Journal of Crops Improvement

Exogenous salicylic acid enhances photosynthetic efficiency, yield and fatty acid composition in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under extreme heat stress

Maryam Goodarzian Ghahfarokhi; Afrasyab Rahnama; Moosa Meskarbashee; Donald L. Smith

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 591-610

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.399546.2946

Abstract

Objective: Exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) has the potential to improve photosynthetic performance and seed oil composition under heat stress. This study aimed to evaluate whether foliar SA treatment can mitigate terminal heat stress in safflower by enhancing photosynthetic traits and by ... Read More Objective: Exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) has the potential to improve photosynthetic performance and seed oil composition under heat stress. This study aimed to evaluate whether foliar SA treatment can mitigate terminal heat stress in safflower by enhancing photosynthetic traits and by altering seed oil fatty acid composition, and to compare responses between a heat-tolerant and a heat-sensitive cultivar. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz using a split-plot RCBD with three replications. Main plots were two sowing dates: normal sowing (11 December) and late sowing (21 January). Subplots comprised a factorial combination of SA concentrations (0 and 400 μM) and two safflower cultivars: Parnian (heat-sensitive) and Faraman (heat-tolerant). Late sowing subjects the crop to severe terminal heat during flowering and grain filling. Photosynthetic parameters and fatty acid composition of seeds were measured, and grain yield was recorded. Results: Late sowing (heat stress) significantly reduced photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, substomatal CO2, carboxylation efficiency, and photosynthetic water-use efficiency. Foliar SA application mitigated these negative effects, with the most favorable responses under 400 μM SA and normal sowing. The Faraman cultivar sown at normal time and treated with 400 μM SA achieved the highest stomatal conductance (711 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹), carboxylation efficiency (1.079 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹), and grain yield (3120 kg ha⁻¹). Fatty acid responses to heat were cultivar-dependent: stearic acid decreased in Faraman but increased in Parnian under heat stress (−48% vs +64%, respectively). SA treatment under late sowing increased oleic and linoleic acids while reducing linolenic and palmitic acids, contributing to modified seed oil composition that is favorable under heat stress. Conclusion: Terminal heat stress altered photosynthetic performance, yield, and seed oil fatty-acid profiles in safflower. Foliar SA application mitigated heat-induced declines in photosynthesis and influenced oil composition, with more pronounced benefits in the heat-tolerant Faraman cultivar. SA at 400 μM provides a viable means to enhance heat tolerance and potentially improve oil quality in safflower under heat stress.

Effect of foliar application of bacteria and vitamins on growth and yield of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

elnaz farajzadeh

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 611-628

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.387508.2912

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether foliar application of plant-growth-promoting bacteria and vitamins can enhance growth, physiology, and yield of quinoa while reducing chemical inputs. Methods: A field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted in a split-plot arrangement ... Read More Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether foliar application of plant-growth-promoting bacteria and vitamins can enhance growth, physiology, and yield of quinoa while reducing chemical inputs. Methods: A field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted in a split-plot arrangement within a randomized complete-block design with three replications. Factor A (bacteria strains) included: no bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, and a combination of both strains. Factor B (vitamin concentrations) included 2, 4, and 6 g/L. Foliar sprays were applied twice during the growing season at two-week intervals, during the cooler evening hours (establishment and two weeks later). Measured traits included plant height, leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll index, seed yield per plant, levels of cytokinin, auxin, gibberellin, seed protein, leaf soluble carbohydrate content, and total antioxidant capacity. Results: ANOVA revealed significant effects of foliar bacteria and vitamin treatments on several traits, including plant height, LAI, phytohormone contents (auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin), chlorophyll index, and grain yield. The tallest plants reached about 110 cm with Bacillus subtilis, representing a 12.2% increase over the control. Vitamin applications, particularly at 150 mg/L, increased plant height by approximately 6.8% and improved LAI. Foliar treatments also elevated leaf auxin and cytokinin concentrations, with the highest auxin observed under Bacillus subtilis plus 150 mg/L vitamins (≈81% increase). Combined bacterial and vitamin treatments generally outperformed single applications for chlorophyll synthesis and grain yield. Grain yield increased by about 23.15% with the Bacillus subtilis+ 150 mg/L vitamin treatment. Grain protein content was highest with Bacillus subtilis in year one. Conclusion: Foliar application of growth-promoting bacteria (B. subtilis and P. fluorescens) in combination with vitamins beneficially affected quinoa growth, physiology, and yield, with the combination often outperforming individual treatments. The Bacillus subtilis and 150 mg/L vitamin regime most consistently enhanced plant height, LAI, hormone balance, chlorophyll content, grain yield, and grain protein. These results suggest that integrating bacterial and vitamin foliar sprays can reduce reliance on chemical inputs while improving quinoa productivity under field conditions.

Methanol foliar spraying and triple intercropping effects on peanut yield and nutrient uptake

Khashayar Rigi; Mehdi Dahmardeh; Seyyed Mohsen Mousavi Nick

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 629-640

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.394304.2927

Abstract

Objective: Intercropping can reduce production risk and improve resource use efficiency. Foliar spraying of methanol is reported to mitigate drought stress and possibly increase yield. This study investigates the effects of methanol foliar spraying on a triple intercrop of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), ... Read More Objective: Intercropping can reduce production risk and improve resource use efficiency. Foliar spraying of methanol is reported to mitigate drought stress and possibly increase yield. This study investigates the effects of methanol foliar spraying on a triple intercrop of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), aloe vera, and peanuts to identify the optimal intercropping pattern and methanol percentage under the climatic conditions of the Sistan region, southeast Iran. Methods: A factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the Zabol University experimental field. The main factor was methanol foliar spray at three levels (10%, 20%, 30% v/v), and the secondary factor was mixed cropping pattern at nine levels (intercropping configurations). Individual crops were grown at their typical densities: roselle 50 cm between plants in a row, peanuts 15 cm, and aloe vera 50 cm. In the mixed treatments, the final densities were achieved by altering intra-row plant spacing while keeping row spacing fixed at 50 cm. Each plot consisted of six rows of 3 m length (81 plots total). All treatments included one row of peanuts, one row of roselle, and one row of aloe vera. Glycine was added to the methanol solutions at 2 g L⁻¹ to mitigate methanol toxicity. Foliar spray was applied 60 days after planting, with two applications at 14-day intervals until run-off. Results: The interaction between intercropping pattern and methanol level significantly affected all quantitative peanut traits and nutrient uptake. The highest peanut seed yield and the highest absorption of potassium and zinc occurred with 30% methanol in pure peanut cultivation (i.e., monoculture) and with 10% methanol in a mixed intercrop of 100% roselle + 25% peanut + 75% aloe vera, respectively. Conclusions: To achieve the highest peanut yield and nutrient uptake, monoculture peanut production with foliar spraying of 30% methanol is recommended.

The effect of salinity stress and different planting environments on morphological, phenological traits, and grain yield of Galega officinalis

Naser Samsami; Jalal Jalilian; Esmaeil Gholinezhad; Raheleh Tahmasebi

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 641-658

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.392430.2923

Abstract

Objective: Salinity stress poses a substantial environmental challenge that negatively impacts agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where soil salinity is prevalent. This study evaluates the effects of varying salinity levels on the morphological and phenological ... Read More Objective: Salinity stress poses a substantial environmental challenge that negatively impacts agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where soil salinity is prevalent. This study evaluates the effects of varying salinity levels on the morphological and phenological traits of Galega officinalis across three planting environments: greenhouse, open-air pots, and field. Methods: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in three cultivation environments (greenhouse, open-air pots, and field) during the 2024 crop year at the Agricultural Faculty of Urmia University. Plants were subjected to three salinity levels (0.1, 5, and 10 dS m⁻¹) over a defined growth period. Traits assessed included seed yield; morphological traits (plant height, inflorescence length, number of leaves, number of main branches, number of secondary branches, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, and aerial dry weight); and phenological traits (days to germination, days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, days to inflorescence formation, and days to 4 leaves). Results: Analysis of variance indicated that salinity stress significantly affected several traits, including days to flowering, branch numbers, dry weights of plant organs, and grain yield. In the greenhouse, salinity at 10 and 5 dS m⁻¹ reduced days to flowering by 19% and 2%, main branches by 40% and 30%, secondary branches by 78% and 15%, and leaf dry weight by 49% and 10%, respectively, relative to the control (0.1 dS m⁻¹). In open-air pots, harvest maturity, inflorescence formation, plant height, inflorescence length, and aerial organ fresh and dry weights declined at higher salinities by 6% and 2%, 41% and 4%, 26% and 18%, 23% and 15%, 41% and 6%, and 32% and 9%, respectively, with grain yield decreasing by 29% and 4%. Field cultivation exhibited the greatest sensitivity, with grain yields dropping by 78% at 10 dS m⁻¹ and 67% at 5 dS m⁻¹. The highest plant height (71.66 cm) occurred in field conditions, while the lowest (31.64 cm) occurred in open-air pots. The maximum numbers of secondary and main branches were observed in greenhouse conditions (41.33 and 3.33, respectively), with the minimums in open-air pots (3.66 and 1.00). The longest inflorescence length was produced under no-salt conditions in the field (12 cm), while the shortest (5.28 cm) occurred at 10 dS m⁻¹ in open-air pots. Conclusions: The findings indicated that field cultivation under control conditions (0.1 dS/m) yielded significantly higher grain compared to greenhouse and open-air pot methods. It is recommended that farmers favor field conditions for growing Galega officinalis and maintain salinity levels below 5 dS/m to mitigate adverse effects on both morphological and phenological traits. Field cultivation under control conditions (0.1 dS/m) yielded significantly higher grain compared to greenhouse and open-air pot methods.

The effect of several native rootstocks on vegetative, biological, physiological indicators and some nutritional elements of grape cv. Sultana

Amin Najafi Alivar; Mehdi Hadadinejad; Abdolrahman Mohammadkhani; Dariush Madadi

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 659-674

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.379149.2891

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the impact of various grape rootstocks on the growth characteristics, physiological properties, and nutrient content of the seedless white scion, a cultivar of significant commercial importance in Iran’s agricultural sector. Methods: A completely randomized ... Read More Objective: This study examines the impact of various grape rootstocks on the growth characteristics, physiological properties, and nutrient content of the seedless white scion, a cultivar of significant commercial importance in Iran’s agricultural sector. Methods: A completely randomized greenhouse experiment at the Horticulture Department, Shahrekord University, compared six treatments: a control (Sultana cuttings), own-rooted Sultana/Sultana, and grafted combinations of the seedless white scion onto rootstocks (Yaghuti, Asgari, Khushnam, and red Sultana). Traits assessed included morphometric, biological, and physiological parameters, as well as concentrations of Ca, K, and P. Results: The lowest root number occurred in the own-rooted treatment. In contrast, self-grafted (seedless white scion on seedless white rootstock) showed the highest accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, the longest root length, and the greatest Ca absorption. Seedless white rootstock exhibited notably higher carotenoid content. Chlorophyll analysis revealed that Khoshnam and seedless white combinations had higher chlorophyll a, while Asgari and Yaghuti combinations had higher chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. Leaf area was greatest with the Asgari rootstock, and internode diameter was largest with Khoshnam. Scion height increased significantly with rootstock: 57% higher with Khoshnam and 34% higher with Asgari than the control. Root volume was significantly greater with Yaghuti and Asgari rootstocks compared with control. Mineral content showed higher Ca in the seedless white scion alone; for seedless white on Khoshnam, K and P levels were notably affected, with lower K and higher P concentrations observed. Conclusions: Grafting markedly influences grape growth and physiology. Own-rooted combinations exhibited enhanced Ca uptake, longer roots, and richer photosynthetic pigment content. Rootstocks such as Khoshnam and Asgari effectively increased scion height and root volume. These findings support strategic rootstock–scion selection as a viable approach to improve grape vigor and nutritional profiles.

The effect of using different sources of selenium on growth characteristics and absorption of nutrients in Lactuca sativa Lollo Bionda under salt stress

Parvin Sabzaliyan; Sepideh Kalateh jari; Marzieh Ghanbari Jahromi

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 675-694

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.376348.2882

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the mitigating effects of different selenium formulations on salt-stressed French lettuce (Lactuca sativa), focusing on growth parameters and mineral uptake dynamics. We aimed to identify the optimal selenium form and concentration for alleviating salinity-induced growth ... Read More Objective: This study evaluated the mitigating effects of different selenium formulations on salt-stressed French lettuce (Lactuca sativa), focusing on growth parameters and mineral uptake dynamics. We aimed to identify the optimal selenium form and concentration for alleviating salinity-induced growth inhibition, ionic imbalance, and oxidative stress, and to determine dose–response relationships across salinity levels for practical guidance in saline agriculture. Methods: In a controlled environment, a factorial completely randomized design was used with three salinity levels (0, 3, and 6 dS m−1 NaCl) and five selenium treatments: control (0), sodium selenate (5 and 10 mg L−1), and nano-selenium (2 and 4 mg L−1), with three replicates. Lettuce was grown hydroponically and subjected to salinity during the vegetative stage. Measured variables included morphological parameters (plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass), ionic contents (Na+, K+, Cl−), and selenium accumulation. Mineral quantification employed atomic absorption spectroscopy and ion chromatography. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA with Duncan’s multiple range tests (p ≤ 0.05) to assess main effects and interactions. Results: Salinity and selenium treatments interacted significantly (p < 0.01) for all measured traits. Under severe salinity (6 dS m−1), growth was markedly inhibited (e.g., plant height −48.6%, shoot fresh weight −44.8%, leaf area −54.2%), with a 2.24-fold increase in Na+ and a 42.7% decrease in K+ in shoots. Nano-selenium at 4 mg L−1 substantially mitigated stress, increasing shoot fresh weight by 28.6% and root dry weight by 30.4%, and improving the K+/Na+ ratio by 31.2% via selective ion regulation. At equivalent selenium doses, nano-selenium enhanced leaf area by 16.8% more than selenate. Under moderate salinity (3 dS m−1), nano-selenium promoted architecture (stem diameter +22.3%, canopy spread +18.5%), reduced root Cl− content by 32.5%, and increased shoot selenium accumulation by 25.7% versus untreated stressed plants. Conclusion: Lettuce displays pronounced sensitivity to salinity, with substantial biomass loss and ionic toxicity under high salt. Selenium supplementation mitigates these effects, with nano-formulations providing superior protection than conventional sodium selenate. The 4 mg L−1 nano-selenium treatment yielded the greatest overall benefits, improving growth and nutrient homeostasis across salinity levels. These findings support the potential of selenium nanofertilizers as an agronomic strategy to enhance salt tolerance in lettuce, with possible applicability to other salt-sensitive horticultural crops.

Mitigating the effects of water deficit in potato by foliar application of potassium silicate: physiological and functional assessment of three new cultivars

Aliasghar Fozouni; Babak Andalibi; Mehrdad Chaichi; Sajjad Nasiri

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 695-714

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.399117.2945

Abstract

Objective: Drought and limited water resources threaten global potato production. This study evaluated the effects of foliar potassium silicate on agronomic performance and physiological traits of three potato cultivars under water-deficit Methods: The experiment followed a split–split-plot design ... Read More Objective: Drought and limited water resources threaten global potato production. This study evaluated the effects of foliar potassium silicate on agronomic performance and physiological traits of three potato cultivars under water-deficit Methods: The experiment followed a split–split-plot design in a randomized complete-block arrangement with three replications. Irrigation interval (main plot) comprised 7, 10, and 13 days. Foliar treatments (sub-plot) included: (i) control (no spray), (ii) a single spray at 50 days after planting, and (iii) two sprays at 40 and 80 days after planting at 2 L K2SiO3 per 1000 L water. Cultivars (sub-sub plot) were Corsica, Sante, and Vog. Measured traits were tuber yield, total chlorophyll, soluble protein, total carbohydrate, proline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Results: The triple interaction among irrigation interval, foliar treatment, and cultivar significantly affected all traits. The highest tuber yield (44.61 t ha⁻¹) occurred with 7-day irrigation, two foliar sprays, and the Corsica cultivar; the lowest yield (39.60 t ha⁻¹) occurred with 13-day irrigation without foliar spray in Sante. Total chlorophyll was highest under non-stress conditions with two sprays in Corsica (2.26 mg g⁻¹ FW). Proline accumulation peaked in Sante under severe drought (13-day irrigation, no spray) (53.69 μmol g⁻¹ FW). Soluble protein (14.94 mg g⁻¹ DW) and total carbohydrate (21.12 mg g⁻¹ DW) were greatest under 10-day irrigation with two sprays in Corsica. MDA content was lowest with two sprays under 7-day irrigation (3.02 nmol g⁻¹ FW) and highest in Sante under severe drought without spray (25.14 nmol g⁻¹). Conclusions: In Corsica, two foliar applications of potassium silicate under 7-day irrigation improved physiological performance and water-use efficiency while reducing oxidative stress indicators. Mild drought stress also enhanced accumulation of protective compounds (soluble carbohydrates and proteins) in Corsica. In contrast, Sante under severe drought without foliar application showed the greatest oxidative damage and yield reduction. Overall, combining two potassium silicate foliar applications with selecting drought-tolerant cultivars such as Corsica offers a promising, sustainable approach to maintaining yield, enhancing quality, and optimizing water use in drought-prone regions.

Evaluation of forage quality in Festuca pratensis Huds. genotypes under water deficit stress

sara sabertanha; fatemeh amini; ali Izadi Darbandi; Seyed Ahmad Sadat Noori

Volume 27, Issue 4 , January 2026, Pages 715-735

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.395735.2934

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the forage quality of Festuca pratensis genotypes under water deficit stress and identify drought-tolerant lines that maintain high nutritional value.Methods: Twenty Festuca pratensis genotypes were obtained from NordGen (Sweden) and the ART Institute (Switzerland). Field experiments ... Read More Objective: To evaluate the forage quality of Festuca pratensis genotypes under water deficit stress and identify drought-tolerant lines that maintain high nutritional value.Methods: Twenty Festuca pratensis genotypes were obtained from NordGen (Sweden) and the ART Institute (Switzerland). Field experiments were conducted over three consecutive years (2022–2024) at the Research Farm, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, University of Tehran. A split-plot design in time within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Two irrigation regimes were imposed after full establishment: normal (100% field capacity) and water deficit (50% field capacity). Sampling occurred at the mid-flowering stage following two years of stress (May 2023 and May 2024). Forage quality, measured traits included acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), cellulose, lignin, nitrogen content, ash, dry matter intake (DMI), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), metabolizable energy (ME), and relative feed value (RFV).Results: The ANOVA showed that drought stress significantly affected all measured traits at P < 0.01. Significant main effects were observed for genotype and harvest, with significant stress× genotype and genotype× harvest interactions, and a significant stress× genotype× harvest interaction for all traits except cellulose. The stress× harvest interaction was significant for all traits except ash. Based on mean comparisons, genotypes 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 exhibited superior performance under drought, characterized by higher crude protein and lower ADF and NDF values, indicating enhanced forage quality under water-limited conditions.Conclusions: Evaluating forage quality under water deficit is an effective strategy for identifying high-value, drought-tolerant Festuca pratensis genotypes. The selected genotypes demonstrate strong potential for deployment in arid and semi-arid regions. Integrating forage quality indicators with drought-tolerance traits can improve the precision of genotype selection in breeding programs. We recommend long-term, multi-location trials to assess adaptability and stability across diverse environments. The findings may inform water resource management strategies for forage production under comparable climatic conditions.

Effect of cadmium on concentration of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in shoot of different cultivars of wheat

Volume 17, Issue 1 , April 2015, , Pages 27-41

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2015.54786

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the average concentrations of micronutrients including: Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) in the shoots of different cultivars of wheat in stem elongation stage in a soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd). The treatments consisted of three levels ... Read More

A study on physiological attributes and grain yield of sesame cultivars under different soil moisture regimes

Volume 13, Issue 2 , March 2012, , Pages 75-88

Abstract

Sesame could be an appropriate oilseed crop for water limited environments. This research was aimed at studying growth, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, proline content, yield and yield components of sesame cultivars under different moisture regimes. A 4-replicate split plot RCBD field experiment was conducted ... Read More

Evaluation of Seed Yield and Oil Content of 40 Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) Doubled Haploid Lines

Volume 24, Issue 2 , June 2022, , Pages 497-509

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2021.331945.2622

Abstract

In order to evaluate the yield components, seed yield, and oil content of Camelina doubled haploid lines, an experiment has been conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 40 doubled haploid lines (as treatments) and three replications in the research farm of College of Aburaihan- the ... Read More

Effect of some chemical treatments on postharvest quality and vase life of gerbera cut flowers (Gerbera jamesonii cv. Good Timing)

Volume 13, Issue 1 , August 2011, , Pages 21-29

Abstract

The effect of gibberelic acid (GA3) and ethanol on the postharvest quality and vase life of gerbera cut flowers was investigated. Freshly cut flower stems of gerbera cultivar ‘Good timing’, were put in vases containing zero, 50, 100, 150, 200 or 300 mgL-1 GA3 for 48 hr and then held in vases ... Read More

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of some Iranian and commercial apple varieties in West Azarbaijan province

Volume 14, Issue 2 , February 2013, , Pages 43-55

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2013.29500

Abstract

In this study, the amount of total phenol, chlorogenic acid, catechin, quercetin, phloridzin, cyanidin and antioxidant activity of apple (Malus domestica) skin and flesh of six Iranian cultivars, including: ‘Golab Kohanz’, ‘Sib Torsh Dirras’, ‘Ghara Yapragh’, ‘Torkman’, ... Read More

The effect of Cobalt, Molybdenum, and Nitrogen on morphophysiological characteristics of Phaseolus vulgaris in soilless culture

Nader Khadem Moghadam Igdelou; Ahmad Golchin; Khadije Farhadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 17 November 2022

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2022.292101.2292

Abstract

In order to study the effect of Cobalt, Molybdenum, and Nitrogen on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris in soilless culture, a pot experiment was conducted in 2015-16 and in July, at 25˚C and light intensity of 40,000 lux as a factorial based on a CRD with 36 treatments and three replications in the greenhouse ... Read More

Evaluation of the Effects of Seed Priming and Ellagic Acid Foliar Application on the Biochemical Characteristics and Yield of Phaseolus vulgaris (Pinto Bean) Under Drought Stress Conditions

Mansour Faraji; Babak Andalibi; Mohsen Seilsepour; Sajjad Nasiri

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 October 2025

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.393317.2926

Abstract

Evaluation of the Effects of Seed Priming and Ellagic Acid Foliar Application on the Biochemical Characteristics and Yield of Phaseolus vulgaris (Pinto Bean) Under Drought Stress Conditions Abstract Objective: Drought stress is one of the most critical limiting factors affecting the growth and yield ... Read More Evaluation of the Effects of Seed Priming and Ellagic Acid Foliar Application on the Biochemical Characteristics and Yield of Phaseolus vulgaris (Pinto Bean) Under Drought Stress Conditions Abstract Objective: Drought stress is one of the most critical limiting factors affecting the growth and yield of common bean. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming and foliar application of ellagic acid on the yield and biochemical characteristics of common bean under drought stress conditions. Research Method: A field experiment was conducted in May 2024 using a split-plot design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications at the Central Research Farm affiliated with the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Tehran Province, located in Varamin County. The main plots consisted of three irrigation levels (full irrigation equivalent to 100% of the crop water requirement, mild stress at 75%, and severe stress at 50%). The subplots included four treatments: control (no priming or foliar application), seed priming with 50 mg L⁻¹ ellagic acid, foliar spraying with 50 mg L⁻¹ ellagic acid, and a combination of seed priming and foliar application. Findings: The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced grain yield and biological yield of common bean. However, the application of ellagic acid, especially the combined treatment of seed priming and foliar spraying, improved these traits. The highest grain yield (4198 kg ha⁻¹) was recorded under full irrigation with the combined treatment, whereas the lowest yield (2220 kg ha⁻¹) occurred under severe stress without ellagic acid application, representing a 47.1% decrease. Under mild stress, foliar application alone increased grain yield by 12.5%, and under severe stress, the combined treatment enhanced yield by 22%. Biological yield also increased in response to treatments, with the combined treatment increasing it by 10.5%, 9.5%, and 19.6% compared to the control under full irrigation, mild stress, and severe stress, respectively. Catalase enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content increased under stress conditions; however, ellagic acid application, particularly the combined treatment, reduced these indices by 26.1% and 20.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the results demonstrated that drought stress has a significantly negative impact on the yield and physiological traits of pinto beans. However, the application of ellagic acid—especially in the combined priming and foliar spray treatment—was able to mitigate oxidative stress effects and maintain water balance, leading to improved growth and yield under water deficit conditions. Based on these findings, the use of ellagic acid is recommended as an effective management strategy to enhance drought tolerance and sustain productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

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The effect of tillage systems on quantitative and qualitative forage yield and antioxidant enzyme activity in forage legumes

Niloofar Barati; Masoud Rafiee; Marjan Diyanat; Mohammad Reza Ardakani; Weria Weisany

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 November 2025

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.397326.2939

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, the use of conservation tillage methods has been widely considered in the world, and the use of conventional tillage methods has become outdate in some parts of the world. Conservation tillage systems are usually implemented in arid and semi-arid regions. In semi-arid regions, ... Read More Objective: In recent years, the use of conservation tillage methods has been widely considered in the world, and the use of conventional tillage methods has become outdate in some parts of the world. Conservation tillage systems are usually implemented in arid and semi-arid regions. In semi-arid regions, the key to increasing agricultural production is to maximize surface water infiltration. In addition, techniques that reduce evaporation from the soil and increase the amount of water available to plants during drought are very important. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to evaluate the effect of tillage systems on the quantitative and qualitative yield of forage and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in forage legumes. An experiment was conducted in the research farm of the Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center Khorramabad city, in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Methods This experiment was conducted in a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Tillage methods (conventional, low-tillage, and no-tillage) were considered as the main factor and forage legumes (Broujerd landrace faba bean, Lamei cultivar vetch, Grass pea, Barakat and Feyz cultivar faba bean) were considered as secondary factors. Results The results showed that the interaction effect of tillage system and forage legumes was significant on all measured traits except for quality parameters including digestible dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, water soluble carbohydrates and neutral detergent insoluble fiber was significant at the 1% level of error probability. The highest fresh forage yield (10671.52 and 10581.11 kg h-1), leaf dry weight (16.86 and 16.82 gr) and stem (20.46 and 20.42 gr) in conventional and reduced tillage systems were observed in the Lamei variety of vetch, while the dry forage yield (2820.91 and 2352.82 kg h-1) in conventional tillage systems was observed in the Lamei variety of vetch and the Barakat variety broad bean, and the catalase enzyme (54.09 OD micro gr protein min-1) in the conventional tillage systems was observed in the Lamei variety of vetch. A review of the changes in qualitative traits among forage legumes also showed that the highest digestible dry matter, ash, and crude protein were obtained from Lamei variety of vetch, and the highest water soluble carbohydrates, crude fiber and insoluble fiber were obtained from Barakat variety and Borujerd landrace broad bean. Conclusion: According to the results, implementing a conventional and low-tillage system compared to a no-tillage system and planting the forage legume, the Laami variety of vetch, had a more beneficial effect on increasing yield characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activity, and forage quality traits.

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Ecophysiological Responses of Seed Germination to Drought and Salinity Stress

Soraya Ghassemi; Gholam Akbari; elias soltani; Maryam Mansori

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 November 2025

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.397782.2940

Abstract

Objective: Drought and salinity are among the most significant environmental factors adversely affecting crop performance and leading to reduced agricultural productivity worldwide. Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. Commonly known as Niger seed, is an oilseed forage plant from the Asteraceae family that ... Read More Objective: Drought and salinity are among the most significant environmental factors adversely affecting crop performance and leading to reduced agricultural productivity worldwide. Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass. Commonly known as Niger seed, is an oilseed forage plant from the Asteraceae family that has attracted attention due to its short growth cycle, unique fatty acid composition, and resistance to drought and salinity. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the ecophysiological responses of blackseed germination under drought and salinity stress conditions. Research Method: Two separate experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications under controlled laboratory conditions. In the first experiment, drought stress was induced using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000) at six levels of osmotic potential: 0 (control), –0.2, –0.4, –0.6, –0.8, and –1 MPa. In the second experiment, salinity stress was applied using sodium chloride (NaCl) at five concentrations: 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM. Measured traits included maximum germination percentage (Gmax), initial germination rate (R10), and the rate of reaching 50% germination (R50). The experiments were conducted in Petri dishes lined with filter paper moistened with the respective stress solutions. Temperature and photoperiod were maintained at 25°C and 12 hours of light, respectively, throughout the trials. Findings: Under drought stress, the highest germination percentage (95%) occurred at –0.2 MPa, while the lowest (6%) was observed at –1 MPa. The highest R10 value (6.5 seeds/day) was recorded in the control treatment and decreased to 0.04 seeds/day at –1 MPa. Regarding R50, the highest value was 1.3 seeds/day at 0 MPa, which dropped to zero under –1 MPa. In response to salinity stress, germination percentage significantly declined, with the highest value (98%) in the control and the lowest (58%) at 200 mM NaCl. R10 was highest under control conditions (8.1 seeds/day) and decreased to 0.44 seeds/day at 200 mM. Similarly, R50 declined from 1.62 seeds/day in the control to 0.09 seeds/day under 200 mM salinity. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that blackseed is sensitive to high levels of drought and salinity stress during early growth stages. However, under mild to moderate stress conditions, reductions in germination rate and percentage were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that blackseed may serve as a viable crop option in regions with limited water resources and moderately saline soils. Further studies focusing on later growth stages and field conditions are recommended to confirm these laboratory findings. Additionally, exploring genetic variability among different blackseed genotypes could help identify more stress-tolerant cultivars.