Weight Of Aerial Part Research Articles

Co-Inoculation of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria and Rhizobia Increases Phosphorus Availability and Promotes the Development of Forage Legumes

Tropical grassland soils, especially those with alkaline properties, often exhibit limited phosphorus availability due to its precipitation in insoluble forms. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and rhizobia have demonstrated their potential to enhance the availability of this nutrient and promote the growth of forage legumes. This study, conducted under controlled conditions in a mesh house, evaluated the effect of co-inoculation with PSB, including Micrococcus sp. Sfcm-14-01, Agrobacterium sp. Sfl-043-09, and Enterobacter sp. Sfcm-014-02 and Sfcm-054-06, along with rhizobia (Ensifer terangae R1-012-02 and Bradyrhizobium glycinis Rcm-025-01), under different levels of phosphorus fertilization on the legumes Leucaena leucocephala and Centrosema macrocarpum. The results indicate significant increases in various growth parameters, such as chlorophyll levels (SPAD), biomass (dry weight of roots and aerial parts) (mg), the foliar phosphorus concentration (ppm), and the concentration of available phosphorus in the soil, particularly under low-phosphorus fertilization conditions. The highest level of available phosphorus in the soil was achieved with 75% of the recommended fertilization dose, resulting in concentrations of 13.73 ppm for L. leucocephala and 7.69 ppm for C. macrocarpum, representing increases in phosphorus availability of 170.81% and 240.27%, respectively, compared with no fertilization or inoculation. These findings suggest that the co-inoculation of PSB and native rhizobia is a promising strategy to enhance the biomass productivity and mineral content of forage in tropical grazing systems, especially under phosphorus-limited conditions.

Responses to foliar sprays of strawberry variety ‘Portola’ to biostimulants on growth, yield, quality, and bioactive compounds

The acceptance of strawberries in international trade has increased due to their organoleptic qualities, high nutritional value, and richness in antioxidants. This research evaluated the effect of foliar spray with chitosan, brassinosteroids, and thidiazuron as metabolic enhancers on growth, productivity, quality parameters, and bioactive compounds in ‘Portola’ strawberry cultivar in the first year of production. This experiment included six treatments and control with doses of CTS of 100, 300, and 400 mg L-1, of Brassinosteroids (Vitazyme™) 0.5, 1-, and 5-mL L-1 and 0.15 mL L-1 of TDZ (Charger plex™) in applications of these biostimulants alone and combination CTS and BRs. The findings indicated that CTS treatments increased plant length, leaf count, leaf area, and fruit firmness. The joint application of CTS and BRs significantly promotes crown diameter, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, fresh and dry weight of roots and aerial parts, and ripening. Applications of CTS 300 mg L-1 and 1 mL L-1 of Vitazyme have shown the highest fruit length, diameter, and weight values. Regarding TDZ, this work showed an increase in crown diameter and in the fresh and dry weight of both the root and the aerial part without significant differences in the content of the chlorophyll and titratable acidity compared to the control. Therefore, it could be safely recommended that foliar application with CTS, BRs, and TDZ can be used as biostimulants to improve the growth, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry cv ‘Portola’.

Plant growth promotion of crops using phosphate solubilizing bacterial strains derived from insects

The aim of this study was to investigate insect derived bacteria for the ability to dissolve insoluble soil phosphate to release soluble phosphorus compounds, available to plants. Bacterial isolates were obtained from Diabrotica virgifera, Hermetia illucens, Oulema melanopus, and Ostrinia nubilalis. An in vitro evaluation of phosphate solubilization ability on Pikovskaya’s medium was done and the phosphate solubilizing index (PSI) was calculated for each isolate. Bacteria were tested in a greenhouse experiment on seeds of oats, wheat, triticale, barley and soybeans. After incubation, the weight and length of their aerial plant parts were measured. The highest increase in the weight of aerial parts was recorded for oats after using strain Om046 for inoculation (88.98%), then, wheat (Dv097, 31.43%), soybean (strain 96, 53.79%), and triticale (bacterial consortium, 36.9%). Bacteria used were identified as Lactococcus lactis (strains Om030 and Om046), Acinetobacter sp. (Dv123), Lactococcus garvieae (Dv097) and Rothia kristinae (strains 90 and 96). We showed that a successful application of insect derived bacteria for phosphate solubilization in soil, to promote plant growth, is possible. Innovative agriculture requires constant improvements in increasing crop growth. Thus, new sources of bacterial strains effectively promoting plant growth, are needed. We described a new source of plant growth-promoting bacteria that can be used in agriculture.

UV-A and UV-B combined with photosynthetically active radiation change plant growth, antioxidant capacity and essential oil composition of Pelargonium graveolens

BackgroundThe different wavelengths of solar radiation incident on earth [herein: Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) , Ultra Violet-A (UV-A) and Ultra Violet-B (UV-B)] and their spectral balance not only have an impact on plants’ growth, morphology and physiology, but also are important for the quality and quantity of plant secondary metabolites.Material and methodsIn an outdoor study we addressed the effects of PAR intensity and UV-A and UV-B on the growth, yield, phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and essential oil composition of Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. The experiment was performed with split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. During the growth, two PAR intensities (ambient PAR and reduced PAR) and four UV treatments (ambient UV, enhanced UV-A, enhanced UV-B and enhanced UVA + B) were applied.ResultsHigh PAR intensity decreased the length and width of leaf, the height of plant and fresh weight of aerial parts, and increased the dry weight of aerial parts. Enhanced UV-B irradiation was associated with reduced plant height, leaf expansion and fresh and dry weight of aerial parts. Interestingly, the negative effect of UV-B radiation on morphology and growth of plant was largely alleviated by high PAR intensity. The amount of total phenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity and essential oil production of P. graveolens strongly increased with the increase of UV-B irradiation and PAR. On the other hand, UV-A radiation did not significantly influence total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and essential oil composition. Moreover, the combination of high PAR intensity and UV-B led to further increases in total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity. Both high PAR intensity and enhanced UV-B increased the percentage of geraniol in essential oil, leading to a slight reduction of citronellol/geraniol ratio which is a marker of quality for rose geranium essential oil.ConclusionsOverall, we conclude that UV-B irradiation was associated to reduction of plant growth and yield, while, the adverse effect of UV-B irradiation on the plant was mitigated by high PAR intensity. On the other hand, both high PAR and enhanced UV-B boosted the production of phenols, flavonoids and essential oil. Considering that the lower citronellol/geraniol ratio is the most important indicator for the economic value of rose geranium essential oil, reducing citronellol/geraniol ratio under enhanced UV-B radiation and/or high PAR is likely to be favorable.

Evaluation of Different Combinations of Ornamental Perennials for Sustainable Management in Urban Greening.

Ornamental perennial plants play a strategic role in reducing green areas' management costs, keeping the ground, sparing water, and avoiding weeds. The aim of this research is to evaluate the growing performances of seven combinations of six different ornamental perennial herbaceous species and their role in weed containment under low-maintenance conditions. The experiment was performed for three years (2019-2021) in an open field. The selected species were Hemerocallis "Stella de Oro" (A), Phedimus spurius (M.Bieb.) "t Hart 'John Creech" (B), Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (C), Phlox subulata L. "Trot Pink" (D), Potentilla neumanniana Rchb. (E), and Gaillardia "Kobold" (F). Four replicates for each combination were tested (28 plots, 4 m2 each): AB, CD, EF, AB + CD, AB + EF, CD + EF; AB + CD + EF. No watering or fertilization was performed during the cultivation period. Each year, from April to November, three manual weeding activities were performed and the dry weights of the weeds' aerial parts were measured. The ground cover performance was evaluated through digital image analysis using the mobile device application Canopeo. Dry aerial perennial biomass variations between the end and beginning of the experiment were calculated. As a result, CD showed the best performance for weed containment (0.5 g m-2 weed dry weight in the third year), ground cover (63.1% and 64.3% of plot coverages during the second and third years, respectively), and producing ornamental biomass (4316.8 g m-2). The highest total dry amount of harvested weeds was shown by AB + CD + EF (1114.6 g m-2), demonstrating that combinations with a higher number of species were less efficient in avoiding weeds. The research allowed us to identify the best combinations to always keep the soil covered and to improve the ornamental and environmental values of urban green spaces under low-maintenance regimes.

Morphological Variability and Adaptability and Phenolic Content of Ajuga iva Collected from Distinct Moroccan Geographical Locations

Adaptation plasticity constitutes a key factor in the development of such plants under different ecoclimatic conditions. The current study was designed to determine the morphological and phenotypic variability of Ajuga iva collected from distinct geographical locations in Morocco and their phenolic content. Four samples of Ajuga iva were collected to evaluate the morphological variability and adaptability to ensure the sustainable growth of this medicinal plant known for its unique biological properties. Eleven morphological parameters were selected, including length, width, number, distance, and the thickness of different parts, as well as total phenolic content. Statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, and correlation were used to assess the change in the parameters under study based on the geographical origin. Treatment of the obtained results revealed a high variability of morphological parameters of different samples according to the site and altitude, and the interaction between the studied factors. The sample collected from Jbel Zerhoun registered the highest values of the following morphological parameters: APL (12.47 ± 2.09 cm), UPL (6.56 ± 0.40 cm), APW (3.28 ± 1.59 g), UPW (1.24 ± 0.19 g), LW (0.40 ± 0.10 cm), LN (44 ± 4), and NN (21.33 ± 2.51). The samples collected from an altitude above 1000 m showed the highest values of different morphological parameters (aerial part length and weight, underground part weight, leaf number and weight, and node number) and registered the maximum of TPC (124.12 mg GAE/g, 128.86 mg GAE/g, and 164.75 mg GAE/g for samples collected from Immouzzer Kander, Jbel Zerhoun, and Azrou, respectively). Therefore, the samples from high elevations can resist environmental critical conditions by the emergence of different biochemical processes to synthesize bioactive compounds with multifaceted effects.

Identificação de genótipos de soja tolerantes a diferentes concentrações de NaCl

Soybean is the main product of Brazilian agriculture, strengthening the country's position as one of the most important commodities in world agricultural trade. However, the salinity present in soils and irrigation waters can hinder the production process and generate economic damage. With the aim of selecting soybean genotypes tolerant to different sodium chloride (NaCl) conditions, 5 soybean genotypes were sown in rolls germitest paper with NaCl solutions at concentrations of 00, 40 and 80 mM. The evaluated characteristics were: final seedling stand, length of root and aerial part of the plant, fresh weight, dry weight of cotyledons, root and aerial part, percentage of germination, index of speed of germination and average time of germination. The design used was completely randomized, in a 3x5 factorial arrangement. The TMG 2383 genotype stood out from the others in the presence of salinity with a greater growth compared to the tested genotypes. The soybean varieties SYN 16861 IPRO, M8644 IPRO, TMG 2383 IPRO and NS8383 RR showed a certain level of resistance to saline stress. The genotypes resistant to saline stress can be used in genetic improvement programs in order to develop new cultivars with greater resistance to saline stress.

Morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of zinc-stressed caraway plants.

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of zinc supply (0, 1, and 2mM Zn as ZnSO4) on morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters of caraway (Carum carvi L.). Exposure to different Zn concentrations for 12weeks compromised severely all growth parameters (plant height, number of secondary branches, diameter of primary and secondary branches, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and roots) yield and its components (number of umbels per primary branches and secondary branches; number of umbel per plant; number of seeds per plant; and the weight of 1000 seeds). These manifestations were intimately linked with excessive accumulation of Zn in roots and leaves, alteration of the content of photosynthetic pigments, and extended lipid peroxidation. A manifest increment of proline and soluble sugar content was also observed in response to Zn application. Lipid content in seeds was dropped in Zn-treated plants and the fatty acid profiles were profoundly affected as they were enriched with saturated fatty acids at the expense of unsaturated ones. While improving their oxidative stability as revealed by the reduced values calculated oxidizability and oxidative susceptibility, Zn treatment reduced the lipid nutritional quality of caraway seeds. Moreover, Zn treatment reduced the essential oil yield and its main component carvone while it enhanced the content of its precursor limonene. It also induced alteration of terpene metabolism as revealed in the redirection of the carbon flux to the shikimate/phenylpropanoid pathway resulting in the stimulation of the production of phenolic compounds and their subsequent antioxidant activities.

Effect of Green Compost Processed Organic Fertilizer and Chlorella Microalgae Solution on Growth, Antioxidant and Phenolic Content of Tropaeolum majus under Drought Stress

Environmental stresses, especially drought, are the most important factors in reducing growth of the plant. The effect of processed organic fertilizer of green compost and chlorella microalgae solution on growth, antioxidant properties and some other physiological characteristics of Tropaeolum majus plant under control and drought conditions were investigated. The experiments were performed in pot with a completely randomized design with three replications. Green manure treatment included zero, 5% and 10% by volume of pots. Chlorella microalgae treatment had two levels in terms of zero cells and 368 million cells in each pot. Drought stress was applied based on lack of ten-day and seventeen-day irrigation. After two months, the samples were collected and the relative content of leaf water, fresh weight of aerial parts, phenol content and antioxidant were performed. The results showed that green compost of 10% alone and together with chlorella microalgae significantly reduced the effects of drought stress at 5% level. The use of 5% and 10% of compost with chlorella microalgae significantly increased the growth of the aerial part compared to the control. Microalgae treatments had a more positive effect on antioxidant content and phenol content than green compost in stress and control conditions. Tropaeolum majus plant with chlorella algae treatment with 5 and 10% green compost had the highest amount of proline amino acid under stress.

Growth responses of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) to aluminium and nickel from nanoparticle suspensions and ionic solutions

ABSTRACT We have recently described the fate of gamma-alumina-based nanomaterials containing Ni and non-nanometric Ni on soil from lysimeters. The objectives of the present work were to evaluate the effects of Al and Ni from nanomaterials, aluminas and non-nanometric Ni on seedlings elongation and on tomato plants growth; the quantification of Al and Ni incorporation in seedlings, by neutron activation and a preliminary analysis of nutrient elements present in stems and leaves of plants, by scanning electron microscopy. Non-nanometric Ni inhibited root and hypocotyl elongation in a concentration-dependent manner, while acid alumina and two nanomaterials caused greater elongation of seedlings. Ni and Al incorporation was demonstrated, except for one nanomaterial. In experiments with plants, they were grown in garden soil alone and mixtures also containing soil from Gan Gan, Chubut province, Argentina. The fresh and dry weight of plants aerial parts were significantly lower under treatments in different soil mixtures with Ni(NO3)2.6H2O (190 mg/L) compared to the Control plants (0.33 ± 0.02 vs 0.49 ± 0.10 and 0.005 ± 0.0001 vs 0.007 ± 0.003 g/plant respectively). It was demonstrated that non-nanometric Ni was toxic to the plants. More trials should be carried out to elucidate whether nanomaterials can be related to alterations on nutrient elements and be toxic to tomato plants.

Method of improving the conversion of Cadmium-containing plant biomass energy under the background of soil pollution

Environmental pollution problems have gradually appeared in the sight of human beings, and environmental pollution problems are also deteriorating, especially soil pollution. The discharge of various metal wastewater makes the metal content of some land on the high side. However, in response to this prominent pollution problem, most of the methods of physical repair and chemical repair are now used. However, these two repair methods have some shortcomings. The method of soil pollution phytoremediation is still under further research. The most suitable method for Cadmium-containing plant biomass energy conversion are find by studying phytoremediation methods. This paper mainly studies the growth of rape and sunflower under different levels of Cadmium (Cd) treatment, improves the analysis of plant height, dry weight of roots and aerial parts, chlorophyll and proline content differences under different concentrations, and finds out the effect of Cd on plant growth. Charcoal, Bacillus subtilis, and earthworms are introduced, and their effects on cadmium-containing plants germination rate and biomass energy conversion are analyzed. The experimental results show that when the treatment level of Cd is 0–10 mg/kg, it can promote the growth of rape and sunflower, and then with the increasing concentration of Cd, the plant height, dry weight and chlorophyll of rape and sunflower decreased continuously, but when the Cd concentration is high, these indicators increased more slowly.

Agro-morphological, physiological and biochemical performances of two new durum wheat cultivars under salt stress conditions

Soil salinization requires developing genetically salt-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes, especially in semi-arid and arid regions. In this study, two new Tunisian durum wheat cultivars, INRAT100 and Dhahbi, were tested for the first time in a semi-closed environment against salinity (0, 6 and 12 dS m-1). Dry weight of aerial and root parts, plant height, number of tillers per plant, spike and awn length, grain yield and its components, relative water content, relative membrane permeability, chlorophyll content, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, i.e., initial fluorescence (F0) and the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) accumulation and the ratio K+/Na+ were assessed. Overall, most of growth and yield performance, physiological and biochemical attributes were affected by salinity. Notably, INRAT100 was characterized by a higher K+ content, K+/Na+ ion selectivity, relative water content and Fv/Fm, grain yield and lower membrane permeability than that of Dhahbi under saline conditions. However, Dhahbi exhibited higher spike and awn length and a number of spikelets per spike. These findings suggest that INRAT100 is more tolerant to salinity than Dhahbi and might be recommended to farmers of marginal environments.

Salicylic Acid Foliar Spray Enhanced Silybum marianum Growth and Yield, as Well as Its Chemical Constituents and Chalcone Synthase Gene Activity

Silymarin, a secondary metabolite found mainly in the Silybum marianum L. fruits, has been associated with the hepatoprotective activity of the plant. Among various elicitors, salicylic acid, a “Generally Regarded As Safe” compound recognized by the Food and Drug Administration, is one of those being used in the induction and enhancement of valuable plant secondary metabolite production in various plant species. In this study, two concentrations (10−4 and 10−3 molar) of salicylic acid have been applied to the S. marianum plants as foliar spray to investigate their effects on plant growth and yield, as well as the production of its bioactive compound, silymarin. Our results indicated that both concentrations of salicylic acid increased the plant height, the number of branches, leaves, and capitula, as well as the dried weight of roots, aerial parts, and fruits. The enhancement effects in plant growth and yield were accompanied by an increase in photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll-a, b, and carotenoids as well as element contents such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The potential of salicylic acid as an elicitor for the enhancement of secondary metabolites in S. marianum was supported by the increase in silymarin’s major components, silybin (A + B), in the salicylic acid-treated plants. Concomitant expressions of CHS1, 2, and 3 genes that have been associated with the production of silymarin in S. marianum were also observed in the salicylic acid-treated plants. A lower concentration (10−4 M) of salicylic acid was found to be a better elicitor as compared with the 10−3 M salicylic acid. An increase of 3.4 times in capitula number and fruit dried weight as well as 2.6 times in silybin (A + B) contents were observed in plants sprayed with 10−4 M of salicylic acid as compared with the control.

The growth of summer savory (Satureja hortensis) affected by fertilization and plant growth regulators in temperature stress

Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory) is among the most important medicinal plants, grown in different parts of the world including Iran. The objective was to enhance the morphological properties of different genotypes of summer savory in temperature (warm, mild and cold) stress by fertilization and plant growth regulators (PGRs), as it has not been previously investigated, to our knowledge. The effects of fertilization (F1) (MI, 2 g L−1), and PGRs (sprayed four times during the season) including amino acid (F2) (A, 2 g L−1), gibberellic acid (F3) (GA, 2 mM), and control (F4) (using water) were examined on plant growth. The summer savory genotypes (Khuzestani, Mutika and Bakhtiari) were planted on the 8th of April (13.0 °C), May (20.8 °C), and June (26.0 °C), and a wide range of plant growth parameters were determined. Genotype Mutika was the most responsive one with significantly higher growth under all temperature conditions. Even under the cold stress Mutika root fresh weight was significantly higher than that of the other genotypes. However, fertilization and PGRs significantly increased the fresh weight of aerial part in all genotypes. All treatments significantly increased the flower number in cold stress. MI, compared with the PGRs, significantly increased side stem height, in different temperatures. The highest effects of treatments were observed on root volume, aerial part and total fresh weights, stem height and flower number. It is possible to plant and improve S. hortenesis morphological properties in different climatic conditions using the tested treatments and the appropriate genotype affecting plant physiological metabolisms.

Germination and Agronomic Traits of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Beans Sprayed with Trichoderma Strains and Attacked by Acanthoscelides obtectus

Acanthoscelides obtectus, one of the world’s most important post-harvest pests, attacks wild and cultivated common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Four Trichoderma strains, Trichoderma arundinaceum IBT 40,837 (=Ta37), a wild-type strain producer of trichothecene harzianum A (HA); two transformed strains of Ta37, Ta37-17.139 (Δtri17) and Ta37-23.74 (Δtri23); and T. brevicompactum IBT 40,841 (=Tb41), a wild-type strain producer of the trichothecene trichodermin, were evaluated to determine the effect of these compounds on the virulence of A. obtectus and the effect of these strains on the seed’s capacity of germination and on the agronomic traits of the plants grown from these seeds. Treatments of bean seeds with different Trichoderma strains provided varying survival rates in A. obtectus adults, so life survival of insects after Tb41 strain application was reduced to 15 days. Δtri17 and Tb41 strains sprayed on P. vulgaris beans resulted in low weight losses (1.21 and 1.55%, respectively). In spite of the low germination percentage of beans treated with Δtri23 strain (lower than the germination percentages of the rest of the fungal strains applied), this treatment encouraged a greater Wet Weight of Aerial Part of the plants grown from both damaged and undamaged beans. High germination rates of Ta37 and Δtri17 strains (higher than with the rest of treatments), did not turn into a greater Wet Weight Aerial Part and Wet Weight of Root System in the future plants developed. Linear regression between the number of exit holes and the wet weight aerial part on the one hand, and between the number of exit holes and the wet weight root system on the other, showed interaction, so Δtri23 and Tb41 strains behaved differently in comparison to their respective control treatments. The number of exit holes of beans treated with Δtri23 or Tb41 was negatively correlated with both the wet weight aerial part and the wet weight root system in P. vulgaris plants. Δtri23 sprayed on undamaged beans caused the greatest Wet Weight Aerial Part and wet weight root system in plants. Due to the good results obtained by Δtri23 and Tb41 strains in this work, more studies for A. obtectus control, P. vulgaris plant growth and trichothecenes production by these strains should be explored, in order to advance in the knowledge of how these fungi could be used in the field crop, together with the application of management strategies to mitigate risks for farmers and to minimize environmental contamination.

Physiological response and secondary metabolites of three lavender genotypes under water deficit

Lavandula genus is a considerable medicinal plant in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Considering increasing threat of drought in the world, it is important to identify genotypes which can tolerate drought. It is also important to characterize quantity and quality of essential oils, and tolerance indicators of these genotypes against drought stress. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran, during 2017 and 2018, to investigate these factors. It was a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with two treatments, three genotypes (Lavandula angustifolia cv. Hidcote, Lavandula angustifolia cv. Munstead, and Lavandula stricta), and four levels of drought stress (irrigation regimes) (I1: 100–90% (control), I2: 80–70%, I3: 60–50% and I4: 30–40% of field capacity) which was done with three repetitions. Drought increased amount of proline in leaves, antioxidant activity, activity of catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide enzymes, malondialdehyde content, total flavonoids, total phenol, total sugar and essential oil percentage. The PCA analysis of different irrigation regimes showed that in the first component, the best traits are antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, APX, while in the second component, only the trait Catalase is the best trait. The results of PCA analysis in lavender genotypes showed that L. stricta exhibits the most affected physiological changes while trying to adjust to changes in the water status of the environment, under the imposed conditions and shows the highest resistance. But it reduced dry weight of aerial parts, relative water content of leaves, and efficacy of essential oil. Lavandula stricta genotype had the highest amount of essential oil, but the highest dry weight of the aerial parts and essential oil yield were related to L. angustifolia cv. Hidcote and L. angustifolia cv. Munstead genotypes. In all evaluated genotypes, with increasing drought stress, monoterpene compounds were decreased and sesquiterpene compounds were increased. Totally it was shown that drought effect on evaluated traits depends on genotype and nature of traits; this indicates that by choosing drought-tolerant genotypes in breeding programs, high quantity and quality of essential oil, as well as tolerance to drought stress can be achieved.

Change in growth and biochemical characteristics and nutrient uptake of sage medicinal plant in response to different levels of nitrogen

To study the effect of different levels of nitrogen (0, 70, 140, and 210 mg/L) on growth, some biochemical characteristics and nutrient uptake (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium( of sage under hydroponic conditions, a greenhouse experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with four replications in greenhouse research of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2019. The mean comparison results showed that, with increasing nitrogen levels, the plant's growth characteristics increased which 210 mg/L N level compared with no N application caused to decrease by 54.19%, 72.59%. 39.49%, 82.52%, 51.42%, 72.20%, 71.46%, 95.17%, 90.31%, 95.82%, 92.30%, and 83.46% of stem diameter, number of branches, number of nodes, number of leaves, intermediate length, leaf length, leaf width, stem fresh and dry weight, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and the ratio of the dry weight of aerial part to dry weight of root, respectively. Application of 210 mg/L nitrogen increased the RWC, proline, and essential oil content by 9.57%, 266.6%, and 14.87%, respectively, and decreased 30.45% and 51.51% electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde compared with the nitrogen omission. Also, at the lowest N level N, P, and K content were decreased by 56.89%, 85.13%, and 32.65%, respectively compared with the highest N level. This experiment showed that different N levels can result in different effects on the growth and essential oil content of sage. In this study, the results have shown that the application of 210 mg/L N had the greatest effect on improving the studied traits in sage and its use could be recommended.

Effects of magnetic irrigation water treatment on growth and yield characteristics of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. under water deficit stress

Water deficit is one of the most important challenges for the agriculture, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world.Due to the high potential of some medicinal plants for cultivation under environmental stresses, cultivation of these plants in the low-yield fields can be considered. Therefore, to reduce the negative effects of water deficit on the growth of Hibiscus sabdariffa L., a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of agriculture faculty, Birjand University in 2017. The experimental treatments included the amount of irrigation water at four levels (100, 80, 60, and 40% of the field capacity) and irrigation treatment with magnetic water at three levels (non-magnetic water (control), magnetized water with one, and two times passing through the magnetic field). The results showed that the effects of irrigation water amount treatments on the all measured traits and magnetic irrigation treatments on the all traits except leaf number were significant. Also, the interaction effects of irrigation water amount × magnetic irrigation treatments were significant on the plant height, number of bolls per plant, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts, dry weight of roots, and dry weight of sepals. Reducing the amount of irrigation water from 100 to 40% of field capacity caused a decrease in the spade number, stem diameter, number of leaves, and fresh root weight by 34.7%, 23%, 40.6%, and 27.6%, respectively. The mean comparison of interaction effects of irrigation water amount × magnetic irrigation treatments showed that irrigation with double-magnetized water improved all the traits compared to the irrigation with non-magnetic water. Therefore, it seems that the application of magnetic irrigation can be considered as one of the strategies to reduce the negative effects of water deficit.

Physiological quality of parsley seeds in function of size

Parsley seeds are commercialized without classification by size during processing, unlike other crops. This classification procedure allows the standardization of seed size for high precision in sowing, disposal of unwanted material, and selection of high quality seeds. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of seed size on germination, vigor, and yield performance of two parsley cultivars. Seeds from eight lots of parsley of ‘Portuguesa’ and ‘Chacareira’ cultivar were separated into three size classes, represented by the seeds retained in the sieves of 0.84, 1.00 and 1.41mm mesh opening. After classification, seeds were evaluated in the laboratory for water content, germination percentage, first count, and thousand seed weight. In the field, the fresh and dry weight of aerial part and the final number of plants (stand) were evaluated after 78 days of sowing. The experimental design was the completely randomized design in an 8 x 3 factorial scheme (eight lots and three sieve opening) with four replicates, for both cultivars. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared using Tukey test at 5% probability level. It was concluded that the parsley seeds separated by the 1.41 mm sieves showed higher vigor, and consequently, greater success in stand establishment at the field than those separated by other sieve size. The use of sieves in the classification of parsley seeds helps in obtaining lots with superior physiological quality.

Effect of phospho-compost and phosphate laundered sludge combined or not with endomycorrhizal inoculum on the growth and yield of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions

The study aims to evaluate the effect of endomycorrhizal inoculum (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), phospho-compost and phosphate sludge in single (M, PC, PS) or dual combinations (PC+M, PS+M, PS+PC) compared to agricultural and Mamora soils (A and S) on the growth, flowering, and yield of tomato plants. Among the studied treatments, the substrates containing 5% of phospho-compost combined with endomycorrhizal inoculum (PC+M) gave the most positive effect followed by phospho-compost (PC) and endomycorrhizal inoculum (M). In response to PC+M substrate, tomato plant height, the number of leaves and flowers attained 90 cm, 30, and 25, respectively. In substrates PC and M, tomato plants showed a height of 85 and 75 cm, leaves number of 30 and 19 leave/plant and number of flowers of 21, and 19 flower/plant. An optimal yield with (12 fruits/plant) was recorded in tomato plants grown on the substrate amended with bio-inoculant (AMF) and phospho-compost at a rate of 5%. In terms of qualitative parameters, the highest fresh and dry weight of aerial plant parts and root system were recorded in tomato plants grown in culture substrate incorporating 10 g of endomycorrhizal inoculum and 5% of phospho-compost reaching respectively103.4 g, 34 g 90.1 g, 28.9 g as compared to 87, 51, 23 and 24.1 g noted by tomato plants on the substrate with phospho-compost (5%) (PC). The highest mycorrhization parameters (frequency (F), intensity of mycorrhization (M), average arbuscular content (A), average vesicular content (V), average intraradicular spore content (S)) were found in the roots of tomato plants growing on substrates amended with 5% phospho-compost plus 10 g of endomycorrhizal inoculum, with percentages of 100% F, 61% M, 40.67% A, 18.36% V, and 56.9% S.