Behnam Tahmasebpour; Sodabeh Jahanbakhsh; Ali Reza Tarinejad; Hamid Mohammadi; ali ebadi
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between traits and use these relationships to select high-
Objective: Wheat, accounting for about 20% of global cultivated land, is vital for food security. With over 90% of Iran classified as arid or semi-arid, drought stress critically impacts ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between traits and use these relationships to select high-
Objective: Wheat, accounting for about 20% of global cultivated land, is vital for food security. With over 90% of Iran classified as arid or semi-arid, drought stress critically impacts crop yields, causing approximately 17% losses annually. Improving drought resilience and water-use efficiency in wheat is therefore essential. This study aims to assess drought tolerance in bread wheat genotypes based on their performance under normal and water-stressed conditions, and to identify morphological, phenological, and physiological traits linked to high yield for use in breeding programs.
Methods: A split-plot experiment with three replications was conducted in a greenhouse to evaluate 30 wheat genotypes under normal irrigation and post-anthesis drought stress. Trait correlations, yield associations, and the relative importance of traits were analyzed using ANOVA, mean comparisons, cluster analysis (Euclidean distance and Ward’s method), and factor analysis.
Results: Cluster analysis grouped genotypes into four under normal conditions, with the first group (including cd-6, c-93-8, cd-3, etc.) exhibiting the highest average grain yield of 7.93 g per five plants. Under drought, the second group (Mihan, Eroum, c-93-3, etc.) achieved the highest yield of 2.18 g per five plants. The first two principal components explained 76.24% of data variability, effectively distinguishing sensitive cultivars (C-93-11, C-93-4) and drought-tolerant genotypes (Mihan, Eroum). Biplot analysis identified flag leaf area, vegetative growth rate, fertile tiller number, grain yield, grains per spike, and 1000-grain weight as key traits for genotype separation under both conditions.
Conclusion: According to results, the first and second two components explained 76.24% of the changes in the primary data, that the morphological and physiological traits could be determined by the sensitive cultivars (C-93-11 and C-93 4) and separate the drought tolerant (Mihan and Eroum) from each other. Based on the results of Biplot analysis, flag leaf area, vegetative growth rate, number of fertile tillers, grain yield, number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight had a determinative role in isolating genotypes under normal irrigation and stress conditions..
Kamran Haghiabi; Mosa MeskarBashi; Majid Nabipour; Seyed Amir Mosavi
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate future changes in climatic factors during 2021–2024, 2041–2060, and 2061–2080 under scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, and their effects on the reproductive period and grain yield of rain-fed wheat cultivars in Khorramabad.
Method: Climate ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate future changes in climatic factors during 2021–2024, 2041–2060, and 2061–2080 under scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, and their effects on the reproductive period and grain yield of rain-fed wheat cultivars in Khorramabad.
Method: Climate projections were generated using the LARS-WG-V7 software and the HadCM3 model, based on 35 years of historical climate data (1987–2023). To predict changes in the reproductive period and grain yield, the APSIM model was employed, incorporating soil, crop, and management data. The output from LARS-WG-V7 served as input for APSIM. An experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replicates was conducted during 2021–2022 at the Lorestan Province Meteorological Department’s research farm in Khorramabad, including three wheat cultivars: Qaboos, Kohdasht, and Aftab. Genetic coefficients were calibrated based on experimental data, and the model was localized accordingly. Model validation was performed using data from ten farms in Khorramabad.
Results: Climate scenario analysis revealed that, with increasing CO₂ concentrations (18–86%), minimum temperatures could rise by 10–43%, maximum temperatures by 6–21%, and precipitation by 2–20%. These climatic changes led to a reduction in the reproductive period: 0–1.3% in Qaboos, –1.7% to +1.7% in Aftab, and –1.1% to +2.7% in Kohdasht, depending on the scenario and period. Grain yield decreased on average by 15.6% to 42.2%. Under optimistic and moderate scenarios, Qaboos maintained higher yields than Aftab and Kohdasht; however, in pessimistic scenarios, Kohdasht showed the least decline, and Qaboos consistently outperformed others across climatic periods.
Conclusions: Since farmers cannot control climatic conditions, adopting suitable adaptation strategies—such as selecting optimal cultivars, adjusting planting dates, irrigation methods, and plant density—is vital for sustainable production. The APSIM model is a valuable tool for future forecasting, scenario development, and informed decision-making to enhance regional wheat production under changing climate conditions.
Sorayya Navid; Mohammadreza Jahansuz; Saied Soufizadeh
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to characterize the production conditions and quantify the yield gap of spring wheat and barley in Alborz province using crop and climate models.
Method: The potential regional yield over the past decade was estimated using the APSIM-7.1 sub-models (APSIM-Wheat and APSIM-Barley). ...
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Objective: This study aimed to characterize the production conditions and quantify the yield gap of spring wheat and barley in Alborz province using crop and climate models.
Method: The potential regional yield over the past decade was estimated using the APSIM-7.1 sub-models (APSIM-Wheat and APSIM-Barley). These models were first parameterized for dominant local cultivars, and their performance evaluated using climatic data, regional management practices, and genetic coefficients. Data collection involved a four-year study in two phases: farm and field. Parameterization was based on a two-year experiment (2014–2015 at the Atomic Energy Organization farm and 2016–2017 at the University of Tehran), employing a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments (six wheat and six barley cultivars) and three replications. Model evaluation used data from 60 farms in Nazarabad during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020.
Results: Model evaluation indices (nRMSE, CRM, D-index, R²) confirmed the effectiveness of APSIM in simulating wheat and barley yields. Simulations indicated potential yields of approximately 10,800 kg/ha for wheat and 10,350 kg/ha for barley over the past 10 years. The yield gaps at different levels were: Level 1 (difference between potential and leading farmers) –18.5% for wheat and 29.5% for barley; Level 2 (available vs. leading farmers) –14.9% and 3.1%; Level 3 (available vs. actual yields) –26.5% and 24.0%; and Level 4 (actual vs. regional average yields) –18.3% and 23.7%. Key management factors influencing yield gaps included irrigation schedule, water use, planting date, cultivar choice, nitrogen application, and plant density.
Conclusions: Adopting optimal management practices—such as tailored irrigation, fertilizer application, planting timing, and cultivar selection—can help farmers reduce yield gaps and conserve resources. The APSIM model proves valuable for forecasting, scenario analysis, and decision-making aimed at improving productivity in Alborz province.
zahra ajribzadeh; salim farzaneh; Mahmoud Shomili; Hamid Reza Balouchi; aziz Ker Mullah Chaab; Raouf Seyed Sharifi
Abstract
Objective: Considering the high consumption of cuttings in sugarcane cultivation and the rapid deterioration of cuttings, crop management methods after harvesting are necessary. The present study aimed to determine the appropriate coverage for a single sugarcane bud.Methods: This study was performed ...
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Objective: Considering the high consumption of cuttings in sugarcane cultivation and the rapid deterioration of cuttings, crop management methods after harvesting are necessary. The present study aimed to determine the appropriate coverage for a single sugarcane bud.Methods: This study was performed as a completely randomized design with three replications in 2020, to investigate the effect of four types of binders: carboxymethylcellulose (40, 60 and 80 g/l), arabic gum (50, 100 and 150 g/l), tragacanth (30, 60 and 90 g/l) and starch (45, 60 and 75 g/l) as the first test and four types of nutrients: humic acid (6, 9 and 12 g/l), filter cake (5, 10 and 15 g/kg), superabsorbent (10, 30 and 45 g/kg) and microcombi fertilizer (10, 20 and 30 g/kg) as the second experiment with control, in the greenhouse of the sugarcane research Station-Khuzestan.Results: The results showed that the effect of four types of binder on sugarcane plant characteristics such as germination rate, stalk length, stem dry weight and plant moisture content was significant and the most positive effect was observed in starch gum (60 g/l). Also, four nutrients had a significant effect on some characteristics such as germination rate, stalk length, stalk dry weight and plant moisture content.Conclusion: Due to the most positive effect of starch gum, in later studies, this glue can be used as a binder, along with other nutrients and fillers for planting lateral buds of sugarcane stalks.
Ali Darjani; Iraj Allah dadi; Hamid Jabari; Hassan Amirioghan
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate zinc-chelate and 24-epibresinolide foliar application to compensate for reduced safflower seed yield (Goldasht cultivar) under drought-stress conditions.
Methods: The experiment was conducted as a split-factorial within a randomized complete block design, ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate zinc-chelate and 24-epibresinolide foliar application to compensate for reduced safflower seed yield (Goldasht cultivar) under drought-stress conditions.
Methods: The experiment was conducted as a split-factorial within a randomized complete block design, with three replications at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII) in Karaj, Iran, across two growing seasons (2022-2024). The treatments included three levels of drought stress: at the flowering stage (I1), seed-filling stage (I2), and a control with regular irrigation (I3). Foliar applications of zinc were applied using distilled water (Zn1), zinc chelate at 3×1000 (Zn2), and at 6×1000 concentrations (Zn3). Additionally, 24-epibrassinolide was applied using distilled water (0 µM, B1) and at concentrations of 0.5 µM (B2) and 1 µM (B3).
Results: Drought stress significantly reduced grain yield, the SPAD index, relative leaf water content, and cell membrane stability, while increasing proline content, soluble sugars, and the activities of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. The highest grain yield was obtained under conventional irrigation (2466 kg/ha), whereas yields decreased to 1959 kg/ha during flowering and 2222 kg/ha during the seed-filling stage under drought conditions. The application of 24-epibrassinolide at 1 µM and zinc chelate at 3×1000 concentrations enhanced leaf relative water content, SPAD index, proline and soluble sugar content, cell membrane stability, and enzyme activities. Notably, the highest SPAD index (63.09), relative water content (81.11%), proline content (6.43 mg/g wet weight), and soluble sugar content (90.77 mg/g FW), along with the lowest electrolyte leakage, were observed with the combination of 24-epibrassinolide (1 µM) and zinc chelate (3×1000). The highest grain yield of 2398 kg/ha was also recorded under these treatment conditions, representing increases of 8% and 22% compared to drought-stressed conditions at flowering and seed-filling stages, respectively.
Conclusion: Foliar applications of zinc chelate and 24-epibrassinolide effectively mitigate the decline in safflower seed yield under drought stress. Specifically, the application of 24-epibrassinolide at 1 µM and zinc chelate at 3×1000 concentrations can help sustain yield in safflower. We recommend these treatments for safflower cultivation in Pakdasht City and similar regions facing irregular rainfall and limited precipitation, which can adversely affect safflower yield.
Ramin Khalili; jalal khorshidi; Sirwan Babaei
Abstract
Objective: The cultivation of fennel is expanding due to its favorable market demand and various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Weeds are one of the most important factors causing damage in fennel fields. As a result, it is essential to identify the most effective method for ...
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Objective: The cultivation of fennel is expanding due to its favorable market demand and various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Weeds are one of the most important factors causing damage in fennel fields. As a result, it is essential to identify the most effective method for weeds control in fennel cultivation.
Methods: In this research, the effects of 11 different weed control methods, including glyphosate, paraquat, afalon, diuron, vinegar, one-time cultivation, two-time cultivation, hand weeding, flame weeding, weed-infested, and weed-free conditions, on weeds growth, as well as the yield-attributed and phytochemical characteristics of fennel such as essential oil content and components, were studied. The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design in 2021 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan.
Results: Herbicide treatment had a significant effect on the dry weight of aerial parts, thousand seed weight, fruit yield, essential oil content, and yield of fennel, as well as the dry weight of weeds. However, the plant height and the number of umbels per plant of fennel were not significantly affected by the herbicide treatment. The highest fennel fruit yield (3.95 tons/ha) was obtained in the weed-free treatment, followed by hand weeding and diuron treatments, which produced 3.63 and 3.3 tons/ha, respectively. The lowest weed dry weight (3.54 g/m²) was recorded in the weed-free treatment, though it was not significantly different from the hand weeding and flame weeding treatments. The essential oil content of fennel fruits did not differ significantly among the treatments (except the weed-free treatment). The highest essential oil yield (133.3 L/ha) was obtained from the fruits of the hand weeding treatment, while the lowest yield (63.9 L/ha) was found in the fruits of the glyphosate treatment. The dominant compounds in the essential oil were similar in all treatments and included anethole, fenchone, and d-limonene. The highest amount of anethole (73.53%), fenchone (12.21%), and d-limonene (11.56%) were observed in the glyphosate, weed-infested, and vinegar treatments, respectively.
Conclusion: If the aim is proper weed control and achieving higher fruit and essential oil yield with minimal environmental damage, hand weeding was the best treatment after the weed-free condition. If, in addition to fennel yield, reducing weed control costs is also considered, the diuron was the best treatment. In terms of essential oil quality, characterized by high amounts of anethole and fenchone, and a low level of estragole, the weed-infested treatment was the most favorable
mehdi taheri asghari; Saiedeh Salavati; Seyed Reza Miralizadeh Fard
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar application of wood vinegar and mycorrhizal fungi on the agronomic and biochemical characteristics of Thymus vulgaris (thyme).
Method: A factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar application of wood vinegar and mycorrhizal fungi on the agronomic and biochemical characteristics of Thymus vulgaris (thyme).
Method: A factorial experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Takestan University research farms during 2021-2023. Factors included three mycorrhizal treatments (control, seed inoculation, and soil inoculation with G. mosseae, G. etunicatum, and G. intraradices) and four wood vinegar levels (control, foliar spray of 5, 10, and 15 mL/L).
Results: The interaction between wood vinegar and mycorrhiza significantly affected root fresh and dry weight. The highest root fresh weight (7587.5 kg/ha), representing a 93% increase over the control, was achieved with 10 mL/L wood vinegar combined with G. mosseae. Conversely, the lowest root fresh weight was observed with 15 mL/L wood vinegar and G. etunicatum. Similarly, the highest root dry weight (89% above control) occurred under the same treatment. Foliar application of wood vinegar and inoculation with G. mosseae enhanced canopy diameter and root colonization, with the peak colonization (about 14% increase) at 10 mL/L wood vinegar. Biochemical analyses revealed that 10 mL/L wood vinegar increased carbohydrate content, total protein, and essential oil content by 32%, 55%, and 100%, respectively. G. mosseae also increased carbohydrate and protein levels by approximately 15% and 45%.
Conclusions: Applying 10‰ wood vinegar in combination with G. mosseae optimized dry matter production and improved biochemical traits such as soluble carbohydrates, total protein, and essential oil content. These treatments enhanced nutrient uptake and root colonization, leading to significant improvements in thyme's biomass yield and quality
maedeh fereshtian; Reza Salehi; abdolkarim kashi; Mesbah Babalar
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the physiological and biochemical effects of incompatibility between Khatooni melon (Cucumis melo GR. Inodorus accession Khatooni) scion on cucurbit rootstocks, a series of experiments was conducted in a randomized complete block design at the Horticultural Research Station ...
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Objective: To investigate the physiological and biochemical effects of incompatibility between Khatooni melon (Cucumis melo GR. Inodorus accession Khatooni) scion on cucurbit rootstocks, a series of experiments was conducted in a randomized complete block design at the Horticultural Research Station of the University of Tehran in Mohammadshahr, Karaj, in 2021.
Methodes: Seven different Cucurbit Rootstocks were applied in this research, which include: 'Rout Power', 'ES 900', 'RZ 12', 'Nongwoo 01', 'RZ6' 'Shintozwa', 'Marvel' and the seed rootstock of the melon cultivar 'Khatooni' with the scientific name (Cucumis melo GR. Inodorus accession Khatooni) was also used as a control plant in addition to the scion. Then the effects of incompatibility and compatibility on the yield of fruit weight, number of fruit and marketable yield were checked. Then biochemical activity of plant scion, such as sugar and starch content of scion leaves, leaf mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B) and the amount of stress proteins and enzymes super oxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase (SOD, PO, CAT) were compared.
Results: Variance analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.01) among treatments in yield traits, stress enzyme activities, protein, and carbohydrate content. Elements such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and boron showed significant variation at the 5% level. The highest fruit weight, number of fruits, and marketable yield were observed with Rout Power and Shintozwa rootstocks, indicating incompatibility compared to the Marvel rootstock. Protein accumulation at the graft junction was 1.03 mg/fresh weight in incompatible Marvel rootstocks versus 0.6 mg in Shintozwa, which was more compatible. Higher antioxidant enzyme activities were found in incompatible rootstocks. Sugar and leaf starch contents were higher in Shintozwa relative to incompatible rootstocks, while leaves of compatible plants showed significantly greater levels of N, Ca, Mg, and B.
Conclusion: Rootstock incompatibility adversely affects physiological and biochemical growth traits and scion performance. The Marvel rootstock exhibited incompatibility, whereas Shintozwa demonstrated compatibility with the Khatooni melon scion. Therefore, Shintozwa is recommended as a suitable rootstock for melon grafting to ensure optimal growth and yield
Mohammad Hasaninasab; Esfandiar Fateh; Amir Aynehband; Ali Monsefi; Korosh Behnamfar
Abstract
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined application of NPK chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers on the yield traits and quantitative characteristics of the hibiscus plant during the 2022-2023 agricultural year at the research farm of the Agricultural and Natural ...
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Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined application of NPK chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers on the yield traits and quantitative characteristics of the hibiscus plant during the 2022-2023 agricultural year at the research farm of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in Khuzestan Province, Ahvaz.
Method: The experiment was conducted using a split-split plot design within a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included four levels of chemical fertilizers (N0–P0–K0, N75–P50–K50, N150–P75–K75, and N225–P100–K100) and four levels of organic fertilizers (no organic fertilizer, humic acid, vermicompost, and a combination of humic acid + vermicompost).
Results: Analysis of variance indicated significant main effects of chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and their interaction on all measured traits in roselle. Post hoc comparisons using LSD test (α=0.05) revealed that the combination of N100–P100–K225 with humic acid + vermicompost produced the highest values for most traits, except for seed oil percentage, which was comparable to the N150–P75–K75+ humic acid+ vermicompost treatment for seed dry weight. No significant differences were observed among treatment combinations for aerial parts, number of seeds per boll, 1000-seed weight, sepals per boll, antioxidant capacity of sepals, and biological yield. The lowest trait values were associated with the control treatment (N0–P0–K0) without organic fertilizer. The combined use of organic and chemical fertilizers was found to be compatible and synergistic, providing optimal conditions for plant growth.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the significant influence of NPK fertilizer levels on measured traits, with organic fertilizer effects being comparatively less pronounced. Both chemical and organic fertilizers—individually and in combination—improved the growth, yield, and quality of roselle. The integrated use of chemical and organic fertilizers not only reduces production costs but also enhances crop quality while promoting soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. Organic fertilizers improve soil physical and chemical properties, stimulate root development, and promote the activity of growth-promoting bacteria, thereby increasing nutrient availability. Continuous mineral supply further supports plant development, fruiting, and product quality.
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Mohammadnaser Modoodi; Vahid Shamsabadi; Ebrahim Jahangir Dehborzoei
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to compare different intercropping patterns of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) with pure guar cultivation, under varying levels of nitrogen fertilizer, in the field of Toos Planting Manager Company in Taybad city, located in ...
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Objective: This study aimed to compare different intercropping patterns of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) with pure guar cultivation, under varying levels of nitrogen fertilizer, in the field of Toos Planting Manager Company in Taybad city, located in the Polband plain of Khorasan Razavi province.
Method: The experiment was conducted as a split-plot design in a randomized complete block layout with two factors and three replications. The first factor included eight intercropping patterns: sole guar and mixed ratios of guar to roselle of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:3, and 3:2. The second factor involved nitrogen fertilization at three levels: 50%, 100%, and 0% of guar’s nitrogen requirement, based on soil laboratory recommendations.
Results: The highest values for stem dry weight (40.4 g per plant), root dry weight (14.5 g per plant), root diameter (1.16 mm), and pod length (7.40 cm) were observed in the 3:1 intercropping pattern under full nitrogen fertilization (100% requirement). For shoot dry weight (60.5 g per plant) and seed yield (357 g/m²), the sole guar cultivation and the 3:1 ratio with full nitrogen application stood out, both statistically superior and in the same group. Additionally, reducing nitrogen below the guar’s requirement significantly decreased seed yield and morphological traits.
Conclusions: The study indicates that the 3:1 intercropping of guar and roselle, combined with full nitrogen fertilization, outperforms other patterns across most traits. Therefore, intercropping at a 3:1 ratio with sufficient nitrogen is recommended for farmers interested in this cropping system
Faezeh Daryaei; Magid Aghaalikhani
Abstract
Objective: The industrial medicinal guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) is a drought-resistant plant well adapted to our country's climate. This plant can produce a desirable yield with low precipitation and minimize the cost of irrigation.
Method: To study the effect of planting density ...
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Objective: The industrial medicinal guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) is a drought-resistant plant well adapted to our country's climate. This plant can produce a desirable yield with low precipitation and minimize the cost of irrigation.
Method: To study the effect of planting density and fertilizing systems on guar quantitative and qualitative yield, an experiment was conducted as factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications at research field of Tarbiat Modares University in 2018. Treatments included three planting densities (133,000 D1: 88,000 D2: and 66,000 plants per hectare D3) as the first factor and three nutitional treatments (fertilizing with urea 100 kg/ha; F1, vermicompost 6 ton/ha; F2 and bioGME 2.25 ton/ha; F3) were evaluated as the second factor. The quantitative traits which were measured for guar plant were plant height, number of pods per square meter, number of seeds per pod, weight of 1000 seeds, seed yield, biological yield and harvest index. At the end of the growing season, after removing the margins, random sampling was done from the middle rows of the plots (10 plants from each experimental plot) and the seeds of each treatment were sent to the laboratory to measure the morphological characteristics of the plant and the parameters of the quantitative and qualitative traits of the seeds.
Results: The results showed that pod number per m2, seed number per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, oil and protein yield and harvest index were affected significantly by the interaction of density and fertilizer type. The treatment D2F2 was performed the highest amounts of above morphological traits including pod number per m2, seed number per pod, 1000 seed weight, seed yield, oil and protein yield and harvest index. The highest percentage of guargum was observed in D1F1 which was not significantly different from other levels of vermicompost and bioGME fertilizer application in the density of 133000 plants per hectare.
Conclusions: Alltogether, it is suggested that the vermicompost applied along with density of 88,000 plants / ha is appropriate for guar cultivation. However, fertilization by chemical manure in 133,000 plant / ha plant density is recommanded whereas the industrial purpose would be considered. Because, gurgum production was in maximized content when chemical fertilizer was applied.
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