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Showing 17 results for Antioxidant
Effect of different substrates on quantitative and qualitative traits of three pepper cultivars in soilless culture
T. Shabani, Gh. Peyvast, J. Olfati,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (7-2011)
Abstract
Abstract In order to determine the effect of different substrates on the yield and quality of three pepper cultivars in a pot and tube culture, an investigation was conducted in a greenhouse in Sarkhoon, Bandar-Abbas in 2010. Different substrates including palm waste (100%), peat (100%), palm waste + peat (50:50 V/V), palm waste + peat (25:75 V/V) and waste palm + peat (75:25 V/V) and three cultivars of Rapido (yellow), Roxcy (red) and California wonder (green) were used in a completely randomized experimental design as a factorial experiment with three replications. The results showed that the highest fruit weight, length, diameter and volume, fruit dry matter, total acidity, carotenoids, soluble solids and pH was achieved from Roxcy cultivar, while the highest plant height was related to the Rapido cultivar. None of the traits, except plant height, leaf and root dry matter and total phenol content, were influenced by the substrates. According to the obtained results, palm waste is recommended as a complete or partial substitution for peat substrate in soilless culture.
Effect of silicon nutrition on alleviating cadmium toxicity-induced damage on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) at vegetative stage
S. Khodarahmi, A.h. Khoshgoftarmanesh, M. Mobli,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (11-2012)
Abstract
Silicon (Si) is a beneficial nutrient for growth of crops such as cucumber. It seems that Si improves antioxidant capacity of plants and reduces damages induced by environmental stresses and metal toxicity. This research aimed to investigate the interaction of Si and cadmium (Cd) on growth, dry matter yield and catalase (CAT) activity, as an antioxidant enzyme, in cucumber. This hydroponic experiment was carried out at the greenhouse of Soilless Culture Research Centre, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, and was set up in a completely randomized factorial design in triplicates. Treatments consisted of two Cd levels (0 and 5 µM), two Si levels (0 and 1 mM) and two cucumber cultivars (greenhouse cultivar called Negin and field cultivar called Super Dominus). Cadmium had no significant effect on the fresh and dry weight of shoots in both studied cucumber cultivars, while significantly decreased the root fresh and dry weights. Effect of Si on shoot dry weight differed in cultivars. Si nutrition significantly increased shoot dry weight of Super Dominus cultivar, but was not effective on shoot dry weight of Negin cultivar. Catalase activity was affected by the presence of Si and Cd, such that Cd reduced the activity of CAT in both cucumber cultivars. In contrast, CAT activity in Negin cultivar was increased by addition of Si to the nutrient solution. It seems that addition of Si to cucumber growth media can improve antioxidant capacity of plant under Cd toxicity, although this effect is cultivar-dependent.
Effect of drought stress on photosynthetic characteristics, phenolic compounds and radical scavenging activities in different chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes in hydroponic conditions
Zare Mehrjerdi, Bagheri, Bahrami, Bahrami, Massomi,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (2-2013)
Abstract
Low photosynthetic rate is a major reason for yield reduction in drought-stress conditions. Therefore, a study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of drought stress on gas exchange, chlorophyll florescence, photosynthetic pigments, membrane stability, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of leaves and their association with drought tolerance in 12 chickpea genotypes, which were stressed for two weeks. The split-plots experiment was conducted as a complete randomized blocks design with three replications. Drought stress (-3 and -6 bar) was the main plot and chickpea genotypes were the subplots, respectively. The results showed that with increasing drought stress, the photosynthetic rate, evapotranspiration, water use efficiency, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total phenols and membrane stability index were significantly reduced. In contrast, drought stress did not impose any significant effect on quantum yield of photosystem II and radical scavenging activities of leaves. Genotypes varied widely in different studied traits. MCC753 genotype had the highest photosynthesis rate, evapotranspiration, chlorophyll b, and membrane stability index, MCC783 genotype had the highest water use efficiency, MCC759 genotype had the highest total phenols in leaves and MCC760 genotype had the highest radical scavenging activities. There was a positive significant correlation between photosynthesis and evapotranspiration with relative leaf water content and dry matter. In general, drought stress can reduce photosynthesis in chickpea genotypes, directly by reducing stomatal conductance and indirectly by oxidative stress and degradation of photosynthetic pigments and cell membrane. In this experiment, reduced stomatal conductance at more than five µm/m2 photosynthetic rate and reduced membrane stability and degradation of chlorophyll at less than this range led to effective reduction in photosynthetic rate.
Effects of drought stress on some biochemical indices of four groundcovers (Lolium perenne, Potentilla spp, Trifolium repens and Frankenia spp) with potential usage in landscape
E. Samieiani, H. Ansari, M. Azizi, S. M. Hashemi-Nia, Y. Salahvarzi,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (10-2013)
Abstract
Nowadays, stress management is considered to be very important in landscapes. The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of regulated deficit irrigation at 4 levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of lawn irrigation requirement) on some biochemical indices of four groundcover plants (Lolium perenne, Potentilla spp, Trifolium repens and Frankinia spp) to be used in landscapes, with 3 replications. Results showed that Frankinia spp had the highest proline content (0.84 mg/g fresh weight) and the lowest chlorophyll content (15.9 mg/g fresh weight), the 75% stress treatment had the highest proline content (0.84 mg/g fresh weight) and control treatment had the highest chlorophyll content (32.6 mg/g fresh weight). For total carbohydrates, the highest and the lowest amounts (1.54 and 0.79 mg/g fresh weight) belong to Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens, respectively. Also, among the species, Trifolium repens showed the highest antioxidant activity (75.05%). In general, regulated deficit irrigation affected different biochemical characteristics of the examined groundcover plants significantly. But, applying it up to the damaging point for landscape plants can be an important management strategy for reduction of water consumption in green spaces.
Application of vermicompost for reducing the destructive effects of salinity stress on tall fescue turfgrass (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ‘Queen’)
N. Adamipour, M. B. Heiderianpour, M. Zarei,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract

Salt problems are of great concern in arid and semi-arid regions and can severely limit plant growth and yield. Vermicomposts have high porosity, aeration, drainage, and water-holding capacity and contain nutrients in forms readily taken up by plants. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of different rates of vermicompost (0, 100, 200 and 300 g), mixed with farm soil, on catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes and some of the morphological traits of Festuca arundinacea cv Queen, under salinity stress (0, 3, 6 and 12 dS/m) conditions. Results showed that the highest activities of CAT (50.47 Ug/FW) and APX (715.53 Ug/FW) was obtained at NaCl concentrations of 12 dS/m with 300 g vermicompost. The highest values of leaf area (10.41 cm2), shoot length (28 cm) and dry shoot weight (46.07 g) were obtained when plants were grown in soil with 300 g vermicompost. The present findings revealed that salinity (NaCl) and application of vermicompost triggered an antioxidant response in Festuca arundinacea. Therefore, application of vermicompost not only can increase plant growth and anti-oxidant enzymes activity, but also could be an effective solution to reduce the effects of high concentrations of sodium chloride on growth of Festuca arundinacea cv Queen in saline soils.


The effect of different ratios of peat and perlite on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Aloe vera grown in hydroponic system
F. Salighehdar, A. R. Safari, A. Molaahmad Nalousi, S. Avestan,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract

Aloe vera is one of the most popular ornamental plants that is widely used in production of medicines and cosmetics. To investigate the effect of different ratios of peat and perlite on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Aloe vera, a split-plot experiment, arranged as completely randomized design, with five substrates (peat, peat and perlite (1:3 v/v), peat and perlite (1:1 v/v), peat and perlite (3:1 v/v) and perlite, (main plots)) at five different times (sub-plots) was conducted. Results showed that adding perlite to peat substrate increased the growth rate and quantitative and qualitative indices of A. vera. Maximum amount of antioxidants, total phenols, aloin and dry weight of plants were observed in peat and perlite substrate (3:1 v/v). But, maximum number of leaves, plant height, number of shoots, root weight, leaf weight, total weight, gel weight and dry weight of leaves were observed in plants grown in peat and perlite substrate (1:1 v/v). Based on these results, the peat and perlite substrate (1:1 and 3:1 v/v) could be recommended to increase quantitative and qualitative indices of Aloe vera.


Study of enzymatic activity and proline change in potted mini carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) flowers under ethylene stress
M. Karimi,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11-2016)
Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the role of ethylene stress, ethylene inhibitors and action treatments on longevity of potted-carnation flowers. For this purpose, first, potted-carnation flowers were pretreated with different concentrations of amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA), benzyladenine (BA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Then, ethephon (as stress treatment) was sprayed on the pretreated flowers. Results showed that the lowest longevity of carnation flowers (5 and 6 days, respectively) in both studied cultivars (‘Silver pink’ and ‘Lilac on purple’) was related to 30 mg/L ethephon. Maximum flower longevity (11.5 days) was related to ‘Lilac on purple’ cultivar. The 0.6 µL/L of 1-MCP treatment, in both cultivars, was the most effective treatment in inhibition of ethephon on reduction of flowers longevity. Also, the lowest amount of ethylene production and the highest enzyme activity was observed when the flowers were pretreated by 0.6 µL/L of 1-MCP before the stress is applied. The highest proline accumulation was related to 30 mg/L ethephon treatment. Maximum α-amylase activity occurred in 30 mg/L ethephon, 10 and 20 mg/L BA and 50 mg/L AOA pretreatments.


Effect of silicon on increasing plant tolerance to oxidative stress by powdery mildew in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo, var. styriaca)
A. Mohammadkhani, P. Mohaghegh, A. A. Fadaei Tehrani,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11-2016)
Abstract

Silicon (Si) can protect some plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. In this research, effects of three exogenous Si levels (0, 0.85 and 1.7 mM) on growth, lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase activity, proline content, H2O2 accumulation, and activity of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) under powdery mildew disease stress by Sphaerotheca fuliginea on pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo, var. styriaca), under hydroponic conditions, were investigated. The results revealed that effect of Si in reduction of powdery mildew was significant (P≤ 0.05) and application of 1.7 mM of this element decreased the severity of disease symptoms up to 35%. Increasing the Si concentration in the nutrients solution elevated the amount of this element in roots and shoots of pumpkin plants. The concentration of H2O2, lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase activity were increased by disease stress. But these parameters were decreased with application of Si. The activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants was significantly enhanced (P≤ 0.05) by the application of Si. Based on the present work, it can be concluded that concentration level of 1.7 mM Si was more effective than the other two treatments in alleviating disease stress, which could be related to the effect of this element on prevention of membrane lipid-oxidation.


Interaction effects of lead and salicylic acid on some quantitative and qualitative growth parameters and antioxidant enzymes of basil
A. Padash, A. Ghanbari, M. R. Asgharipour,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (11-2016)
Abstract

Nowadays, phenolic compounds and plant growth regulators such as salicylic acid has been prescribed to reduce the adverse effects of different stresses. This greenhouse experiment was conducted in 2013, as a factorial randomized complete block design with 3 replications, to examine the effects of lead and salicylic acid on basil (Ocimum basilicum) plant, cv. Keshkeni Luvelou. Factors included 4 levels of lead [0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of soil] and foliar application of salicylic acid at 3 levels [0 (control), 50 and 100 ml/L]. Results showed that addition of lead significantly reduced leaf area, number of leaves, plant hight, fluorescence and chlorophyll content of the plants and increased proline, soluble carbohydrates and guaiacol and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes.  In addition, salicilic acid spraying had significant (P≤0.01) influence on all traits. Spraying salysilic acid at concentration of 100 ml/L at the fourth level of lead (300 mg/kg soil) decreased guaiacol, ascorbate peroxidase and soluble carbohydrates by 78.6, 73.8 and 24.3%, respectively, compared to the control. In this study, the interaction between salicylic acid and lead on leaf area, plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, fluorescence, proline, soluble carbohydrates, guaiacol and ascorbate peroxidase was significant. In general, the results of this experiment suggested that salicilic acid plays a moderating role, reducing the negative effects of lead toxicity on the studied traits of basil.


Morpho-physiological and quality attributes of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) cut flower under inoculated substrate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soilless system
Kh. Ghaderi, M. J. Nazarideljou,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
This study was arranged to evaluate the effects of perlite-cocofibre substrate inoculation as the most prevalent media in gerbera soilless cultivation with two important arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF: Glomus intradices and Glomus mossea) on morphological, physiological and quality attributes of gerbera cut flower. Results showed the positive symbiosis between AMF and gerbera ('Stanza'), and consequently significant effects on morphological parameters such as leaf and flower number per plant, plant dry weight and physiological and biochemical parameters including stomatal conductance, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes activity, soluable sugar and proline content. Also, flower quality indices including flowering-stem height, flower diameter and flower vase life were significantly affected by symbiosis of AMF. Based on the comparison of the meanss, except proline content and soluble sugars, the effects of both AMF spicies were similar on the measured parameters. As compared to control plants (without inoculation), substrate inoculated with both Glomus mosseae and Glomus intradices showed 16.33% and 19.09% more flowers were harvested per plant (yield) and 4 days higher flower longevity, respectively. Based on the results, inoculation of growth media with AMF had positive symbiosis effects and consequently, led to remarkable increasing of growth, yield and quality. Aaccordingly, application of AMF in soilless culture and especially supplemental experiments to assess nutrient use efficiency to achieve balanced nutrient and optimum using of mineral fertilizers in soilless systems could be recommend.

The Effect of UV-C Irradiation on Rot Control and Postharvest Quality of Greenhouse Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Newton)
A. Khaleghi, E. Dadbin, A. Asghari Marjanlou,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (10-2019)
Abstract
Tomato is one of the most important horticultural crops that is corruptible and susceptible to microbial contamination. In this study, the effect of UV-C at five different irradiation intensities (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 kJ/m2) on rot control and postharvest quality of greenhouse tomato was investigated. Tomato (cv. Newton) fruits were harvested from a commercial greenhouse at vine-ripe stage and after treatment, were stored at 10 °C and relative humidity of 85-90%. Qualitative characteristics of the fruits such as decay rate, firmness, vitamin C, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ripening index, weight loss and color (L*, a*, b*, Hue and Chroma) were evaluated after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of cold storage. Results showed that vitamin C, firmness and color values were decreased; while weight loss percentage and decay rate were increased during the storage period. UV-C treatments did not have significant effect on traits of color, ripening index, weight loss percentage, firmness and pH. But the fruits treated with UV-C at 6 kJ/m2 dose had low decay rate as compared to control. The highest vitamin C content was obtained in treated fruits with 12 kJ/m2 of UV-C on twenty-first day of storage. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity were decreased in high doses of UV-C treatment. According to the results, it can be concluded that UV-C treatment of tomato fruits at vine-ripe stage, at its optimal doses, can reduce fruit decay and maintain or increase its antioxidant capacity, including vitamin C.

The Effect of Foliar Spraying TiO2 Nanoparticles on Biochemical Responses, Growth, Yield and Essential Oil Content of Ajowan (Carum copticum) under Salinity Stress
R. Amooaghaie, M. Majidi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2021)
Abstract
Salinity is one of the most common abiotic stresses that affects growth and secondary metabolism in medicinal plants. In this study, the effects of two times foliar application of nano titanium dioxide on some agronomic traits of ajowan (Carum copticum) under salinity stress was investigated in a pot experiment. This study was conducted as a factorial experiment with completely randomized design and three replications. The factors included three levels of salinity (0, 50, and 100 mg L-1) and 5 concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg L-1). Salinity treatments were implemented by adding NaCl to irrigation water of pots containing clay soil three times per week. The results showed that long-term irrigation with slightly saline water significantly decreased dry matter yield, height, total chlorophyll, weight of 100 seeds, number of seeds per plant, and seed yield and increased lipid peroxidation and the activities of catalase ( CAT ) and peroxidase (POX). Impact of 50 mg L-1 salt was not significant on essential oil percentage and essence yield; but 100 mg L-1 salt significantly (33.1%) decreased essential oil content. Foliar spraying of plants with 20 and 40 mg L-1 nano titanium dioxide had the most positive impact on growth and seed yield and significantly lowered lipid peroxidation via enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes under salt stress. Foliar spraying with 40 mg L-1 nano titanium dioxide significantly improved essential oil concentration (43.3%) and total essential oil yield (59.7%) under 100 mg L-1 salinity condition. The effect of foliar spraying with 80 mg L-1 nano titanium dioxide on some of the measured attributes was less than the impact of applying 20 and 40 mg L-1 nano titanium dioxide. These results suggest that foliar application of nano titanium dioxide with appropriate concentration improves salt tolerance, seed yield and essential oil content in ajowan.

Alleviation of Salinity Effect on Almond by Foliar Spray of Hydrogen Sulfide
L. Cheheltanan, B. Baninasab, M. Gholami,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that severely affect the yield and quality of plants. The use of hydrogen sulfide in low concentrations increases tolerance to various stresses, including salinity in plants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on reducing the damage to almond rootstock under salinity stress. The experiment was performed as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments included four levels of salinity (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl) and four concentrations of H2S (0, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 mM). Results showed that salinity stress, especially at a concentration of 90 mM NaCl caused a significant decrease in stem height, relative chlorophyll and leaf relative water content and a significant increase in injury rating value, electrolyte leakage, proline and sodium concentrations of root and shoot, activities of catalase and peroxidase of leaf. However, H2S at concentrations of 0.10 and 0.15 mM improved plant growth with a decrease in electrolyte leakage and sodium concentration of root, and a significant increase in proline, relative chlorophyll and antioxidant enzyme activity ameliorated the negative effect of salinity stress and improved plant growth.

The Effect of Magnetization of Saline Water on Shoot Biomass, Chlorophyll Content, Total Phenol and Antioxidant Activity in Meadow Sage (Salvia virgata Jacq.)
M. Khosrojerdi, M. Moghaddam,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of magnetized saline water on Meadow sage, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in greenhouse conditions in 2021 at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Based on the findings, the salinity (0, 30, and 90 mM of sodium chloride, respectively equivalent to electrical conductivity values of 0, 2.5, 5.25, and 7.88 dS/m) caused a decrease in leaf area, fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, chlorophyll content and increased specific leaf weight, total phenol, and antioxidant activity. The application of magnetic water (non-magnetic water, 0.6 Tesla half an hour, 0.6 Tesla once, 0.3 Tesla half an hour, and 0.3 Tesla once) reduced the effects of salinity stress on the studied traits. In general, the use of magnetic water increased the fresh weight of the shoot by 34%, the dry weight of the shoot by 45%, the leaf area by 20%, chlorophyll b by 20%, chlorophyll a by 55%, total chlorophyll by 47%, total phenolics by 158%, and antioxidant activity by 12%. According to the obtained results, as the intensity and duration of saltwater magnetization increase, the ability of magnetized water to reduce the destructive effects of salinity increases. The results showed that at high salinity levels, the field intensity of 0.6 Tesla half an hour increases the plant's tolerance to salinity stress. Saltwater magnetization technology might be a promising technique in agriculture, which, of course, needs more extensive studies.

Background and Objective: Plants may experience various stresses during their growth and development. Among these, salinity stress is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth. Salinity affects plant growth due to increased soil osmotic pressure and nutritional disorders and reduces plants' ability to access water (2). Due to the negative effects of salinity stress on plants, different solutions such as maintaining the quantity and quality of irrigation water have been proposed. One of the new methods for improving the irrigation efficiency is the passage of irrigation water through a magnetic field. By crossing water through a magnetic field, its physical and chemical properties might be improved (1). This study aimed to investigate the effect of magnetic saline water on the growth and physiological traits of Salvia virgata.

Methods: This study was conducted in 2021 in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Experimental treatments included magnetic water intensities at five levels (non-magnetic water, 0.6 Tesla half an hour, 0.6 Tesla once passed, 0.3 Tesla half an hour, and 0.3 Tesla once passed) and four salinity levels (0, 30, 60, and 90 mM NaCl). In early February, seedlings were planted in a tray with cocopeat and perlite (1:2 volumetric ratio). Then four seedlings were transferred to each pot in the four-leaf stage. Salinity and magnetic water treatments were done in such a way that the water content of the pot reaches the container capacity. After 40 days of applying the treatments, the traits were measured. The studied traits included: leaf area per plant, leaf specific weight, fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of shoot, chlorophyll content, antioxidant activity, and total phenol.

Results: The mean comparison results showed that with the increase in salinity, the biomass of shoot and leaf surface decreased and the use of magnetic water improved the traits. In addition, salinity affected the content of chlorophyll, total phenol, and antioxidant activity. The use of magnetic water improved growth traits in Salvia virgata under NaCl stress. Based on the findings, the magnetic water reduced the destructive effects of salinity on the studied traits. The application of magnetic water with two intensities of 0.6 and 0.3 Tesla for half an hour was more effective than other intensities in reducing the stress effects on the growth traits in all three salinity levels. Also, magnetic water with an intensity of 0.3 Tesla for half an hour and one pass at salinity levels of 30 and 60 mM had a greater influence in reducing the effects of salinity on the chlorophyll content, total phenol, and antioxidant activity. In general, the greater the intensity and duration of magnetization of saline irrigation water, the greater was the ability of magnetic water to reduce the destructive effects of salinity stress.

Conclusions: Based on the results, the positive effect of magnetic water under salinity stress on improving developmental and physiological traits of Salvia virgata Jacq. was observed in this study. Negative effects of salinity on plant growth and physiological characteristics were also observed. The application of magnetic water had different effects on the studied traits. In most cases, intensities of 0.6 and 0.3 Tesla half an hour later were the most effective intensities to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress on sage. In addition, magnetic water helped plants resist salinity stress and reduce the harmful effects of salinity. It is concluded that the use of magnetic water can reduce the harmful effects of salinity and also improve the yield of Salvia virgata by improving growth traits.

References:
1. Machado, R.M.A., Serralheiro, R.P., 2017. Soil salinity: Effect on vegetable crop growth. Management practices to prevent and mitigate soil salinization. Horticulture 30(2): 1–13.
2. Mohammadian, M., Fatahi, R.A., Nouri Emamzadei, M.R., 2016. Investigation the effect of magnetic salt water on yield and yield components of green pepper. Irrigation Sciences and Engineering 39(1): 121–130. (In Persian with English abstract)

 
The Changes of Physiological and Phytochemical Traits of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-groecum) in Response to Inoculation With Different Species of Mycorrhizal Fungi
Sh. Ghoroori, M. Moghadam, N. Farhadi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
To investigate the effect of ten species of mycorrhizal fungi belonging to seven different genera (Racocetra, Rhizophagus, Claroideoglomus, Funneliformis, Diversispora, Acaulospora and Gigaspora) on some growth and biochemical traits of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-groecum), a pot experiment based on a completely randomized design was conducted in the research greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The changes of biomass, number and length of pods, weight of 1000 seeds, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, soluble carbohydrates, total protein, and antioxidant capacity in fenugreek plants in response to mycorrhizal inoculation were studied. The results of variance analysis of the data showed that the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on all studied traits was significant at the probability level of 1%. Based on the findings, the response of fenugreek plant to inoculation with different species of mycorrhizal fungi was variable. Inoculation with suitable species of mycorrhizal fungi through improving the growth condition and biochemical traits of treated plants increased the fenugreek growth based on plant fresh and dry weights. In the present study, mycorrhizal species, especially R. castanea, A. langula, R. intraradicese, and G. margarita enhanced the amount of chlorophyll and the activities of antioxidant enzymes of inoculated fenugreek plant compared to the control, which was accompanied by increasing the plant growth in terms of fresh and dry weights in these treatments. According to the obtained results, inoculation of fenugreek plant with C. claroideum, R. castanea, A. langula, G. margarita, R. fasciculatus, and F. caledonium fungi can be suggested as a suitable alternative for chemical fertilizers to increase the yield of this plant.

Background and Objective: In sustainable agriculture, organic and low input cultivation systems are the most important factors and the application of biofertilizers to reduce chemical fertilizers usage is the main step (1). Biofertilizers can improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and with minimum negative effects on the environment, could increase soil fertility (2). The application of useful microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi as an important biofertilizer plays a key role in water and nutrient supply for plants (3). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect inoculation with different mycorrhizal species on the growth and biochemical traits of fenugreek.

Methods: A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the inoculation effect of different species of mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum) based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2020-2021. The treatments included 10 species of mycorrhizal fungi Glomus mosseae, Glomus etunicatum, Glomus claroideum, Glomus caledonium, Glomus interaradices, Glomus fasiculatum, Acaulospora langula, Scutellospora castanea, Glomus versiforme, Gigaspora margarit and non-inoculation (control). The studied traits included plant fresh and dry weights, number of pods, 1000-seeds weight, photosynthesis pigments, soluble carbohydrate, total phenol, flavonoids, total protein, and antioxidant activity. Minitab17 software was used to analyze the data and the mean comparison was performed based on Bonferoni test at 1% probability level.

Results: The results of variance analysis showed that the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on all studied traits was significant at the 1% probability level. According to the obtained results, the response of fenugreek to inoculation depended on the mycorrhizal fungi species. Among the studied mycorrhizal species, the S. castanea had the greatest effect on improving the plant biomass and photosynthesis pigments. The highest pod number and 1000-seeds weight were obtained in the plants inoculated with G. claroideum. In the plants inoculated with F. mosseae and C. claroideum, the total phenolic compounds were higher than in the other treatments. Also, the highest activities of guaiacol peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were recorded in the plants treated with R. fasciculatus.

Conclusions: Inoculation with appropriate species of mycorrhizal fungi could effectively increase the growth and biomass of fenugreek by improving the plant physiological traits. According to the results of this study, inoculation of fenugreek with C. claroideum, R. castanea, A. langula, G. margarita, R. fasciculatus, and F. caledonium can be suggested as a suitable alternative for chemical fertilizers to increase the yield of fenugreek under the greenhouse conditions.

References:
1. Rahimi, A., Dovlati, B., Amirnia, R., Heydarzade, S., 2019. Effect of application of mycorrhizal fungus and Azotobacter on physiological characteristics of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. under water stress conditions. Iranian Journal of Plant Biology 11(4): 1-18. (In Persian with English abstract)
2. Rezazadeh Roghani, Sh., Aminian, R., Maffakheri, S., Asghari, B., 2019. The effect of biological fertilizers on the morphological traits of fenugreek (Terigonella foenum.graecum) in different humidity conditions. Horticultural Plant Nutrition 2(1): 145-163. (In Persian with English abstract)
3. Siavash Moghadam, S., Rahimi, A., Heydarzadeh, S., Moradzadeh, S., Hasanlu, M., 2017. The effect of mycorrhizal fungus symbiosis on the yield and biochemical characteristics of the medicinal plant fenugreek. Biotechnology of Medicinal Plants 3(1): 40-52. (In Persian with English abstract)
Comparison of Yield and Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Two Strawberry Cultivars Under Two Hydroponics Culture Systems
B. Baran Sheikhmazari, H. Hassanpour, P. Noruzi, S. Nojavan,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Abstract
Due to the limitations of water resources and poor soil quality, the use of modern and high-quality solutions is necessary to produce agricultural products with better quality. One of the effective methods for achieving this goal is the production and cultivation of plants by hydroponic methods. This study was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized design with the aim of investigating the effect of hydroponic cultivation systems [drip system and deep flow technology (DFT)] as the first factor on the quality and yield of two strawberry cultivars (Albion, Sabrina) as the second factor with four replications. The results showed that Sabrina had the highest fruit length and width in the drip system. Also, the highest fruit weight and yield were observed in the Sabrina cultivar under the drip irrigation system. The highest titratable acidity content was observed in Sabrina cultivar under the drip system and the highest contents of total soluble solids, total phenol and total flavonoid were recorded in the DFT system. Besides, the highest total anthocyanin content was revealed in the Albion cultivar under the drip system. In general, the results of the present study showed that most of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of strawberry fruits were affected by the cultivation system type and the yield and fruit quality of strawberries were higher in the drip system compared to the DFT system. It can be also concluded that Sabrina had the highest biochemical properties under the drip system.

Background and Objective: By adjusting the concentration of the nutrient solution, hydroponic cultivation allows farmers to control and regulate the nutrients available to the plant (Keutgen and Pawelzik, 2007). In hydroponic culture systems (water culture), plants are grown in an environment other than soil in order to reach the maximum density of cultivation, improve performance, save water and nutrients, and reduce soil pollution (Rounaghi and Maftoon, 2006). Samec et al. (2016) reported that the variety had a significant effect on the quality characteristics of strawberries and Albion cultivar had the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) contents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cultivation system type on the quality and yield of two strawberry cultivars (Sabrina and Albion) grown in hydroponic.

Methods: Sabrina and Albion strawberry transplants were obtained from a commercial greenhouse located in Urmia city and kept for 240 hours in a cold room (for chilling) at a temperature of 4 °C. Some traits such as length, width, weight and yield of fruits, pH, TSS, TA, antioxidant activity, total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were evaluated. To evaluate total phenol, the method of Du et al. (2009) was performed with a slight modification. The method of Shin et al. (2014) with a slight modification was followed to measure the total flavonoid. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the DPPH free radical method.

Results: The results showed that the cultivation system type affected the length, width, weight and yield of fruits. Based on the results of variance analysis, the cultivation system had a significant effect on total phenol, total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents at p < 0.05. The results showed that Sabrina had the highest fruit length and width in the drip system. Also, the highest fruit weight and yield were observed in the Sabrina cultivar under the drip irrigation system. The highest titratable acidity content was observed in Sabrina cultivar under the drip system and the highest contents of total soluble solids, total phenol and total flavonoid were recorded in the DFT system. Besides, the highest total anthocyanin content was revealed in the Albion cultivar under the drip system.

Conclusions: The results showed that the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberry fruits were affected by the type of cultivar and cultivation system. Tthe highest amount of strawberry fruit quantitative index (i.e., fruit length, width, weight and yield) was observed in the cultivar Sabrina grown under the drip system. In general, the obtained results showed that most of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberry fruit were affected by the cultivation system and Sabrina had the highest biochemical properties under the drip system.

References:
1. Du, G., Li, M., Ma, F., Liang, D., 2009. Antioxidant capacity and the relationship with polyphenol and vitamin C in Actinidia fruits. Food Chem. 113(2), 557–562.
2. Keutgen, A.J., Pawelzik, E., 2007. Cultivar-dependent cell walls modification of strawberry fruit under NaCl salinity stress. J. Agr. Food Chem. 55(18), 7580–7585. ‏
3. Rounaghi, A., Maftoon, M., 2006. Hydroponic, First ed., Shiraz University Publishing Center, Shiraz.
4. Šamec, D., Maretić, M., Lugarić, I., Mešić, A., Salopek-Sondi, B., Duralija, B., 2016. Assessment of the differences in the physical, chemical and phytochemical properties of four strawberry cultivars using principal component analysis. Food Chem. 194, 828–834.
5. Shin, S.W., Ghimeray, A.K., Park, C.H., 2014. Investigation of total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant and allyl isothiocyanate content in the different organs of Wasabi japonica grown in an organic system. Afr. J. Tradit. Complement. Altern. Med. 3(11), 38–45.
 
Effect of Melatonin Pretreatment on Improving Some Vegetative and Physiological Traits of Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) Under Saline Water Irrigation
M. Karimi, M. Eslami , F. Ghorbanalizade ,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (4-2024)
Abstract
Abstract
Melatonin has been introduced as a strong antioxidant that has a protective role in stressful conditions and acts as an osmotic regulator and metabolic modifier when different stresses occur. In order to investigate the effect of melatonin pretreatment on improving the morphophysiological traits of Calendula officinalis L., a factorial completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. Melatonin at three levels (0, 100 and 150 µM) and sodium chloride at four levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM) were considered as the treatments. Based on the obtained results, the highest plant height, the highest number of leaves and the longest root length were obtained in 150 μM melatonin without sodium chloride treatment. On the other hand, at 90 mM salinity and without the presence of melatonin, the lowest number of leaves and plant height were observed. The fresh weight of the root, at different levels of salinity, showed a decreasing trend with increasing salinity concentration, so that its lowest value was observed in the concentration of 90 mM salt without melatonin. The fresh weight of the root increased with the increase in melatonin concentration. The highest relative water content and potassium percentage of leaves were observed in 150 μM melatonin treatment. As the salt concentration increased, the relative water content and potassium concentration decreased. The highest amount of soluble sugar related to 60 mM salinity in combination with 100 µM melatonin and the highest amount of proline was observed in 60 mM salinity + 150 µM melatonin. The results indicated that melatonin pretreatment was effective on the vegetative and physiological traits of marigold under salinity stress and was able to reduce the effect of salinity, especially in the concentrations of 30 and 60 mM sodium chloride.

Background and Objectives: High NaCl levels, due to osmosis and ionization, can significantly diminish plant height, leaf area, and the fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots. Melatonin, a ubiquitous molecule produced in plants, acts as a growth regulator similar to indole acetic acid (IAA), which promotes cell expansion and growth. Under NaCl stress, plants close the stomata to prevent water loss, and this can result in decreased stomatal conductance and photosynthesis activity. However, it has been shown that the application of melatonin makes the stressful conditions tolerable for plants and leads to the opening of stomata, which has been reported to improve the photosynthetic machinery in sunflower and citrus plants (Brugnoli and Lauteri, 1991; Meloni et al., 2003; Ye et al., 2016). The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of melatonin in marigold, in order to improve vegetative and physiological traits.

Methods: A factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications was conducted in greenhouse conditions at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University. Melatonin at three levels (0, 100 and 150 µM) and salinity at four levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM) were considered as the first and second factors, respectively. Marigold seedlings were sprayed three times every ten days. One week after the last melatonin treatment, irrigation with sodium chloride was applied every 7 days for 35 days. One week after the last application of sodium chloride, some traits such as plant height, number of leaves, flower diameter, root length, root fresh and dry weights, leaf relative water content, soluble sugar, proline, ion leakage, and sodium and potassium contents were measured.

Results: The interaction between salinity and melatonin affected the plant height, number of leaves, and root length, volume and dry weight. The highest plant height (i.e., 17 cm), the number of leaves (i.e., 34) and the root length (i.e., 18.83 cm) were obtained in the 150 μM melatonin treatment without salt. The highest root volume and dry weight were observed in 100 μM melatonin treatment without salt. The highest leaf relative water content and potassium content were obtained in 150 μM melatonin treatment. The highest amounts of soluble sugar and proline were recorded in 60 mM sodium chloride + 100 μM melatonin, and 60 mM sodium chloride + 150 μM melatonin, respectively. At 30 mM salinity without the use of melatonin, the lowest proline was recorded. The highest sodium content was recorded at 60 mM sodium chloride. At the concentration of 150 μM melatonin, the sodium content in the leaf decreased. With the increase of salt concentration, ion leakage increased and it was the highest at 90 mM salinity. At the concentration of 150 μM melatonin compared to the control, a decrease in ion leakage was observed.

Conclusions: The results showed that salinity stress reduced the vegetative traits of marigold, but the use of melatonin reduced the damage under salinity stress conditions. Melatonin, by protecting the membrane and structure of plant cells, maintaining the antioxidant system and helping to absorb potassium and reducing sodium absorption, could increase the resistance of marigold against salt stress. As a result, the use of melatonin moderated the effects of salinity and improved plant growth in saline conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to use 100 and 150 μM concentrations of melatonin for improving vegetative and physiological characteristics of marigold under salinity stress conditions.

References:
1. Brugnoli, E., Lauteri, M., 1991. Effects of salinity on stomatal conductance, photosynthetic capacity, and carbon isotope discrimination of salt-tolerant (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and salt-sensitive (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) C3 non-halophytes. Plant Physiol. 95(2), 628–635.  https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.95.2.628.
2. Meloni, D.A., Oliva, M.A., Martinez, C.A., Cambraia, J., 2003. Photosynthesis and activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and glutathione reductase in cotton under salt stress. Environ. Exp. Bot. 49(1) 69–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0098-8472(02)00058-8.
3. Ye, J., Wang, S., Deng, X., Yin, L., Xiong, B., Wang, X., 2016. Melatonin increased maize (Zea mays L.) seedling drought tolerance by alleviating drought-induced photosynthetic inhibition and oxidative damage. Acta Phys. Planta. 38(2), 48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11738-015-2045-y.



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