Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume:27 Issue: 1, Jan 2025

The efficiency estimation of industry-specific exports plays a vital role in identifying export potentials and appropriate marketing strategies. This paper aimed to investigate the main determinants of Iran’s seafood exports to its 32 trading partners from 2001 to 2018, using the Stochastic Frontier Gravity (SFG) model. Moreover, this paper analyzed the efficiency and export potentials of Iran’s seafood to its trading partners. The findings confirmed the consistency of SFG for Iran’s seafood exports. The results indicated that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Iran and its trading partners had significant positive effects. In contrast, the bilateral exchange rate, common border, common religion, distance, economic crisis, and sanctions had significant negative effects on Iran’s seafood exports. In addition, the results of export efficiency revealed that Iran has great export potential to its trading partners, particularly neighboring countries. People's awareness of the benefits of seafood in neighboring countries with low consumption can increase their demand and increase Iran's exports to them. Considering the high export potential in these countries with high religious and cultural similarities, it is suggested that Iran should strengthen its food trade relations with neighboring countries such as Iraq, Turkmenistan, Lebanon, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan.

Household-scale economies can be plausibly attributed to shared household public goods that make larger households better off at the same level of per capita resources. This paper examines the role of food and housing in the allocation of Iranian household expenditure, considering co-residence and economies of scale. Using a seemingly unrelated regression model for 2011 and 2021, we predict that, in the presence of shared food and housing, our method (solely) exploits preference information revealed by a cross-section of household observations while accounting for fully unobserved preference heterogeneity. Our findings indicate that scale economies changed significantly from 2011 to 2021 for expenditure categories of food and housing, but not all trends in scale economies are consistent with theoretical predictions. The results show that economies of scale are recognized to be higher in the housing group than in the food group in both periods. However, it has decreased within a decade and intensified due to the lack of appropriate government policy. In this context, the government's policies to encourage population growth have failed, and the population has encountered a low growth rate. Thus, providing support and welfare policy packages such as increasing income policy and household support insurance, as well as assistance in providing housing, are prioritized due to the economies of scale in housing.

This study aimed to determine the efficiency levels of beef cattle farms in Izmir Province and identify the factors that affect their efficiency by means of Bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis (BDEA). The study covers 62 farms engaged in beef cattle farming in five different districts of Izmir. The BDEA for beef cattle farming provided the result that the analysis should be conducted with the Constant Return to Scale (CRS) assumption. The average corrected input-oriented CRS efficiency after bootstrapping was found to be 0.90. According to the results of truncated regression analysis, a positive relationship was found between adjusted input-oriented efficiency scores and the number of fattening periods per year. On the other hand, it was determined that union membership had a statistically significant negative effect on efficiency. In addition, big farms had lower efficiency than smaller farms, farms in Buca District had lower efficiency than those in Odemis District, and those who fatten old cattle had lower efficiency than those who fatten young cattle. As a result, farms that fatten cattle for shorter periods of time, farms that do not increase the number of animals much, and farms that fatten young cattle achieve higher output per unit of input used, indicating higher technical efficiency.

A sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem is developed and expanded with an emphasis on innovation-based entrepreneurship in emerging Start-ups. This phenomenon requires identifying the influencing factors in this process. This study aimed to analyze the agricultural start-up ecosystem in order to provide a model of the entrepreneurship in Iran. A survey research method was applied to achieve research objectives. The population of the study consisted of managers of agricultural Start-up of Iran, (N= 90). The questionnaire was the main instrument to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data. In total, the research results showed that 9 constructs and 131 sub-constructs could explain 82.1% of the variance of entrepreneurial sustainability in agricultural Start-ups. Based on the obtained results, the overall goodness of fit statistics shows that the structural model fits well with the data. The planners of the agricultural entrepreneurship sector can play an effective role in smoothing the development path of agricultural entrepreneurship in Start-ups by using the results of this study and considering the identified factors.

This study was designed to analyze the sustainability trend of the apicultural industry. The present investigation was conducted with a focus on quantitative aspects and employed the methodology of quantitative-qualitative trend analysis. The statistical population consisted of all beekeepers in Iran. Using multi-stage random sampling method, 453 beekeepers were selected and studied as a sample. The primary instrument employed to gather data is a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The sustainability of Iran's apiculture industry was evaluated based on four environmental, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. The evaluation of the beekeeping industry's sustainability in terms of the environmental aspect involved the assessment of eleven criteria across two categories, both of which exhibited a declining trend. Sustainability was evaluated in the form of 24 criteria and 5 categories in the economic aspect, of which two categories had a negative trend and three categories had a positive trend. The assessment of the social aspect's sustainability was conducted through examination of 19 criteria organized into three distinct categories. These categories represented different trends: one with a negative trend category, another with a stable trend category, and the third with a positive trend category. Finally, sustainability of the institutional dimension was evaluated by 16 criteria in the form of 3 categories, and all three categories had a negative trend. Therefore, reforming the process of environmental and institutional criteria shall be of priority for the planners and policy makers of Iran's apiculture industry. The results of this study can be used as basic information in the foresight of the beekeeping industry, the preparation of the vision document, as well as the strategic planning of the development of this industry.

Precision agriculture promises to enhance economic benefits while maintaining more environmentally friendly farming practices. Despite the efforts to facilitate the adoption of Precision Farming Technologies (PFTs), the adoption remains low. Using an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with two external constructs of Personal Innovativeness (PI) and Compatibility (COM), this study investigated the pioneer farmers’ Intention (INT) to use PFTs. In this survey research, a questionnaire was used for data collection from a sample of 295 farmers (N= 295). The results showed that the extended model could promote the explanatory power of the TAM and explain 72.6% of the variation in farmers’ INT to use PFTs. Respondents were relatively innovative (Mean= 3.25), had positive Attitudes (ATT) (Mean= 3.53), and had relatively positive INT to use PFTs (Mean= 3.24). In contrast, they perceived that PFTs were challenging to use (Mean= 2.7), relatively useful (mean=2.93), and lowly compatible with their small-scale farming systems (Mean= 2.66). COM was the most critical factor affecting INT, followed by Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), PI, and ATT. At the same time, PEU had no significant effect on ATT, indicating that when farmers assess PFTs, ease of use is not a problem, but PEU is essential when they intend to use these technologies. Considering the high initial investment requirement and knowledge-intensive nature of PFTs, policy, and educational interventions are required to facilitate farmers' utilization of these technologies. To achieve the best results, one should begin with pioneer farmers.

One of the most important environmental hazards that has created many challenges in recent years is the development of inorganic farming and the excessive use of chemical inputs in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the role of extension and educational programs in the development of Organic Farming (OF) in vegetable and summer crops in Lorestan Province, Iran. This research was quantitative in nature and applied research in terms of purpose. The population consisted of vegetable and summer crop farmers in Lorestan (N= 3,500). The sample size was determined based on Morgan table (n= 384). In order to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, a panel of experts and a Ө coefficient of 0.85 were used. According to the results, the dimensions of OF were not optimal. From the ecological, health, fairness, care, social-cultural and production-economic aspects, there was a significant difference (P< 1%) between the current and the desired conditions. Farmers who participated in the programs of extension and educational class, field day, extension exhibitions, farmer field school, scientific seminars and demonstration farms had a significant difference (P< 1%) in all aspects of OF with those who did not participate. The most important factors affecting the development of OF dimensions included: (1) Development of technical knowledge and empowerment of farmers in OF, (2) Government support for OF methods and development of its dimensions, (3) Application of legal instruments for the development of OF, and (4) Changing consumers' views towards the use of organic foods.

This study aimed to evaluate the sensorial, physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological properties of yoghurt fortified with Artemisia absinthium leaf powder during refrigerated storage. The valorization of this plant in food industry was realized by the incorporation of its dried leaf powder at various concentrations in order to produce a new functional yoghurt. It is interesting to note that the fortified yoghurt with the lowest Artemisia dose (2%) was the most preferred by the panel. Furthermore, this fortification did not affect the fermentation parameters nor the viability of lactic starter. During storage, the incorporation of Artemisia powder reduced syneresis and improved the microbiological properties of fortified yoghurts. Besides, at the end of storage, it was noted that yoghurt fortified with 2% of Artemisia powder presented the highest consistency (8.98±0.04 Pa sn) and antioxidant activity (60.08±3.61%) when compared to the control yoghurt. Finally, the accelerated shelf-life test showed the efficiency of Artemisia absinthium powder incorporation by increasing the shelf life of yoghurt by about 4 days.

Polyamines (PAs) are signaling molecules that exhibit promising roles in improving stress tolerance in plants. Limited information is available concerning the effects of the exogenous PAs on medicinal plants including chamomile. This experiment was carried out to study the effects of foliar application of PAs [Putrescine (Put), Spermidine (Spd), and Spermine (Spm)] on physiological and biochemical processes to understand the possible mechanisms concerning the water deficit stress [soil Field Capacity (FC) as control, 80% of FC (FC80), and 60% of FC (FC60)] alleviation in German Chamomile. We found that PAs partially inhibited water deficit-induced stomatal closure and induced antioxidant enzymes to eliminate the increased H2O2. Spd increased stomatal conductance (gs) by 66, 65, and 35% at FC, FC80, and FC60, respectively, compared with the control. The increased gs enhanced leaf net photosynthesis (AN) by 52 and 86% at FC80 and FC60, respectively, compared with the control. The role of PAs in oxidative damage alleviation was approved by the negative correlation of leaf antioxidant activities and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 content. According to the results, PAs function as stress-protecting compounds to instigate the antioxidative enzymes to scavenge stress-induced H2O2, improve membrane stability, and enhance water deficit tolerance. Generally, our results suggested that PAs could be potential growth regulators to alleviate mild to severe water deficit stress.

Citrulline is a natural antioxidant and an amino acid found in watermelon, which is eaten for its fruit flesh. In this study, citrulline content was determined in different parts of the fruit flesh and rind of four watermelon lines with varying skin colors. The fruits were divided into six parts, and samples were taken from the rind and fruit pulp for the citrulline in each part. The highest value of citrulline was obtained for the genotype with a very light green ground skin color (3.37 g kg-1), while the lowest value was obtained from the genotype with a very dark green ground skin color (2.0 g kg-1). Regarding the fruit parts, the highest value was in the third part (3.72 g kg-1), while the lowest value belonged to the second part (2.00 g kg-1). Higher citrulline values were found in the fruit flesh (3.10 g kg-1) than in the fruit rind (2.40 g kg-1).

Drought is a major abiotic stress in arid and semi-arid areas. This study examines how drought stress and different rootstocks affect aerial part physiology and macronutrient uptake in two seedlings of pear cultivars, 'Dargazi' and 'Louise Bonne,' grafted onto 'Dargazi' and 'Pyrodwarf' rootstocks. Treatments were well-watered as control (100% Field Capacity, FC), moderate (60% FC), and severe drought (30% FC). Drought stress decreased the Root-to-Shoot weight ratio (R/SH), Leaf Relative Water Content (LRWC), Soluble Protein (SP), Photosynthetic Nitrogen Use Efficiency (PNUE), leaf osmotic potential (Ψs), Leaf potassium (LK+), Root Calcium (RCa2+), Root Nitrogen (RN), Stomatal aperture (SA), net photosynthetic rate (An), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), and instantaneous carboxylation Efficiency of Rubisco (EiC) in all scion-rootstock combinations. Under drought stress, levels of proline (Prol), Glycine Betaine (GB), Total Soluble Carbohydrate (TSC), root potassium (RK+), leaf calcium (LCa2+), leaf nitrogen (LN), leaf and root phosphorus (P) increased. 'Dargazi' as the cultivar or rootstock showed better instantaneous Water Use Efficiency (WUEi), Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (NUtE), and Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (NUpE), with higher LN, LNO3−, LNH4+, Prol, and Ψs under severe stress. 'Louise Bonne' had higher amounts of R/SH weight ratio, Total Nitrogen Accumulation (TNA), leaf and root nitrate reductase activity (NRA),  An, intracellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), E, and root nitrate (RNO3−) under moderate stress. 'Pyrodwarf' rootstock demonstrated the highest TNA and RCa2+ under moderate stress conditions. These results indicated that 'Dargazi' demonstrated better tolerance under severe stress, while 'Pyrodwarf' and 'Louise Bonne' were more effective under moderate stress conditions.

In our previous studies, we prepared by mechanical treatment and tested several formulations of plant protection products based on Tebuconazole (TBC) with different delivery systems. As a result of those studies, polysaccharides showed high efficiency in increasing the solubility and the effectiveness of products based on these polymers. An important task in developing an effective seed treatment is to increase the efficiency of adhesion and penetration. However, the question arises as to which factor is more important for plant protection or which factor plays the main role in the activity of the protectants: the amount of dressing agent on the surface of the seed or the amount penetrated into the grain? This question remained unanswered in previous experiments and the purpose of this study was to find an answer to this question. For this purpose, protectants of various compositions based on TBС and polysaccharides were prepared and spring wheat seeds were treated with them. At the same time, these seeds were divided into two variants: seeds treated with protectant (TBС on the surface that managed to penetrate inside the seeds) and seeds whose surface was washed by water and, so, seeds were without sorbed Tebuconazole (TBС only inside the seeds). Thus, seeds were prepared that contained only the Adsorbed tebuconazole (SPrA) and seeds containing the drug that Penetrated into the grain (SPrP). These two types of seeds were used in biological tests and the results obtained were compared. An analysis of seed germination and infection with the main pathogens showed that SPrA seeds had an advantage over SPrP seeds both in germination and in protection from diseases. Further research in this direction will help to understand the effect of the penetration of drugs into plants on the possibility of increasing their efficiency and yield of grain crops.

Worldwide, one of the most damaging diseases in beekeeping is American Foulbrood (AFB). The causative agent of the disease is Paenibacillus larvae, which can remain in spore form in the environment for decades and does not lose its virulence. In the management of this disease, it is inevitable to find an alternative method to the use of antibiotics and burning the hives. In this study, after determining the Total Phenolic (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Contents (TFC) of seven different Anatolian honey bee products (bee venom, bee bread, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, queen bee larvae, drone brood larvae), in vitro antimicrobial activities of these products against two different P. larvae strains were tested. As a result of Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 colorimetric methods, there were significant differences between the samples, and the highest content values were obtained from the propolis samples. The antimicrobial activity results showed that, P. larvae strains were susceptible to all bee products, except queen bee larvae and drone brood larvae. The most significant inhibition was obtained from Anatolian bee venom with the lowest MIC dose 6.25 µg mL-1, Bacterial strains showed susceptibility to Anatolian beebread with an effective dose of 7.81 µg mL-1 following bee venom. This study is an important first step in identifying new active compounds for the use of in-hive natural products in the development of new preventive treatments against AFB disease, alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments.

The date palm dust mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) is one of the most important pests of the date palms Phoenix dactylifera L. around the world. This pest causes reduction in the economic value of the product, and sometimes its damage reaches up to 100% in the southern provinces of Iran. The population fluctuations and spatial distribution of this pest on two more common varieties (Sayer and Barhi) were investigated in Ramshir City, Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. For this purpose, two date palm plantations of 2 ha that had those two varieties of date palm trees were selected, and 10 trees of each variety in each orchard were selected randomly. Sampling was done from North, South, East, and West of each date palm every four days from mid-May to early November, during 2020 and 2021. The results showed that the spider mite appeared on the clusters of two varieties from the beginning of June, and the peak population of mites on both varieties was recorded in September, in both years. Significant difference was observed between different sampling times during those two years and the two varieties: Sayer (F1.916, 9.580= 183. 695, P< 0.0001) and (F2.344, 11.720= 58. 104, P< 0.0001) and Barhi (F1.541, 4.622= 89.010, P< 0.0001) and (F1.688, 5.065= 31. 137, P

This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological and physiological traits of native Iranian melon landrace and Afghan melon cultivars using a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Two salinity levels (2 and 8 dS m-1, NaCl) and 39 cultivars from Iran and Afghanistan were studied. PCA comparisons were done between morphological and physiological parameters. The sensitive and tolerant cultivars were chosen based on proximity to high yield, morphological characteristics, and distance from stress indices. The biplot results showed a high correlation between vitamin C traits with soluble solids, proline, and relative water content, and a negative correlation with Fv/Fm ratio. These indices are good indicators for identifying saline resistance cultivars. Salinity stress increased electrolyte leakage, proline concentration, total antioxidant activity, sodium content, vitamin C, organic acid, and total soluble solids. In addition, salinity decreased the yield, mean fruit weight, firmness, fruit length, fruit width, internal cavity length and width, flesh thickness and fruit peel thickness, Fv/Fm ratio, greenness index, relative water content, and leaf potassium. The highest concentrations of sodium were found in the Gorgi Shirdan Jorgeaval cultivar under salinity, while the highest concentrations of potassium were found in the Torkamani cultivar under non-saline conditions. Analysis revealed two types of Torkamani and Zanki melon, which are recommended to plant in saline conditions.

In arid and semi-arid regions, inadequate rainfall necessitates supplemental irrigation to meet crop water requirements. Selecting the appropriate method is crucial for success. A two-years field experiment was conducted in Kharameh Region, Iran, to investigate the effect of different supplemental irrigation methods on fig tree yield, physiological response, and water productivity. Three irrigation methods including flood irrigation, subsurface drip irrigation, micro jet irrigation, and no supplemental irrigation (control) were applied as four treatments in five replications. Results showed that subsurface and micro jet irrigation significantly increased leaves width by 18.2%, shoot length by 27%, and shoot diameter by 13%. Micro jet irrigation also increased the amounts of chlorophyll in fig leaves by 14%, the average of total fruit numbers by 134%, and the average of total fruit weight by 54% as compared to the average of other treatments treatments. Furthermore, the highest level of water productivity were in micro jet irrigation techniques, while it dropped by 40% with subsurface drip irrigation. The practical implications of this study involve boosting fig yield, refining water management strategies, increasing drought resistance, analyzing economic feasibility, gauging sustainability, and supporting the sharing of knowledge and skills for fig cultivation in semi-arid areas.