Journal of Crops Improvement

The parameterization and evaluation of the APSIM model to simulation of yield and phenological traits of some wheat, barley and triticale cultivars (Case study: Alborz province)

Sorayya Navid; Mohammadreza Jahansouz; Saied Soufizadeh

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 151-168

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.406960.2964

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to parameterize and evaluate the APSIM-Wheat and APSIM-Barley sub-models for simulating the yield and phenological traits of wheat, barley, and triticale cultivars in Alborz Province, Iran. Methods: Model inputs included soil, climatic, plant, and management data. A four-year ... Read More Objective: This study aimed to parameterize and evaluate the APSIM-Wheat and APSIM-Barley sub-models for simulating the yield and phenological traits of wheat, barley, and triticale cultivars in Alborz Province, Iran. Methods: Model inputs included soil, climatic, plant, and management data. A four-year experiment was conducted to collect the required information. For model parameterization and determination of genetic coefficients, two-year field experiments were performed using a randomized complete block design with 14 treatments (six barley, six wheat, and two triticale cultivars) and three replications—conducted at the Atomic Energy Organization farm (2014–2015) and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran (2016–2017). Genetic coefficients were identified from field data, and the model was locally calibrated. For model evaluation, farm sampling was carried out during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons. Under real farming conditions (farmers' management), 30 barley and 30 wheat farms were selected across Alborz Province. A comprehensive questionnaire was used to collect information on farm history, planting, management, and harvesting operations, along with overall farm management practices. Soil and plant samples were also collected to assess crop growth status. Findings: Simulation of flowering and physiological maturity stages using APSIM-Wheat and APSIM-Barley showed strong agreement between simulated and observed values across all wheat, barley, and triticale cultivars. The model predicted phenological traits with excellent quality and acceptable accuracy, with normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) values below 10%. In both experimental years, nRMSE values for grain and biological yield were below 5% for all cultivars. Additional evaluation metrics (CRM, D-index, and R²) further confirmed the robustness of the sub-models. Agreement between simulated and observed traits was higher for triticale than for wheat and barley. Among barley cultivars, yield simulations showed better agreement than those for wheat cultivars. Conclusions: The estimated genetic coefficients and APSIM sub-models can be reliably used to predict phenological dates and yields of the studied cultivars across diverse regions and environmental conditions — including varying moisture regimes, fertilizer levels, and sowing dates — without the need for time-consuming and costly field experiments.

Assessment of phenotypic diversity and determination of cytoplasmic male sterility types in some commercial forage maize hybrids cultivated in Iran using morphological–agronomic traits and PCR markers

Mohsen Hemmati-Kamerh; Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Mortazavian; Maryam Golabadi; fatemeh amini

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 169-197

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.409816.2972

Abstract

Objective: Commercial forage maize hybrids widely cultivated in Iran may serve not only as important materials for forage production but also as potential germplasm resources for identifying cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) sources and developing breeding populations for future hybrid breeding programs. ... Read More Objective: Commercial forage maize hybrids widely cultivated in Iran may serve not only as important materials for forage production but also as potential germplasm resources for identifying cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) sources and developing breeding populations for future hybrid breeding programs. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity and cytoplasmic status of seven commercial forage maize hybrids cultivated in Iran and to determine their CMS type using CMS-specific PCR markers. In addition, the agreement between molecular identification and phenotypic observations, including tassel characteristics, pollen production, and self-pollination response, was investigated. Methods: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Agronomic, morphological, phenological, and yield-related traits were recorded, including fresh forage yield, dry matter yield, plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, days to tasseling, days to silking, anthesis–silking interval (ASI), days to milk-stage maturity, ear length, ear diameter, number of kernel rows per ear, and number of kernels per row. Analysis of variance, mean comparison, correlation analysis, path analysis, cluster analysis, factor analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and estimation of genetic parameters were performed. CMS-specific PCR markers were used to identify cytoplasmic types, and molecular results were compared with field observations and self-pollination tests. Results: Significant differences (P≤0.01) were observed among the hybrids for most measured traits, indicating substantial phenotypic diversity within the evaluated germplasm. Mean comparison identified hybrid P5 (Moghan 704) as the superior genotype for several agronomic and yield-related traits. Correlation and path analyses revealed that dry matter yield exerted the greatest direct effect on forage yield, whereas plant height and the number of leaves above the ear influenced forage production mainly through indirect effects. Cluster analysis classified the hybrids into three phenotypic groups, with hybrid P7 forming a distinct cluster because of its unique morphological and phenological characteristics. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) value of 0.63 confirmed the adequacy of the data for factor analysis, and four factors explained 85.88% of the total phenotypic variation. Principal component analysis further summarized trait variability within the first two principal components. Broad-sense heritability estimates were high for most traits, suggesting that a large proportion of the observed variation was genetically controlled. Molecular analysis revealed that hybrids P2, P4, P5, P6, and P7 possessed CMS-C cytoplasm, whereas P1 and P3 carried normal (N) cytoplasm. These molecular findings were consistent with tassel phenotype, pollen production, and self-pollination responses observed in both F₁ and F₂ generations. Conclusion: The evaluated commercial forage maize hybrids exhibited considerable variation in agronomic, morphological, phenological, and cytoplasmic traits. The identification of CMS-C cytoplasm in several hybrids provides valuable preliminary information for the selection of potential CMS sources in maize breeding programs. Nevertheless, the development of male-sterile lines, maintainer lines, and new hybrid parents requires further studies involving segregating populations, inbred line development, CMS stability assessment, and combining ability evaluation across subsequent generations.

Improvement of morphological traits and yield of lentil genotypes under the influence of amino acids in different irrigation regimes

Heidar Sharifi; Seyed Ali Mohammad Modarrs-Sanavy; ali heidarzadeh

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 199-221

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.399438.2944

Abstract

Objective: Drought stress severely limits lentil productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of proline and valine on morphological traits and yield of lentil genotypes under full irrigation and water deficit conditions. Methods: A field experiment ... Read More Objective: Drought stress severely limits lentil productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluated the effects of foliar application of proline and valine on morphological traits and yield of lentil genotypes under full irrigation and water deficit conditions. Methods: A field experiment was conducted over the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons in Kohin, Qazvin Province, Iran, using a factorial split-plot design with three replications. Treatments comprised two irrigation regimes (full irrigation and water deficit), four lentil genotypes (Sabzpardis, Bilehsavar, Sepehr, and FLIP 590), and three foliar treatments (proline, valine, and distilled water at 1 g L⁻¹) applied at flowering and pod formation. The irrigation levels and lentil genotypes were arranged factorially in the main plots, while the foliar application treatments were assigned to the subplots. The experimental site was characterized by a semi-arid climate with low rainfall and relatively high temperatures during the growing season. Results: Water deficit reduced total biomass and plant dry weight by 35% and 34%, respectively. Sabzpardis exhibited the highest grain yield under both irrigation regimes, attributed to superior total biomass (15%), plant dry weight (11%), pod dry weight (16%), and seed dry weight (11%). Both amino acids alleviated drought effects, but proline was more effective, increasing total biomass by 33%, seed dry weight by 47%, and grain yield by 30%. Maximum grain yield (1341 kg ha⁻¹) was recorded for Sabzpardis under full irrigation with amino acid application, while FLIP 590 yielded only 564 kg ha⁻¹ under the same conditions. Foliar amino acids enhanced grain yield by 17–45% depending on genotype and stress severity. Conclusions: Cultivation of the Sabzpardis genotype combined with proline foliar application is recommended as a sustainable strategy to enhance drought tolerance and lentil productivity in arid and semi-arid regions.

Evaluation of the allelopathic effects of saponin and quinoa residues on germination and development of wheat under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions

mansour shakeri; | Hossein Shamsi Mahmoodabadi; Masoumeh Salehi; Mohammad Ali Baghestani Meybodi

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 223-240

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.399375.2943

Abstract

Objective: Given the progressive salinization of water and soil resources in most plains of the country, the cultivation area of quinoa is expected to expand. Since wheat is typically grown in rotation after quinoa, investigating the allelopathic effects of quinoa residues on wheat germination, performance, ... Read More Objective: Given the progressive salinization of water and soil resources in most plains of the country, the cultivation area of quinoa is expected to expand. Since wheat is typically grown in rotation after quinoa, investigating the allelopathic effects of quinoa residues on wheat germination, performance, and other morphophysiological traits is essential and constitutes the primary aim of this research. Methods: The study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 at the National Salinity Research Center (Yazd) through four experiments under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Germination factorial experiments followed a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications in both the laboratory and growth chamber. Germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, percentage of normal seedlings, stem and root length, and seed vigor were the key parameters measured and analyzed. Additionally, factorial experiments on the effects of saponin and quinoa residues on wheat growth indices were arranged in a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications under greenhouse and field conditions. Leaf area index (LAI), number of panicles per m², number of grains per panicle, grain yield, 1000-seed weight, dry weight, plant height, and harvest index were the principal traits measured and statistically analyzed. To distinguish the effects of osmotic pressure from those of allelochemicals in the extract solutions, a control treatment using polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG) was included. Results: The inhibitory effects of extracts and powders of saponin and quinoa residues were significant at the 1% probability level for most traits examined in wheat germination and growth experiments under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Treatment concentration also significantly affected all traits, with higher concentrations leading to greater inhibitory effects. The interaction between plant part and concentration was similarly significant at the 1% probability level. The inhibitory effects of saponin and different quinoa organs on wheat were weaker for most growth traits evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions compared to the germination results in the laboratory. Furthermore, abnormalities were observed in a number of germinated wheat seeds, with more severe symptoms occurring under saponin extract treatment. Conclusion: These results confirm the allelopathic properties of quinoa saponin and residues on wheat. Therefore, if wheat is cultivated in rotation after quinoa, quinoa residues could significantly inhibit wheat germination and growth, thereby reducing grain and straw yield.

Effect of biological and chemical nitrogen sources on growth, yield, and grain protein of different lentil cultivars under rainfed conditions

abas soleymanifard; Mohammad Haghaninia

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 241-264

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.408357.2970

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to investigate the effect of different nitrogen sources on the yield and morphophysiological traits of four lentil cultivars under rainfed conditions. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during the 2020–2021 cropping season at the Chardavol Agricultural Research ... Read More Objective: This research aimed to investigate the effect of different nitrogen sources on the yield and morphophysiological traits of four lentil cultivars under rainfed conditions. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during the 2020–2021 cropping season at the Chardavol Agricultural Research Station, Ilam, Iran. A factorial experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor comprised four autumn-sown lentil cultivars: Kimia, Gachsaran, Bilesavar, and a local landrace. The second factor included five nitrogen treatments: (1) control (no nitrogen), (2) inoculation with Azospirillum, (3) inoculation with Azotobacter, (4) combined inoculation with both bacteria, and (5) application of chemical nitrogen fertilizer. Measured physiological traits included total chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), and root growth. Agronomic traits comprised plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods and seeds per plant, grain yield, biomass, harvest index (HI), and seed protein content. Standard protocols were used for all measurements, and data were analyzed using ANOVA; treatment means were compared using Duncan's test at the 5% significance level. Results: The highest values for chlorophyll a and b, relative leaf water content, root growth, plant height, branching, number of pods and grains per plant, grain yield, biomass, harvest index, and seed protein percentage were observed in the chemical nitrogen fertilizer treatment using the Kimia cultivar. However, for many of these traits, inoculation with Azospirillum produced results closely comparable or equal to those of chemical fertilizer. Notably, in the Kimia cultivar, inoculation with Azospirillum showed no significant difference from the chemical fertilizer treatment in terms of root structure, vegetative growth, physiological capacity, and yield components. Conclusions: This study highlights the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), particularly Azospirillum, as a sustainable alternative to chemical nitrogen fertilizers in rainfed lentil production. The combination of the Kimia cultivar with Azospirillum inoculation emerged as the most promising strategy for improving physiological efficiency, maximizing grain yield, and enhancing seed protein content. Adoption of such biofertilization approaches can play a crucial role in sustainable crop production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions facing water limitations and fertilizer constraints.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of native ecotypes of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) using morpho-phenological markers

Mehdi Hadadi Nejad; hamidreza fanaei; NadAli Bagheri; Manni Marefatzadeh-Khameneh; Noosheen Rahmani

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 265-281

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.383659.2903

Abstract

Objective: The global shift toward phytotherapy has made the conservation of medicinal plant species critically important. One challenge in developing black cumin cultivation is the limited knowledge of traits influencing yield improvement, as well as the lack of populations or improved cultivars with ... Read More Objective: The global shift toward phytotherapy has made the conservation of medicinal plant species critically important. One challenge in developing black cumin cultivation is the limited knowledge of traits influencing yield improvement, as well as the lack of populations or improved cultivars with suitable agronomic characteristics adapted to diverse ecological conditions. This research aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of native black cumin ecotypes using morpho-phenological markers and to identify suitable genotypes for cultivation in the Karaj region. Methods: Twenty native ecotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the 2021-2022 growing season at the research farm of the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII) in Karaj, Iran. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant diversity among ecotypes for phenological traits (days to flowering and maturity), plant height, yield, and yield components (number of follicles per plant, number of seeds per follicle, and thousand-seed weight). Mean comparisons using Duncan's multiple range test (P ≤ 0.05) showed that the highest seed yield was recorded in ecotypes with the greatest longitudinal and transverse follicle diameters, highest number of follicles per plant, highest number of seeds per follicle, and highest thousand-seed weight. The lowest and highest seed yields belonged to ecotypes TN-82-191 (946 kg/ha) and TN-82-750 (1749 kg/ha), respectively, representing a 45.88% difference. Furthermore, ecotype TN-82-750 showed a 26.08% superiority over the average yield. Seed yield displayed a significant positive correlation with follicle length (r= 0.67), number of follicles per plant (r = 0.84), and number of seeds per follicle (r= 0.60). Cluster analysis grouped the ecotypes into three distinct classes. The first group contained late-flowering and late-maturing ecotypes with higher stem branch numbers, plant height, and follicle diameter. The second group exhibited the highest seed yield, which was possibly attributable to a longer seed-filling period (i.e., the interval between flowering and seed maturity). Factor analysis indicated that the first three factors accounted for 73.90% of the total variation, named as morpho-phenological traits factor, yield and yield components factor, and longitudinal growth index factor, respectively. Conclusion: Ecotype TN-82-750 was identified as an early-maturing, high-yielding sample; TN-82-691, TN-59-224, and IPK as medium-maturing; and TN-59-254 as a late-maturing, high-yielding ecotype. These ecotypes can be recommended for different regions depending on available water and input conditions. Overall, a high potential for genetic diversity was observed among the ecotypes, which—given their native status and high adaptability—can serve as a valuable genetic resource in breeding programs.

Studying the single and combined effects of amino acid foliar spray and mycorrhizal fungi application on some biochemical properties of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

mehdi taheri asghari; Saiedeh Salavati; Seyed Reza Miralizadeh Fard

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 283-301

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.401899.2949

Abstract

Objective: Chamomile (Matricaria genus, Asteraceae family) has been recognized as a significant medicinal plant since antiquity. Commonly known as chamomile, it is widely used in traditional medicine due to its proven anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This experiment aimed to investigate ... Read More Objective: Chamomile (Matricaria genus, Asteraceae family) has been recognized as a significant medicinal plant since antiquity. Commonly known as chamomile, it is widely used in traditional medicine due to its proven anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of foliar amino acid application and mycorrhizal fungal inoculation on the characteristics of German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2021–2023 growing seasons at the Research Farm of Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch, to examine the effects of amino acid foliar application and mycorrhizal inoculation on chlorophyll content and other traits of German chamomile. The first factor was mycorrhizal fungi at four levels (control (no inoculation), Funneliformis mosseae, Funneliformis etunicatum, and Rhizophagus irregularis), and the second factor was foliar application of the amino acid formulation Aminol Forte at four levels (control (no application), 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) applied at two growth stages: vegetative growth and flowering initiation. Measured traits included plant height, dry matter yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and the content and yield of chamazulene, alpha-bisabolol, and bisabolol oxide A. Results: Foliar application of Aminol Forte had a significant effect on plant height, chamazulene content and yield, and dry matter yield at the 1% probability level. Mycorrhizal inoculation significantly affected the chlorophyll a/b ratio, plant height, chamazulene content and yield, and dry matter yield at the 1% probability level. The interaction between foliar amino acid application and mycorrhizal inoculation was significant for bisabolol oxide A, alpha-bisabolol, total chlorophyll, and chlorophyll a at the 1% level, and for chlorophyll b at the 5% probability level. Conclusions: Foliar amino acid application increased plant height, dry matter production, and chlorophyll content. Among the amino acid treatments, the 0.4% concentration was the most effective. Additionally, F. mosseae was more effective than the other mycorrhizal species, increasing chamazulene content by 11%. The two treatments likely acted synergistically: the combination of 0.4% amino acid foliar application and F. mosseae inoculation produced the highest levels of alpha-bisabolol and bisabolol oxide A—key components of German chamomile essential oil—increasing these compounds by 126% and 51%, respectively, compared to the control (no foliar application and no inoculation).

Grouping of cantaloupe lines and hybrids by Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) testing

Mohammad Sajjad Yeganeh Amin; Mahmoud Lotfi; Hossein Ramshini; Babak Darvishi

Volume 28, Issue 2 , June 2026, Pages 303-317

https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2026.404517.2956

Abstract

Objective: Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) is an important agricultural crop cultivated across many regions of Iran and holds a significant share in the Iranian household food basket. As part of a comprehensive breeding program at Aburaihan Campus, cantaloupe seed breeding has been ongoing for years with ... Read More Objective: Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) is an important agricultural crop cultivated across many regions of Iran and holds a significant share in the Iranian household food basket. As part of a comprehensive breeding program at Aburaihan Campus, cantaloupe seed breeding has been ongoing for years with the aim of improving the agronomic and qualitative characteristics of this crop. This study sought to establish an identity card and determine the differentiation of 16 domestically produced hybrid cultivars along with their 14 parental lines through a detailed examination of morphological and phenotypic traits based on UPOV (International Union for the Protection of Plant Varieties) guidelines.Methods: In this study, hybrid cantaloupes and their parental lines, together with six commercial control cultivars, were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications and evaluated according to the DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) test protocol. Quantitative data were analyzed and ranked using cluster analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed and ranked using the Kruskal–Wallis test to determine genotypic differences and genetic diversity among the lines and hybrids.Results: The lines and hybrids studied differed significantly from one another in terms of the evaluated traits, including flesh firmness, flesh color, cork density of the skin surface, groove depth, inflorescence location, fruit separation from the peduncle, and fruit shape. Cluster analysis revealed a strong parental effect on hybrid characteristics, and substantial genetic diversity was observed among cultivars and hybrids. Regarding fruit weight, hybrids H165, H148, and H152—with fruit weights exceeding 1.5 kg—outperformed all control cultivars and achieved a superior marketability position. In terms of soluble solids content, which indicates fruit sweetness, hybrids H167, H82, and H70 recorded values above 14°Brix, outperforming native control cultivars such as Samsuri and Saveh.Conclusion: Hybrids H148 and H153 were identified as superior in terms of the combination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics. In addition to high yield, these hybrids exhibited desirable traits such as resistance to viral infections and excellent appearance and quality characteristics. These findings, along with the detailed description of the studied hybrids and lines, can serve as a foundation for future decisions regarding the development of new varieties and the breeding of cantaloupe in Iran and other similar regions

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 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.