University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320The investigation of effect of planting date and foliar application Zinc sulfate and Selenium on tolerance to high temperature on two Wheat cultivarsThe investigation of effect of planting date and foliar application Zinc sulfate and Selenium on tolerance to high temperature on two Wheat cultivars1127386110.22059/jci.2019.279681.2208FAHosseinNorooziPh.D. Candidate, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Agriculture Faculty, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran0000-0003-0971-0239MajidNabipourProfessor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Agriculture Faculty, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IranAfraseyabRahnama GhahfarokhiAssociate Professor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Agriculture Faculty, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.HabibolaRoshanfekrAssociate Professor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Agriculture Faculty, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IranJournal Article20190503<strong>In order to investigation the effect of planting date and foliar application Zinc sulfate and Selenium on tolerance to high temperature on two Wheat cultivars one experiment was carried out in a split factorial experiment based on a complete randomized block design with three replications at the experimental farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during a growing season 2017-2018. Three factors were investigated in this experiment. initial factor including three planting date (Nov 11, Des 11, Jan 10). The solution type was used as the second factor: 1- foliar application with tap water (control), 2- foliar application with selenium (4 mg/lit), 3- foliar application with zinc sulfate (0.04%) and third factor including two wheat cultivars (Chamran and Star). According to the results in planting date of 20 January, the number of grains per spike decreased in the foliar application treatments by zinc solfate 10%, Selenium 36% and control 33% compared to similar treatments in the planting date of November 20th. In the planting date of January 20, the decrease in grain yield compared to the planting date of November 20th was 49.3% in the control treatment and 49.9% in the selenium treatment While in zinc sulfate treatment, yield reduction was 20.19%. According to the results obtained in folia application, Zn sulfate increased grain yield in two wheat cultivars by increasing the number of grains per spike, 1000- grain weight and grain filling duration.</strong><strong>In order to investigation the effect of planting date and foliar application Zinc sulfate and Selenium on tolerance to high temperature on two Wheat cultivars one experiment was carried out in a split factorial experiment based on a complete randomized block design with three replications at the experimental farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during a growing season 2017-2018. Three factors were investigated in this experiment. initial factor including three planting date (Nov 11, Des 11, Jan 10). The solution type was used as the second factor: 1- foliar application with tap water (control), 2- foliar application with selenium (4 mg/lit), 3- foliar application with zinc sulfate (0.04%) and third factor including two wheat cultivars (Chamran and Star). According to the results in planting date of 20 January, the number of grains per spike decreased in the foliar application treatments by zinc solfate 10%, Selenium 36% and control 33% compared to similar treatments in the planting date of November 20th. In the planting date of January 20, the decrease in grain yield compared to the planting date of November 20th was 49.3% in the control treatment and 49.9% in the selenium treatment While in zinc sulfate treatment, yield reduction was 20.19%. According to the results obtained in folia application, Zn sulfate increased grain yield in two wheat cultivars by increasing the number of grains per spike, 1000- grain weight and grain filling duration.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Identification of Rapeseed Limiting Factors Using Performance Comparison AnalysisIdentification of Rapeseed Limiting Factors Using Performance Comparison Analysis13257425910.22059/jci.2019.280944.2212FAShahramSekhavatiFarM.Sc. Student, Plant Production Department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, IranAliRahemi KarizakiAssistant Professor, Plant Production Department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran0000-0001-7822-9188AliNakhzari MoghaddamAssistant Professor, Plant Production Department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran0000-0003-2282-6973MehdiMollashahiAssistant Professor, Plant Production Department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, IranJournal Article20190623<strong>Understanding the performance potential and the gap between the actual yields of crops with the achievable function is necessary to diagnose the limiting factors of performance. The present study was conducted based on the method of CPA in 50 fields of Zavkooh villi (Kalaleh, Golestan, Iran) in 2016 and 2017. In this study all information related to management practices, soil characteristics and farmer socio- economic status were measured and recorded. In the comparative performance analysis (CPA) method, using stepwise regression, the relationship between variables and yield was considered. And yield gap rate, its causes factors and it was also estimated the contribution of each of these factors to the creation of a yield gap. The results showed that between the average real yield (2308 kg ha-1) and the yieldable yield (4123 kg ha-1), there is 1818 kg per hectare of vacuum. Accordingly, the most important factors in yield gap for the region included: field size with 21.4 percent, Summer plowing with 15 percent, The time of land preparation and plowing with 14.7 percent, nitrogen fertilizer with 14.6 percent, potassium fertilizer with 14 percent, weeds density per unit area with 10.8 percent), seed treatment with 8.1 percent and Subsoiler with 1.4 percent.</strong><strong>Understanding the performance potential and the gap between the actual yields of crops with the achievable function is necessary to diagnose the limiting factors of performance. The present study was conducted based on the method of CPA in 50 fields of Zavkooh villi (Kalaleh, Golestan, Iran) in 2016 and 2017. In this study all information related to management practices, soil characteristics and farmer socio- economic status were measured and recorded. In the comparative performance analysis (CPA) method, using stepwise regression, the relationship between variables and yield was considered. And yield gap rate, its causes factors and it was also estimated the contribution of each of these factors to the creation of a yield gap. The results showed that between the average real yield (2308 kg ha-1) and the yieldable yield (4123 kg ha-1), there is 1818 kg per hectare of vacuum. Accordingly, the most important factors in yield gap for the region included: field size with 21.4 percent, Summer plowing with 15 percent, The time of land preparation and plowing with 14.7 percent, nitrogen fertilizer with 14.6 percent, potassium fertilizer with 14 percent, weeds density per unit area with 10.8 percent), seed treatment with 8.1 percent and Subsoiler with 1.4 percent.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Rapeseed seed viability reaction to priming treatments and drying conditions of primed seedsRapeseed seed viability reaction to priming treatments and drying conditions of primed seeds27427440110.22059/jci.2019.285535.2245FAMohsenMalekFormer M.Sc. Student, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Recourses, Gorgan, IranFarshidGhaderi-FarAssociate Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranBenjaminTorabiAssociate Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran0000-0002-9788-3828HamidRezaSadeghipourAssociate Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Scinces, Golestan University, Gorgan, IranJournal Article20190716<strong>To investigate the effects of drying methods (desiccation treatment), heat shock and osmotic stress treatments on the viability of primed seeds from different rapeseed cultivars, an experiment was conducted in 2017-2018 at the Seed Research Laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In this study, seeds of three canola cultivars i.e. Dk-xpower, Teraper and Hayola50, which had observed priming treatments, were exposed to desiccation, heat shock and osmotic stress treatments. Thereafter, to investigate the effects of different treatments, the treated seeds were subjected to controlled deterioration test. Finally, after fitting the three-parameter logistic model to germination percentage during controlled deterioration test, time for decrease of germination to 50% was Calculated and used as the criterion for comparing seed viability. Results showed that the response of rapeseed cultivars to different treatments were different. Also, priming methods and different treatments in drying phase of primed seeds, displayed different effects on seeds' lifespan. In general, heat shock treatments were found efficient in Dk-xpower and Traper cultivars as they increased seeds' lifespan. In contrast, osmotic stress treatments often had negative effects on seed viability in all canola cultivars. Even, "osmopriming" and subsequent slow drying of primed seeds had more negative effects than "hydroperiming" associated with fast drying methods.</strong><strong>To investigate the effects of drying methods (desiccation treatment), heat shock and osmotic stress treatments on the viability of primed seeds from different rapeseed cultivars, an experiment was conducted in 2017-2018 at the Seed Research Laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. In this study, seeds of three canola cultivars i.e. Dk-xpower, Teraper and Hayola50, which had observed priming treatments, were exposed to desiccation, heat shock and osmotic stress treatments. Thereafter, to investigate the effects of different treatments, the treated seeds were subjected to controlled deterioration test. Finally, after fitting the three-parameter logistic model to germination percentage during controlled deterioration test, time for decrease of germination to 50% was Calculated and used as the criterion for comparing seed viability. Results showed that the response of rapeseed cultivars to different treatments were different. Also, priming methods and different treatments in drying phase of primed seeds, displayed different effects on seeds' lifespan. In general, heat shock treatments were found efficient in Dk-xpower and Traper cultivars as they increased seeds' lifespan. In contrast, osmotic stress treatments often had negative effects on seed viability in all canola cultivars. Even, "osmopriming" and subsequent slow drying of primed seeds had more negative effects than "hydroperiming" associated with fast drying methods.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Effect of mycorrhiza and humic acid application on physiological traits, yield and water use efficiency of cotton under water deficit stress conditionsEffect of mycorrhiza and humic acid application on physiological traits, yield and water use efficiency of cotton under water deficit stress conditions43557440210.22059/jci.2019.282993.2228FASeyyed GholamrezaMoosaviSeyyed Gholamreza MoosaviJournal Article20190627<strong>In order to evaluate the effect of irrigation, humic acid and mycorrhiza application on physiological traits, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton, an experiment was carried out as a factorial split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Islamic Azad University of Birjand, Iran in 2016. Three irrigation levels (40, 70 and 100 percent of water requirement or PWR) were as the main plot and the combination of two mycorrhiza levels (non- application and application) and two humic acid levels (0 and 10 L. ha-1) were considered as sub-plot. The results showed that mycorrhiza application in conditions of supplying 100 and 70 PWR for the plant significantly increased the chlorophyll index, stomatal conductance, number of boll per m2 and yields of cotton, but the highest increase in these traits was observed in conditions of supplying 70 PWR. Also, the highest WUE in 70 PWR and application of mycorrhiza treatment was obtained.Generally, mycorrhiza application more effectively than the application of humic acid improved physiological traits, yield and WUE of cotton.The results showed that considering the WUE and economic yield of cotton, supplying 70 PWR and mycorrhiza application for this plant in Birjand can be considered.</strong><strong>In order to evaluate the effect of irrigation, humic acid and mycorrhiza application on physiological traits, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of cotton, an experiment was carried out as a factorial split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Islamic Azad University of Birjand, Iran in 2016. Three irrigation levels (40, 70 and 100 percent of water requirement or PWR) were as the main plot and the combination of two mycorrhiza levels (non- application and application) and two humic acid levels (0 and 10 L. ha-1) were considered as sub-plot. The results showed that mycorrhiza application in conditions of supplying 100 and 70 PWR for the plant significantly increased the chlorophyll index, stomatal conductance, number of boll per m2 and yields of cotton, but the highest increase in these traits was observed in conditions of supplying 70 PWR. Also, the highest WUE in 70 PWR and application of mycorrhiza treatment was obtained.Generally, mycorrhiza application more effectively than the application of humic acid improved physiological traits, yield and WUE of cotton.The results showed that considering the WUE and economic yield of cotton, supplying 70 PWR and mycorrhiza application for this plant in Birjand can be considered.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Investigating the effect of biofertilizers on growth indices of maize (Zea maze) in lead (Pb) contaminated soilsInvestigating the effect of biofertilizers on growth indices of maize (Zea maze) in lead (Pb) contaminated soils57727440310.22059/jci.2019.283277.2230FAFatemehRostamiFormer M.Sc. Student, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, IranMoslemHeydariPh.D. Candidate, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran0000-0001-5658-6328AhmadGolchinProfessor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Zanjan, IranJournal Article20190622<strong>In order to investigate the effect of biofertilizers on growth characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) in lead contaminated soils, a experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University in 2015, Factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) in 3 Replication. The treatments included soil contamination levels of lead (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg / kg soil), and inoculation with different bio-fertilizers was including phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Glomus museae mycorrhiza and the Glomus Intardis mycorrhiza. The measured factors included: leaf chlorophyll index, plant height, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, and phosphorus and potassium of root and shoot. The results indicated that application of bio-fertilizers significantly increased leaf chlorophyll index, plant height, potassium, phosphorus, and weight of root and shoot significantly compared to control treatment. Glomus fungus and + solubilizing bacteria (M + P) improved the leaf chlorophyll content and plant height by 11.93% and 21.89%, respectively. With increasing levels of soil contamination to lead, leaf chlorophyll index significantly decreased. In general, the results showed that soil inoculation with biological fertilizers can be reduce the harmful effects of lead in plant growth.</strong><strong>In order to investigate the effect of biofertilizers on growth characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) in lead contaminated soils, a experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University in 2015, Factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) in 3 Replication. The treatments included soil contamination levels of lead (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg / kg soil), and inoculation with different bio-fertilizers was including phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Glomus museae mycorrhiza and the Glomus Intardis mycorrhiza. The measured factors included: leaf chlorophyll index, plant height, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, and phosphorus and potassium of root and shoot. The results indicated that application of bio-fertilizers significantly increased leaf chlorophyll index, plant height, potassium, phosphorus, and weight of root and shoot significantly compared to control treatment. Glomus fungus and + solubilizing bacteria (M + P) improved the leaf chlorophyll content and plant height by 11.93% and 21.89%, respectively. With increasing levels of soil contamination to lead, leaf chlorophyll index significantly decreased. In general, the results showed that soil inoculation with biological fertilizers can be reduce the harmful effects of lead in plant growth.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Response of biochemical traits and relative water content of two bread and durum wheat cultivars to silicon spraying under water stress conditionsResponse of biochemical traits and relative water content of two bread and durum wheat cultivars to silicon spraying under water stress conditions73877448510.22059/jci.2020.286091.2249FASodabehReza BeighiM.Sc. Student, Agroecology Department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Darab, Shiraz University, Shiraz, IranEhsanBijanzadehAssociate Professor, Agroecology Department, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Darab, Shiraz University, Shiraz, IranJournal Article20190724In order to study the effect of silicon on biochemical traits, leaf relative water content and yield of two bread and durum wheat cultivars under late season water stress conditions, a split factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design was conducted in three replicates during 2017-2018 growing season. Treatments included of water stress in two levels included normal irrigation and water stress at the end of flowering, silicon (Si) spraying at 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM and two wheat cultivars consisted of Chamran as bread wheat and Shabrang as durum wheat. The results showed that the main effects of late seasonal water stress, cultivar and silicon on leaf relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll, carotenoid content and yield were significant. Under water stress conditions, when plants exposed to 3 mM silicon RWC increased 50% compared to no silicon application conditions. Grain protein under water stress conditions and 3 mM silicon was 59.3% higher than no silicon condition. Also, total chlorophyll content and carotenoid content under water stress conditions and application of 3 mM silicon increased 42.5 and 44.9%, respectively. In Chamran cultivar, application of silicon at 3 mM increased total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, RWC and grain protein 40, 43, 42 and 56.4%, respectively, which caused 19.7% increase in grain yield compared to Shabrang cultivar under water stress conditions. In general, foliar application of 3 mM silicon by improving total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and RWC can play an important role in increasing yield under water stress conditions.In order to study the effect of silicon on biochemical traits, leaf relative water content and yield of two bread and durum wheat cultivars under late season water stress conditions, a split factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design was conducted in three replicates during 2017-2018 growing season. Treatments included of water stress in two levels included normal irrigation and water stress at the end of flowering, silicon (Si) spraying at 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM and two wheat cultivars consisted of Chamran as bread wheat and Shabrang as durum wheat. The results showed that the main effects of late seasonal water stress, cultivar and silicon on leaf relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll, carotenoid content and yield were significant. Under water stress conditions, when plants exposed to 3 mM silicon RWC increased 50% compared to no silicon application conditions. Grain protein under water stress conditions and 3 mM silicon was 59.3% higher than no silicon condition. Also, total chlorophyll content and carotenoid content under water stress conditions and application of 3 mM silicon increased 42.5 and 44.9%, respectively. In Chamran cultivar, application of silicon at 3 mM increased total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, RWC and grain protein 40, 43, 42 and 56.4%, respectively, which caused 19.7% increase in grain yield compared to Shabrang cultivar under water stress conditions. In general, foliar application of 3 mM silicon by improving total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and RWC can play an important role in increasing yield under water stress conditions.University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Evaluation of growth phytohormones and different concentrations of plant derived smoke applications on growth characteristics and biological yield of medicinal plants Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Basil (Ocimum basilicam)Evaluation of growth phytohormones and different concentrations of plant derived smoke applications on growth characteristics and biological yield of medicinal plants Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Basil (Ocimum basilicam)891027367710.22059/jci.2019.280801.2211FAFarideNoroozi ShahriPh.D. Candidate, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranSaeidJalali HonarmandAssociate Professor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranMohsenSaeidiAssociate Professor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, IranFarzadMondaniAssistant Professor of Ecology of Plants, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. E-mail address: f.mondani@razi.ac.ir0000-0002-0077-6605Journal Article20190507<strong>Farmers have traditionally used fire and smoke in various parts of agriculture. Several studies have reported that smoke bioactive components acts as a new family of plant growth regulators. In order to evaluate and explore the potential of smoke-water as a phytohormone on growth characteristics and biological yield of medicinal plants of basil and lemon balm an experiment was conducted as a split plot based on complete randomized block design with three replications. This experiment was conducted in research greenhouse of Razi University in 2017. In this study, eight factors were including four concentrations smoke-water (included 1:5000, 1:1000, 1:500 and 1:100 (v/v)) accompanying with cytokinin, auxin and gibberellic acid (each of them with concentration 50 µM) and control were assigned to the main plots and two harvest stages were assigned to the sub plots. Results indicated that the gibberellic acid significantly increased basil canopy height in comparison to others treatments. While the maximum canopy height in lemon balm was obtained from smoke-water at concentrations of 1:500 (v/v). Foliar-application with cytokinin resulted in the highest leaf area index in both plants compared to control. Eventually the highest biomass yield in basil and lemon balm was obtained from smoke-water at concentrations of 1:100 (v/v) that has increased by 52 and 39 percent, respectively, compared with control. In the current study applying high level of smoke-water foliar (1:100 and 1:500 (v/v)) induced on growth characteristics and biological yield, similar to phytohormone treatments especially cytokinin.</strong><strong>Farmers have traditionally used fire and smoke in various parts of agriculture. Several studies have reported that smoke bioactive components acts as a new family of plant growth regulators. In order to evaluate and explore the potential of smoke-water as a phytohormone on growth characteristics and biological yield of medicinal plants of basil and lemon balm an experiment was conducted as a split plot based on complete randomized block design with three replications. This experiment was conducted in research greenhouse of Razi University in 2017. In this study, eight factors were including four concentrations smoke-water (included 1:5000, 1:1000, 1:500 and 1:100 (v/v)) accompanying with cytokinin, auxin and gibberellic acid (each of them with concentration 50 µM) and control were assigned to the main plots and two harvest stages were assigned to the sub plots. Results indicated that the gibberellic acid significantly increased basil canopy height in comparison to others treatments. While the maximum canopy height in lemon balm was obtained from smoke-water at concentrations of 1:500 (v/v). Foliar-application with cytokinin resulted in the highest leaf area index in both plants compared to control. Eventually the highest biomass yield in basil and lemon balm was obtained from smoke-water at concentrations of 1:100 (v/v) that has increased by 52 and 39 percent, respectively, compared with control. In the current study applying high level of smoke-water foliar (1:100 and 1:500 (v/v)) induced on growth characteristics and biological yield, similar to phytohormone treatments especially cytokinin.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Effect of shadow and different levels of nitrogen on growth and essential oil content of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)Effect of shadow and different levels of nitrogen on growth and essential oil content of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)1031177386210.22059/jci.2019.280170.2206FAAhmadGolchinProfessor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Zanjan, IranFaezehFarahmand MofradFormer M.Sc. Student, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Abhar Azad University, Zanjan, IranNaderKhadem Moghadam IgdelouPh.D. Candidate, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran0000-0002-6937-0515Journal Article20190428<strong>Peppermint is an important medicinal and aromatic plant which its oil content varies from one region to another region and as a function of fertilization, shadow, irrigation, and photoperiod. In order to study the effect of different levels of shadow and nitrogen on growth and oil performance of this plant, a factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan during the 2014-2015 cropping season. The experimental factors were, shadow factor in four levels (S0: without shadow, S25: 25%, S50: 50%, and S75: 75% shadow) and nitrogen factor as Urea in four levels (N1: without nitrogen, N2:60, N3:120, and N4:180 mg N/kg). The results showed that the highest number of leaves per plant (936), leaf surface area (1688mm2), chlorophyll index (51.32), essential oil content (2.455%), and essential oil yield (0.37 g/box) were obtained from the S25N3 treatment. The highest shoot dry weight was measured in the S50N4 treatment and the S25N3 treatment with 8.36% difference stood in the second place. The highest leaf dry weight was observed in S25N3 (11.55 g/box). Treatments applied to plant height and numbers of branches were not significantly affected. Therefore, to obtain the highest concentration and performance of essential oil in peppermint, as well as to increase the number of leaves per plant and leaf surface area for marketable and edible consumption, the use of 25% shadow and the application of 120 mg/kg nitrogen are recommended.</strong><strong>Peppermint is an important medicinal and aromatic plant which its oil content varies from one region to another region and as a function of fertilization, shadow, irrigation, and photoperiod. In order to study the effect of different levels of shadow and nitrogen on growth and oil performance of this plant, a factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan during the 2014-2015 cropping season. The experimental factors were, shadow factor in four levels (S0: without shadow, S25: 25%, S50: 50%, and S75: 75% shadow) and nitrogen factor as Urea in four levels (N1: without nitrogen, N2:60, N3:120, and N4:180 mg N/kg). The results showed that the highest number of leaves per plant (936), leaf surface area (1688mm2), chlorophyll index (51.32), essential oil content (2.455%), and essential oil yield (0.37 g/box) were obtained from the S25N3 treatment. The highest shoot dry weight was measured in the S50N4 treatment and the S25N3 treatment with 8.36% difference stood in the second place. The highest leaf dry weight was observed in S25N3 (11.55 g/box). Treatments applied to plant height and numbers of branches were not significantly affected. Therefore, to obtain the highest concentration and performance of essential oil in peppermint, as well as to increase the number of leaves per plant and leaf surface area for marketable and edible consumption, the use of 25% shadow and the application of 120 mg/kg nitrogen are recommended.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Investigating the effects of Glycine betaine on growth and flower yield of Damask Rose under salinity stressInvestigating the effects of Glycine betaine on growth and flower yield of Damask Rose under salinity stress1191347448610.22059/jci.2020.287265.2257FARostamYazdaniBioukiAssistant Professor, National Salinity Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, IranHosseinBeyramiAssistant Professor, National Salinity Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Yazd, Iran0000-0001-7967-8495Journal Article20190813<strong>In order to investigate the effect of glycine betaine (GB) on some growth and yield traits of Damask Rose, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications at Research Greenhouse of National Salinity Research Center during 2018-19 growing season. The treatments were four levels of salinity: 2 (control), 5, 8 and 11 dS/m and three levels of GB: without application (control), spraying with 50 mM and 100 mM concentrations. The results showed that the main effect of salinity stress was significant on all studied characteristics, except branch number per plant and petal number. Moreover, the main effect of GB was significant on all measured traits, except branch number per plant, petal number, height and petal weight/flower weight ratio. The most flower number per plant, flower yield and essential oil yield were observed in stressed plants at 2, 5 and 8 dS/m salinity, had more 7.5 flower, 29.5 g flower weight per plant and 6 mg essential oil per plant than 11 dS/m, respectively. The interaction results between salinity stress and foliar application of glycine betaine showed that the treated plants with 2 dS/m and 100mM GB had the highest height (71 cm) and the treated plants with 10 dS/m and without application of GB had the lowest height (40 cm). In general, using 50 mM GB and without salinity stress caused the highest Damask Rose weight.</strong><strong>In order to investigate the effect of glycine betaine (GB) on some growth and yield traits of Damask Rose, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications at Research Greenhouse of National Salinity Research Center during 2018-19 growing season. The treatments were four levels of salinity: 2 (control), 5, 8 and 11 dS/m and three levels of GB: without application (control), spraying with 50 mM and 100 mM concentrations. The results showed that the main effect of salinity stress was significant on all studied characteristics, except branch number per plant and petal number. Moreover, the main effect of GB was significant on all measured traits, except branch number per plant, petal number, height and petal weight/flower weight ratio. The most flower number per plant, flower yield and essential oil yield were observed in stressed plants at 2, 5 and 8 dS/m salinity, had more 7.5 flower, 29.5 g flower weight per plant and 6 mg essential oil per plant than 11 dS/m, respectively. The interaction results between salinity stress and foliar application of glycine betaine showed that the treated plants with 2 dS/m and 100mM GB had the highest height (71 cm) and the treated plants with 10 dS/m and without application of GB had the lowest height (40 cm). In general, using 50 mM GB and without salinity stress caused the highest Damask Rose weight.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Effect of chemical and none chemical fertilizer on rosemary dry matter in competition with weedsEffect of chemical and none chemical fertilizer on rosemary dry matter in competition with weeds1351487394310.22059/jci.2019.282463.2224FAMaryamSadeghM.Sc. Student, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, IranFaezehZaefarianAssociate Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran0000-0002-2601-8909VahidAkbarpourAssistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, IranMostafaEmadiAssistant Professor, Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Crop Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, IranJournal Article20190529<strong>In order to determine the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) dry matter and weeds under different fertilizer sources, an experiment was conducted as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in 2016. The treatments consisted of: competition between plants and weeds (weedy check and weed free) as the main factor, and sub factor was fertilizer sources included sheep manure, vermicompost, sheep manure + vermicompost, NPK chemical fertilizer (N 46%, P2O5 46%, K2O 50%), NPK nano fertilizer and control (no fertilizer). The results showed that interference with weeds caused rosemary shift the maximum dry matter to the upper layers of canopy (20-40 cm). While in weed free treatment, rosemary had higher ability and uniformity in dry matter distribution in the two primary canopy layers compared to competition with weeds. In this regard, vermicompost treatment was successful with a mean of 49.51 g plant-1. Studies on density and weed biomass showed that the use of vermicompost (treatment 2) reduced density and biomass of weeds, while the chemical fertilizer caused the highest weed density and biomass. The results showed that the use of organic fertilizers such as vermicompost, not only reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and do not have environmental consequences, but also have the high ability to suppress weeds growth and decrease weed density and biomass.</strong><strong>In order to determine the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) dry matter and weeds under different fertilizer sources, an experiment was conducted as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in 2016. The treatments consisted of: competition between plants and weeds (weedy check and weed free) as the main factor, and sub factor was fertilizer sources included sheep manure, vermicompost, sheep manure + vermicompost, NPK chemical fertilizer (N 46%, P2O5 46%, K2O 50%), NPK nano fertilizer and control (no fertilizer). The results showed that interference with weeds caused rosemary shift the maximum dry matter to the upper layers of canopy (20-40 cm). While in weed free treatment, rosemary had higher ability and uniformity in dry matter distribution in the two primary canopy layers compared to competition with weeds. In this regard, vermicompost treatment was successful with a mean of 49.51 g plant-1. Studies on density and weed biomass showed that the use of vermicompost (treatment 2) reduced density and biomass of weeds, while the chemical fertilizer caused the highest weed density and biomass. The results showed that the use of organic fertilizers such as vermicompost, not only reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and do not have environmental consequences, but also have the high ability to suppress weeds growth and decrease weed density and biomass.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320Correlation of Nutrient Content, Activity of Phenylpropanoid Pathway Enzymes and Secondary Metabolites in Two Iranian Red Flesh Apple Genotypes and Red delicious Cultivar on Different RootstocksCorrelation of Nutrient Content, Activity of Phenylpropanoid Pathway Enzymes and Secondary Metabolites in Two Iranian Red Flesh Apple Genotypes and Red delicious Cultivar on Different Rootstocks1491637422510.22059/jci.2019.285103.2243FATaherehParvanehInstructor, Horticulture Crops Research Department, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Semnan Province (Shahrood), AREEO, Shahrood, IranBahramAbediAssistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.Gholam HosseinDavarynejadProfessor, Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranEbrahimGanji MoghadamAssociate Professor, Horticulture Crops Research Department, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Khorasan Razavi, AREEO, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20190713<strong>In order to study the role of fruit tree rootstocks on nutrient content in leaves of two Iranian red flesh apple genotypes and to determine the correlation of nutrients with different secondary metabolites, this study was conducted in Research Garden of Horticultural Sciences of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2017-2019. The rootstocks that used were two dwarfing rootstocks, M9 and B9 and one red flesh apple colony rootstock of Bekran which were tested in a factorial randomized complete block design. The results of this study showed that the rootstock had a significant effect on nitrogen and phosphorus content in leaf samples of two red flesh apple genotypes and Red delicious cultivar, also, rootstock, scion and their interaction had a significant effect on potassium, iron, calcium and zinc content of leaf samples. The effect of B9 on the amount of all elements of scion leaves was negative and the effect of M9 was positive in all cases. The results showed that PAL enzyme activity was positively correlated with nitrogen, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. Anthocyanin synthesis was also positively correlated with nitrogen content (0.47). The results showed that the amount of potassium, calcium and iron were highly correlated with UFGT activity. Total flavonoid content was also significantly correlated with calcium and zinc (-0.64 and -0.45, respectively) that these effects could be due to the participation of some of these nutrients as cofactors in enzyme activity and or precursors of phenolic compounds and secondary metabolites.</strong><strong>In order to study the role of fruit tree rootstocks on nutrient content in leaves of two Iranian red flesh apple genotypes and to determine the correlation of nutrients with different secondary metabolites, this study was conducted in Research Garden of Horticultural Sciences of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2017-2019. The rootstocks that used were two dwarfing rootstocks, M9 and B9 and one red flesh apple colony rootstock of Bekran which were tested in a factorial randomized complete block design. The results of this study showed that the rootstock had a significant effect on nitrogen and phosphorus content in leaf samples of two red flesh apple genotypes and Red delicious cultivar, also, rootstock, scion and their interaction had a significant effect on potassium, iron, calcium and zinc content of leaf samples. The effect of B9 on the amount of all elements of scion leaves was negative and the effect of M9 was positive in all cases. The results showed that PAL enzyme activity was positively correlated with nitrogen, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. Anthocyanin synthesis was also positively correlated with nitrogen content (0.47). The results showed that the amount of potassium, calcium and iron were highly correlated with UFGT activity. Total flavonoid content was also significantly correlated with calcium and zinc (-0.64 and -0.45, respectively) that these effects could be due to the participation of some of these nutrients as cofactors in enzyme activity and or precursors of phenolic compounds and secondary metabolites.</strong>University of Tehran, College of AbureyhanJournal of Crops Improvement2008-833722120200320The effect of the frequency of fertigation and foliar application of potassium sulfate on some vegetative, reproductive, physiological characteristics and nutrient elements of strawberry cv. Paros in soilless culture systemThe effect of the frequency of fertigation and foliar application of potassium sulfate on some vegetative, reproductive, physiological characteristics and nutrient elements of strawberry cv. Paros in soilless culture system1651797386010.22059/jci.2019.278036.2186FAMohammad RezaMalekzadeh ShamsabadM.Sc. Student, Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-E- Asr University, Kerman, IranMajidEsmaeilizadehAssociate Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-E- Asr University, Kerman, Iran.HamidrezaRoostaProfessor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-E- Asr University, Kerman, IranFatemehNazooriAssistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-E- Asr University, Kerman, IranJournal Article20190315<strong>In soilless culture, lack of correct management in fertigation causes stress in plants due to restricted root volume and low water holding capacity of substrate. The present study aimed to assess managing the fertigation practice and foliar application of potassium sulfate in soilless culture of strawberry cv. paros. A factorial experiment was conducted with two factors including fertigation frequency at three levels (1, 4 and 10 times per day) and foliar application with potassium sulfate at three levels of concentration (0 as control, 1 and 2 g/L). The experiment was carried out based on a complete randomized design with three replications in Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan. Results indicated that increasing the fertigation frequency up to four times a day led to a significant increase in dry weight of shoot and root, number of fruits, concentration of chlorophyll a and b, leaf relative water content and leaf Ca and Mg content. The highest values of leaf area, fruit weight, number of inflorescence as well as potassium and iron content of leaf and root were obtained by 10 times of fertigation per day. Potassium sulfate foliar application with concentration of 1 g/L had the most effect on leaf area as well as shoot, root and fruit dry weight, vegetation index increased in plants treated with 2 g/L potassium sulfate compared with those without any foliar application treatment. The highest content of leaf soluble carbohydrates belonged to the plants treated with once-a-day fertigation and foliar application of 2 g/L potassium sulfate.</strong><strong>In soilless culture, lack of correct management in fertigation causes stress in plants due to restricted root volume and low water holding capacity of substrate. The present study aimed to assess managing the fertigation practice and foliar application of potassium sulfate in soilless culture of strawberry cv. paros. A factorial experiment was conducted with two factors including fertigation frequency at three levels (1, 4 and 10 times per day) and foliar application with potassium sulfate at three levels of concentration (0 as control, 1 and 2 g/L). The experiment was carried out based on a complete randomized design with three replications in Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan. Results indicated that increasing the fertigation frequency up to four times a day led to a significant increase in dry weight of shoot and root, number of fruits, concentration of chlorophyll a and b, leaf relative water content and leaf Ca and Mg content. The highest values of leaf area, fruit weight, number of inflorescence as well as potassium and iron content of leaf and root were obtained by 10 times of fertigation per day. Potassium sulfate foliar application with concentration of 1 g/L had the most effect on leaf area as well as shoot, root and fruit dry weight, vegetation index increased in plants treated with 2 g/L potassium sulfate compared with those without any foliar application treatment. The highest content of leaf soluble carbohydrates belonged to the plants treated with once-a-day fertigation and foliar application of 2 g/L potassium sulfate.</strong>