract at 200 mg/ml concentration, and Fumaria vaillantii's leaf hexane extract at 300 mg/ml concentration, significantly inhibited activity of the enzyme. IC50 values of the above mentioned extracts were 0.88 and 1.04 mg/ml respectively. The type of inhibition for the Descurainia sophia flower was mixed inhibition (Competitive-noncompetitive) and for the Fumaria vaillantii leaf was uncompetitive inhibition. The results of GC-MS analysis of active extracts, revealed the presence of phenylpropanoid and phenol which could be responsible for the observed inhibitory effects on the α-glucosidase activity.

Hexane extracts from Descurainia sophia's flower and Fumaria vaillantii's leaf have an effective α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity for future research, with the goal of achieving pharmacologically categorized inhibitors.

Caspian boxwood (Buxus hyrcana Pojark.) is one of the ever green hardwoods of Caspian sea forestes which, unfortunately; is endanger of overthrow. Furthermore, several hectares of its habitats in Gilan and west of Mazandaran are exposed to Blight and excessive wilt caused by Cylindrocladium buxicola, recently. This fungus is serious peril for survival and generation of these trees. Certainly, identification of this fungus characteristic can be benefit in election and development of management strategies. So this research with the aim of information increment about this fungus and its population features in Iran was carried out. Firstly, phenotype properties of C. buxicola isolates (including morphology and disease severity),which randomly have collected from different sites of boxwood habitats, were evaluated. Then genetic variety of the isolates was evaluated by rep-PCR markers. Based on morphological assessments including shape and growth of mycelium, length, shape and the number of septates of conidia, also length and vesicle characterization of stips, 52 obtained Iranian isolates identified as Calonectria pseudonaviculta. 21 representative isolates were selected based on pathogenicity.These isolateds showed different levels of pathogenicity. The results of banding patterns of rep markers were analyzed together and the 21 representative isolates categorized into 4 groups at 95% similarity, and they were scattered in three provinces. This investigation furthermore revealed that all examined isolates, belonged to the authentic Calonectria pseudonaviculta group having main and stable morpho-physiological characteristics, so it seems that in the disease control, the use of resistant cultivars is one.

Studying of plant vegetation is a prelude to many researches and executive projects. Herbaria are permanent treasures of plant specimens for a region and the best source of information about the flora of the region. The present study is concerned with the identification of plant species of herbarium of Damghan University (DU, Semnan province). Based on the results obtained from the plant identification of herbarium specimens, a total of 311 species belonging to 237 genera and 68 families from Semnan province were identified. The most species richness families were Poaceae (23 genera, 32 species), Asteraceae (23 genera, 30 species), Lamiaceae (16 genera, 24 species), respectively. Also, the genus Bromus with 6 species, Salsola, Stachys and Prunus each with 5 species and Chenopodium with 4 species are the largest genera in the region. This study documents 122 medicinal and 8 halophytic plant species in the region. Moreover, 25 plant species were listed as threatened species based on the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of altitude on diversity and Species Importance Value (SIV) of herbaceous species in forests of Kabirkouh, Ilam province. For this purpose, an area of 300 ha was chosen from these forests. The area was divided in to three altitudinal classes (700-1000, 1000-1300, 1300-1600 m a.s.l.). 63 sampling plots were taken in the studied area using the minimal area method. In order to estimate herbaceous cover, the percentage of herbaceous species were recorded according to Van der Marel criterion. Species richness index (R=S), the Shannon- Wiener’s diversity and the Smith- Wilson’s evenness indices were used to calculate the herbaceous species diversity. Determination of correlation between biodiversity indices and altitude was done using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results of this study showed that the altitude had a significant effect on the diversity and richness of herbaceous species, and there was a negative correlation between these indices and altitude. The highest species diversity and richness index were in the middle altitudinal class. The results also indicated that altitude had no significant effect on the evenness of herbaceous species. In addition, the shape of the curve of Species Importance Value of herbaceous species in all three altitudinal classes was a lognormal distribution.

The genus Mentha L. is one of the most important taxa of the Lamiaceae family which is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Because of wide variety in morphological characteristics and frequent hybridization, the taxonomic classification of this genus is complex. Phytochemical and palynological studies, along with morphological characteristics, can be helpful in plant systematic and taxonomy. In this study, plant metabolites of various populations of M. aquatica, M. pulegium and M. longifolia species in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and spectrophotometeric methods, as well as their pollen morphology with scanning electron microscope were studied. The results showed that β-caryophylline and germacrene-D in M. aquatica, pulegone and menthone in M. pulegium and D-carvon and piperitenone oxide in M. Longifolia were the major chemical compounds in the essential oil. Moreover, the total amount of phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, saponins, carotenoids and chlorophyll a and b were significantly different among species and M. aquatica showed the highest amount of these secondary metabolites. The pollen grains in different populations of these species were monad, hexacolpate and often prolate-spheroidal with reticulate tectum surface. The polar length (P), equatorial width (E), P to E ratio, colpus width and the distance between two colpi in the pollen grains of these species showed significant differences; M. aquatica and M. pulegium species had the highest and lowest values. The results suggest that the secondary metabolites and the morphology of pollen grains can be effective in identification and taxonomic classification of these species.

Consideration to Natural compounds that have antibiotic and allelopatic effects increased because generally have fewer side effects. Studies on secondary metabolites and biological effects of compounds of other species of the Ferula have been carried out but there was no report about the Ferula oopoda in Iran. In this study, the chemical compounds found in the leaves of Ferula oopoda were identified and measured. Allelopathic effects on total germination, Speed of germination, Coefficient of the rate of germination indices, of wheat and rye seeds were investigated. Antioxidant properties and antimicrobial effects of leaf and root extract of Ferula oopoda were also measured. the aqueous leaf extract of Ferula Opuda significantly reduces total germination, Speed of germination, Coefficient of the rate of germination in wheat and rye seeds. the radical inhibitory potency and the antioxidant potential of the extract of Leaf and Root of Ferula oopoda are comparable to vitamin C. the Relative inhibitory zone diameter of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli due to different concentrations of Leaf and Root of Ferula oopoda extract significantly confirms its antimicrobial effects. chemical composition of the Ferula oopoda leaf extract showed the presence of compounds such as alpha pinin betamircin and caryophylline. Many of the biological effects can be attributed to these compounds. Thus, Ferula oopoda can be a good source for production of natural antibiotics and herbicides the numerous and varied compounds in the organs of this plant also show the capacity to use it for the preparation of new herbal remedies.

In this research, the taxonomic status of the genus dactylis in Iran has been briefly reviewed. the genus is a perennial , pollinator , retriever and belongs to the family poacea , subfamily pooidea and tribe poeae. To date , there has not been a deteailed taxonomic study of dactylis in iran Therefor, studing and evaluating, morphological , habitat, karyotypic and genetic variation of this genus is important. In total, 58 acceasaation of dactyis by using 62 qualitative and quantitative traits were analyzed. In order to determine the intra specefic relationship, cluster analysis was used with the simple matching method. The results of cluster analysis indicate diversity among the population of this genus. The variability of the wide morphology in this species is due to the larg number of inbreed between the subspecies , the occurrence of extravasation and the gene flow between population, compatibility and impact of ecological factors. In general , based on results of morphological and cytological characters suggested that the genus dactylis with a species D. glomerata L. and two subspecies D.glomerata subsp glomerata L. , D.glomerata subsp hispanica (Roth.) Nym. and tetraploid level a chromosomal number 2n=4x= 28 was present in iran.

In this study, we investigated the role of salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) priming in ameliorating salinity stress on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Mihan) grown under hydroponic culture. Seeds of wheat were primed in distilled water (control), as well as different solutions of salicylic acid (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mM) and/or H2O2 (1, 20 and 200 mM) for 24 h at 25°C. Seven-day-old seedlings were transferred to Hoagland nutrient solution. Experiments were undertaken in complete randomized block design using 4 independent replications. Salinity stress drastically affected the plants as indicated by decreased biomass of shoots (about 25%). However, H2O2 priming at 20 mM raised free radical scavenging activities of wheat leaf, as evaluated by decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These results indicated that H2O2 priming could prevent negative effects of salinity stress on the biomass and photosystem performance. While SA priming could not ameliorate the negative effect of salt on wheat seedlings, the use of both SA and H2O2 as priming agents had the most significant alleviating effect against NaCl stress. This ameliorative effect was achieved through stimulation of catalase activity (about 37%) and non-enzymatic (phenols) antioxidants (about 45%) and lowering tissue MDA contents. These results further confirm that the use of both SA and H2O2 as priming agents participated in the protection of membranes against the destabilizing effect of salt stress. Additionally, the use of both SA and H2O2 as priming agents mitigated the negative effects of salinity on the photochemical efficiency of PSII.

In this study, two stands including Cupresss sempervirens L. var.horizontahis, Quercus brantii Lindl trees (with similarity in topographic condition) and one control area were selected in the Tang-e-Sulak forest of Bahmei. We collected 10 soil samples for each stands and the control area. Soils samples were collected in the depth of 0 to 20 cm under the crown of tree species. One-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple comparisons test were used to compare the variables of soil under Cupresss sempervirens L. and Q. brantii trees and the control area. The results show significant increase in soil bulk density and significant deacrease in nitrogen, organic material, EC and sand under Q. brantii trees comparing to Cupresss sempervirens. These two stands showed no significant difference in amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium carbonate, pH, clay and silt. Q. brantii stand compared to control area showed a significant increase in nitrogen, organic matter, phosphorus and potassium and a significant decrease in calcium carbonate, pH and clay. These tree species with littering caused changes in some physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and in general have had a positive effect on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Therefore, their destruction will lead to a decrease in soil quality characteristics.

In recent decades, the use of herbal medicine, as an effective method, has been progressing in most countries including Iran. In the traditional medicine of Iran various methods of using plants for the treatment of diseases are common. This is actually justifiable due to the geographical extent and diversity of vegetation in Iran. This study aimed at evaluating researches conducted in Iran about the medicinal plants of Brassicaceae. Information about this search was conducted in information books and articles published in the last decade. 44 identified plant species belong to 19 genera. The most important medicinal genera are Alyssum (with 8 species), Brassica (with 5 species) and Sisymbrium (4 species). Therophytes (32 species, 72.72%) are the most important life form. The highest geographical distribution belongs to Irano-Turanian region (25%). Two endemic species (Alyssum bracteatum and A. persicum) are in low-risk status. Descurainia sophia, Lepidium draba and Capsella bursa-pastoris were more harvested by Iranians for medicinal purposes, respectively. The most used part of plants in this family is seed, and most local application of them includes: diuretic and anti-scorbutic (13 species), appetizer (8 species), anti-constipation, laxative, vermicide, expectorant, anti-rheumatism, anti-kidney stones, tonic (each one with 7 species). Altogether, the results show that major local application of these plants is in the treatment for digestive and respiratory problems.

In this experiment, the effect of Penconazol was studied on some physiological and biochemical responses of Sesamum indicom L. under salinity. In this research some physiological and biochemical responses were investigated. Seedlings were grown for 30 days in Hogland solution and after 30 days treated with different NaCl (0, 50, 100 and 200 mM) with or without PEN (15 mg l-1). The results showed that salinity reduced growth, decreased total protein content under treatment of 50.100 mM, increased proline content under 200 mM treatment, and increased activity of superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidase under treatments of 50 and 100 mM. Simultaneous application of Penconazole increased growth, increased the activity of SOD and POD under 200 mM treatment and increased total protein content under 100 mM treatment Sodium chloride and control plants. Overall, it seems that the exogenous application of penconazole can cause the adaptability of Sesam to salinity. Due to the low price and availability, the use of this component can be considered in order to increase the resistance of Sesam to salinity.

Guava is a rich source of vitamin C, with double-fruiting thorough a year and high yield, has considerable income to have delivered for the producer. But since the major tropical regions faced with the saline water, cultivating of this plant in such areas can affect the yield and the quality of the product. Therefore, in this research leaf abscission, dry matter, antioxidant enzymes activity and elemental content in Guava seedlings, under sodium chloride concentrations (1.7, 3 and 6 dSm-1) and gibberellic acid application (0, 250 and 500 ppm) was studied. According to results salt rising from 3 to 6 dSm-1, increased the chlorine, Ca/(Na+K), Na/K, Ca/Mg and Na/Ca in leaves and roots and reduced leave number and dry matter. salinity reduced the peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity, wherease it increased the catalase activity. The most sodium and the least potassium was observed under 6 dSm-1 salinity. Foliar gibberellic acid (500 ppm) application under salt condition, decreased leaf abscission and increased K, and K/Na as well as Ca content, which can be introduced as an effective approach to reduce the damages which caused by salinity stress on guava seedlings.

Dinarkooh Protected Area (DPA), which is located south of the city of Abdanan, Ilam Province, Iran, has not been investigated in terms of vegetation. The impact of climate change with increasing temperature and decreasing rainfall in DPA has been extremely sensible in recent years, especially in 2017. Plant species composition can play an important role in influencing the vegetation community from rainfall changes. This research investigates flora, life forms and chorology of DPA at 1300-1900m above sea level. Life forms were determined by Raunkiaer method. Overall, 142 plant Species belonging to 105 genera and 29 families were identified. Asteraceae (30 Species), Papilionaceae (21 Species), Poaceae (14 Species) and Lamiacea and Caryophyllacea (each 8 Species) constituted 21.12, 14.79, 9.85 and 5.63 percent of the flora, respectively. Totally, 87 % of the species belonged to Irano-Tourani region. Therophytes (45%) and hemicryptophytes (34 %) were more dominant life forms in the study area.

Microalgae are known as a potentially sustainable source of feedstock for fuel, food, chemicals, feeding animals and even for the pharmaceutical industries. In this project, the effects of mediums including (F2, Walne, BG11, BBM and TAP), pH (6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 and 9.0) and light intensity (at five levels: 2000, 2700, 3300, 4500 and 7800 Lux) on growth of microalgae purified from Bazangan lake were studied. The Microalgae growth was determined by measuring dry weight and specific growth rate. Also, chlorophyll and carotenoid content were estimated using the standard biochemical methods in optimal codition. The results showed that in Tetraselmis sp., Nodularia sp., Chlamydomonas sp. and Chlorella sp. microalgae, the highest growth rate was observed in F2 (1.76 gL−1), Waln (0.83 gL−1), TAP (1.28 gL−1) and BG11 (1.72 gL−1) medium, respectively. Also, the optimum pH and light intensity for growth of the microalgae was 7.5 and 4500 Lux respectively. The highest chlorophyll and carotenoid content was obtained in Chlorella sp. with 21.92 μg/ml and Tetraselmis sp. with 6.78 μg/ml respectively.

In order to study the effect of three types of superabsorbent polymers on biochemical characteristics of basil cultivar Keshkeni luveluo under salinity stress, an pot experiment was conducted at the research greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as factorial based on completely randomized design with four levels of salinity (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM NaCl in irrigation water) and four levels of superabsorbent polymers included (control, Ackoasorb, Stockosorb and Terracottem) in three replications in 2017. In first harvesting time chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll increased by using Terracottem 29.48, 25.20, 17.24 and 10.84 percent, respectively. At the same salinity, antioxidant activity decreased 18.25 percent with the use Stockosorb and total phenol decreased 26.31 percent by using Terracottem; proline decreased 50 percent by Ackoasorb and RWC increased 13 percent by Ackoasorb superabsorbent polymers application. In second harvesting time chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll increased by using Terracottem 22.58, 34.78, 10.71 and 26.66 percent, respectively. RWC increased 22.06 percent by Ackoasorb superabsorbent polymers application. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and proline content by using Terracottem and soluble carbohydrate with the use Stockosorb and electrolyte leakage by using Ackoasorb decreased 19.93, 7.81, 44.77, 39.13 and 26.02 percent, respevtively. The results of this study showed that Terracottem was more effective than the other supearabsorbents. So that the use of this super absorbent is recommended in salt stress condition.

Salinity is an effective abiotic stress on plants production that the application of suitable organic materials reduces its consequences. Thus, in this experiment, the mitigating effects of humic acid (0, 500 and 1000 mg.l-l) on salinity (EC; 0, 4, 8 and 12 dS.m-1) was evaluated at germination and vegetative stages of canola. According to the results, inhibitory effects of salinity on seed germination, germination rate, radicle and shoot length, and dry weights of radicle and shoot were significant. Also, salinity decreased the leaves chlorophylls contents and their membrane stabilities. Humic acid treatment increased chlorophyll (chl) a, total chl and carotenoid contents at 1000 mg l-1 concentration. Regarding to significant interaction effects of humic acid and salinity on membrane stability, seed gemination, germination rate and radicle length traits, results represent a mitigating effect of humic acid on mentioned traits under salinity condition. The humic acid at 1000 mg.l-1 level alleviates seed germination percentage at EC 4 dS.m-1, as well as improved germination rate under EC 8 dS m-1. Likewise, mitigating effect of humic acid on membrane stability at EC 8 and 12 dS.m-1 was noticeable. It was concluded that, under moderate levels of salinity, application of humic acid as seed treatments is recommended to alleviate the stress effects.

Fungi, as the dominant decomposers of plant and animal debris have vital roles in recycling of nutrients in all ecosystems. They, because of causing economically important diseases in plants and animals, formation of symbiotic interactions with a wide array of organisms, their widespread uses in food and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology, production of biofuels and bioremediation in polluted areas, are of great importance. Using fungal potential for improvement of human life needs their isolation and correctly identification at species level. In this study, the species diversity of fungi from diverse substrates including rotted potato tubers, dried shoots of apple trees, leaf debris of apple, ash and sycamore and stem debris of reed plants collected from different locations of Urmia, West Azarbaijan province were evaluated. 25 isolates with synnematous asexual fruiting bodies were isolated and purified. Identification of the isolates was done based on the combination of morphological characteristics of asexual fruiting bodies as well as sequences obtained from ITS-rDNA and β-tubulin genomic regions for Cephalotrichum isolates and ITS-rDNA and rpb2 genomic regions for Volutella isolates. Three species Viz.: Cephalotrichum asperulum (J.E. Wright & S. Marchand) Sandoval-Dennis, Guarro & Gené, Cephalotrichum nanum (Ehrenb.) S. Hughes and Volutella citrinella (Cooke & Massee) Seifert were identified. Volutella citronella isolates were isolated from potato tubers with decaying symptoms, while those of Cephalotrichum species were isolated from different plant debris. These species, to the best of our knowledge, are new records to Iran mycobiota and complete description of them is provided here