Journal of Crops Improvement

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 Condition

Babak Andalibi; Mansour Faraji; Mohsen Seilsepour; Sajjad Nasiri

Volume 28, Issue 1 , April 2026, Pages 1-19

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

Abstract

Objective: Drought stress is one of the most critical limiting factors affecting the overall growth and final yield of common bean. This study specifically aimed to evaluate the combined effects of seed priming and foliar application of ellagic acid on the yield, physiological performance, and biochemical ... Read More Objective: Drought stress is one of the most critical limiting factors affecting the overall growth and final yield of common bean. This study specifically aimed to evaluate the combined effects of seed priming and foliar application of ellagic acid on the yield, physiological performance, and biochemical characteristics of common bean under drought stress conditions.Method: A detailed 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. Results: The results clearly 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, effectively 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 condition; however, ellagic acid application, particularly the combined treatment, reduced these indices by 26.1% and 20.9%, respectively.Conclusions: Overall, the results clearly 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 cellular stability as well as water balance, thereby leading to improved growth and yield under water deficit conditions. Based on these findings, the consistent use of ellagic acid is recommended as an effective management strategy to enhance drought tolerance and sustain productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

Response of Yield Components and Grain Yield of Pinto Bean to Soil Application of Potassium–Humic Fertilizer and Foliar Spraying under Deficit Irrigation

Gholamreza Shahidi; Gholam Akbari; Ali Akbar Asadi; Gholamali Akbari; Mohammad Hadi Ghafarian Mogharab

Volume 28, Issue 1 , April 2026, Pages 75-93

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.409022.2971

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of combined nutritional regimes, including organic and inorganic fertilizers along with precise foliar spraying applications, on yield components, grain yield, biomass, and harvest index of pinto bean under challenging water deficit stress condition. Method: ... Read More Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of combined nutritional regimes, including organic and inorganic fertilizers along with precise foliar spraying applications, on yield components, grain yield, biomass, and harvest index of pinto bean under challenging water deficit stress condition. Method: The experiment was carefully carried out over two growing seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at the Kheirabad Agricultural Research Station in Zanjan, using a split-plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included two levels of soil fertilization (control and combined application of 50 kg potassium sulfate + 2 kg humic acid per hectare), four levels of foliar spraying (control or water spray, nano-zinc fertilizer, amino acids, and potassium silicate), and two irrigation regimes (full irrigation at 5-day intervals and deficit irrigation at 9-day intervals). Findings: Results clearly showed that water deficit significantly reduced reproductive components and yield. Plant density per square meter, pods per plant, grains per pod, and 100- grain weight decreased by 8.9%, 9.1%, 10.5%, and 6.1% percent, respectively, under stress condition. The highest number of grains per pod (7.92) was obtained under full irrigation combined with potassium silicate, while the lowest value (7 grains) was observed under deficit irrigation without foliar spraying, representing an 11.65% reduction. Grain yield decreased by about 29% under stress, dropping from 3038 to 2150 kg per hectare. Potassium silicate recorded the highest yield with an average of 2733 kg per hectare, about 7% higher than other foliar treatments. Regarding harvest index, full irrigation resulted in an average of 57%, whereas deficit irrigation reduced it to 48%. The highest harvest index (56%) was observed with nano-zinc fertilizer, highlighting its crucial role in the remobilization of photosynthates to reproductive organs. The highest biomass (3165.32 kg per hectare) was achieved under full irrigation with potassium silicate, which was 1.6% and 2.8% higher compared to nano-zinc and amino acid treatments, respectively. Even without basal fertilization, potassium silicate maintained a relatively high biomass level (2762.21 kg per hectare). Conclusions: Overall, potassium silicate foliar spraying, by enhancing photosynthesis, improving cell wall stability, and reducing lipid peroxidation, was able to effectively mitigate the negative effects of drought stress and enhance yield and biomass. Furthermore, the positive role of nano-zinc fertilizer in improving harvest index was clearly confirmed. These comprehensive results can serve as a reliable basis for developing advanced nutritional strategies to increase the resilience of pinto bean under increasingly unstable climatic condition.

Coriander and Fenugreek Intercropping and Weed Management: a Strategy for Enhancing Quantitative and Qualitative Yield of Coriander

Yousef Nasiri

Volume 28, Issue 1 , April 2026, Pages 95-114

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.404748.2957

Abstract

Objective: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), an annual medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family, produces essential oil that is widely used in cosmetic, hygiene, food, and pharmaceutical industries. This study evaluated the effects of weed control and intercropping coriander with fenugreek on coriander ... Read More Objective: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), an annual medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family, produces essential oil that is widely used in cosmetic, hygiene, food, and pharmaceutical industries. This study evaluated the effects of weed control and intercropping coriander with fenugreek on coriander grain yield and essential oil production. Method: A split-plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates at the Meshkin-Shahr Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station in 2018. Weed control constituted the main plot factor (weeded vs. unweeded). Cropping system was the sub-plot factor and included sole coriander and sole fenugreek, as well as five coriander–fenugreek intercropping treatments differing in fenugreek seed spacing (7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 cm). Results: Weed control significantly increased most measured coriander traits, with the exception of harvest index. Cropping system significantly affected all coriander traits except plant height, number of secondary branches, and essential oil yield. The interaction between weed control and intercropping was significant for plant height, number of umbels per plant, and grain yield. The highest essential oil percentage was recorded at 17.5 and 15 cm fenugreek spacings. The number of grains per umbel increased across all intercropping treatments, whereas the highest biological yield occurred under sole coriander. The maximum 1000-grains weight was obtained at the 7.5 cm spacing, and the highest grain harvest index was found in intercropping treatments at 17.5, 15, and 12.5 cm. Under weed-controlled conditions, the greatest number of umbels per plant (11.1) was achieved at 10 cm. However, the highest grain yield (660.7 kg·ha⁻¹) was produced by the weeded sole coriander crop. Land equivalent ratio (LER) exceeded unity for all intercropping treatments, indicating the overall superiority of intercropping compared with sole cropping. The highest LER values were observed in the 7.5 and 10 cm intercropping treatments under both weeded and unweeded conditions. Conclusions: Intercropping coriander with fenugreek—particularly at denser fenugreek spacings (7.5 and 10 cm)—is an effective and sustainable strategy to improve yield components and, in selected treatments, enhance essential oil quality, while mitigating weed-associated losses. Combined weed control and intercropping therefore offers a practical approach to increase coriander productivity and quality.

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

The Effect of Pre-Harvest Selenium Foliar Spraying on the Qualitative Improvement of Pomegranate Fruit of the cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’

Meaysam ashtari; Mohammad Ali Askari Sarcheshmeh; Mesbah Babalar; Orang Khademi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 April 2026

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2025.392734.2924

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of selenium foliar spraying at four concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 6 mg/L) on the qualitative and biochemical characteristics of Malase-Saveh pomegranate fruit. Selenium is an essential micronutrient known for its role in plant growth, stress resistance, ... Read More Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of selenium foliar spraying at four concentrations (0, 2, 4, and 6 mg/L) on the qualitative and biochemical characteristics of Malase-Saveh pomegranate fruit. Selenium is an essential micronutrient known for its role in plant growth, stress resistance, and fruit quality enhancement. This research sought to determine the optimal selenium concentration for improving fruit quality and antioxidant properties and to assess its role in enhancing fruit resistance to environmental stresses. Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in a garden located in Saveh. Selenium treatments were applied at three stages: fruit formation on June 4th, July 4th and Augest 4th. This ensured gradual nutrient uptake and allowed for comprehensive evaluation of selenium impact over different growth stages. At the commercial ripening stage, fruit and leaf samples were collected from treated and control trees. Measured qualitative traits included fruit length, diameter, shape, volume, 100-aril weight, aril length and diameter, fruit number, sunburn percentage, cracking percentage, marketability, and throatworm infestation. Biochemical traits included macro- and micronutrient levels, selenium content in leaves and fruit, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity, vitamin C, phenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity. These traits provided a comprehensive understanding of selenium impact on fruit quality and plant health. Results: Foliar application of selenium, particularly at 6 mg L⁻¹, significantly increased fruit length, diameter, volume, weight, and 100-aril weight. The number of fruits per tree was also higher compared to the control. Quality indices such as total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenolics, and antioxidant capacity improved significantly in the 4 and 6 mg L⁻¹ treatments. The highest fruit weight was obtained at 6 mg L⁻¹. Moreover, the incidence of sunburn, fruit cracking, and infestation by the pomegranate fruit borer decreased, although no significant effect was observed on fruit shape. Nutritional analysis showed that selenium application increased selenium concentration in fruit and leaves, along with higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. The highest iron and zinc contents were observed at 6 mg L⁻¹, whereas an antagonistic relationship was found between selenium and manganese. Conclusions: Overall, pre-harvest foliar spraying of selenium, especially at 6 mg L⁻¹, significantly improved both quantitative and qualitative traits of pomegranate. This treatment enhanced mineral composition, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds, while reducing physiological disorders and improving marketability. Therefore, foliar application of selenium at 6 mg L⁻¹ is recommended as an effective strategy to increase yield, improve fruit quality, and reduce postharvest losses in pomegranate.

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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Effect of Bio–Mineral Nutrition Management on Physiological Efficiency and Performance Stability of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) under Deficit Irrigation Conditions

Razieh Pourbeirak; Farhad Mohajeri; Mehdi Madandoust; Abolfath Moradi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 April 2026

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.406163.2962

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of bio–mineral nutrition management in enhancing drought tolerance, maintaining seed yield, and stabilizing physiological and biochemical indices of quinoa under varying irrigation levels Method: The experiment was conducted over two consecutive growing ... Read More Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of bio–mineral nutrition management in enhancing drought tolerance, maintaining seed yield, and stabilizing physiological and biochemical indices of quinoa under varying irrigation levels Method: The experiment was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons (2021–2022 and 2022–2023) using a factorial split-plot arrangement within a randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of field capacity) were considered the main factor, while factorial combinations of biofertilizers (no inoculation, Nitroxine, and BioPhosphor) and foliar micronutrient sprays (control, iron, and zinc) were considered sub-factors. Measured traits included seed yield, harvest index, proline content, total carbohydrates, soluble protein, and catalase enzyme activity. In addition, soil physical and chemical properties were periodically monitored to ensure the accuracy of treatment effects and to assess potential long-term improvements in soil fertility and biological activity. Statistical analyses were performed using combined ANOVA across years, and mean comparisons were conducted by LSD at 5% probability level. Results: The results indicated that reduced irrigation significantly decreased seed yield; at 75% field capacity, yield declined by 20–30%, and at 50% field capacity, by 35–52%. The Nitroxine + iron treatment consistently produced the highest yields in both years; under full irrigation, yield increased to 2859 kg·ha⁻¹ (22% higher than the control), and under severe drought, it reached 1583 kg·ha⁻¹ (30–33% increase). Harvest index also decreased under water limitation, but the BioPhosphor + iron treatment showed the greatest stability, maintaining 13.35% under 50% field capacity compared to 18.27% in the control. Proline accumulation increased under drought stress; however, Nitroxine + iron application reduced it by up to 41% compared to the control. Additionally, BioPhosphor enhanced total carbohydrates by 37%, and Nitroxine increased leaf soluble protein by 41% under severe drought. Catalase activity increased due to reduced soil moisture, but biofertilizer inoculation, particularly with Nitroxine, moderated this increase by approximately 39%. These findings collectively highlight the synergistic role of microbial inoculants and micronutrient application in maintaining plant metabolic efficiency and reducing oxidative damage during water scarcity. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest that integrated bio–mineral nutrition management, especially the combination of Nitroxine and iron, improves the nutritional and physiological status of quinoa, mitigates oxidative stress, and preserves drought-adaptive compounds, thereby significantly enhancing yield and stability under water-limited conditions. This strategy can be recommended as a sustainable and environmentally compatible approach to improve water-use efficiency and maintain quinoa productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Moreover, such integrative management practices contribute to long-term soil health improvement, reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, and enhanced resilience of cropping systems to climate variability.