Journal of Plant Process and Function

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Today, due to positive effect of nitrogenous fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of agricultural crops, irregular use of fertilizers is increased. In order to evaluate the effects of different sources and quantities of nitrogen fertilizers on some of physiological properties of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) medicinal plant, an experiment was carried out as a randomized block design with four replications at research farm, department of horticulture, Ilam University during summer 2015. Treatments included different levels of (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg/h) from Urea and Calcium Nitrate fertilizer sources and Amino Acid with four concentrations: 0, 1,2 and 4 g/l. Studies traits were including photosynthetic pigments content (Chlorophyll a &b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids) fiber percentage, Carbohydrates content, proteins percentage and essential oil yield of leaves. Results showed that sources and quantities of nitrogen significantly affected all studied parameters. The highest pigments’ content, protein and essential oil yield of leaves obtained from 4 g/l amino acid treatment; the highest leaf fiber from 100 kg/h calcium nitrate and the highest leaf carbohydrate content obtained from control plants and increasing in nitrogen from all three sources led to decrease in carbohydrates content. The research revealed that using different sources and quantities of nitrogen fertilizers (especially amino acids) have positive effects on improvement of physiological traits of fenugreek and application of nitrogen can be advised for increasing quality of the leafy vegetable and medicinal plant.

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Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae that beside medicinal value was used as food and cosmetics products. Salicylic acid is a growth regulator with phenolic nature has main role in regulation of many physiological processes and resistance to environmental stress. In order to study effect of salt stress and salicylic acid on some growth parameters including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA),  other aldehydes, gayvkl peroxidase and lipoxygenase in medicinal plant Nigella (Nigella sativa L.), an experiment was conducted in factorial design based on complementary randomized design in 2016 at greenhouse of Ilam university. Treatments were include salinity at three level (Zero, 25 and 75 mM) and salicylic acid at three level (Zero, 0.75 and 1.5 mM) respectively. The results showed that salt stress decreased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and a significant increase in proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and other aldehydes. Black cumin is sensitive to salinity stress, so by applying salicylic acid antioxidant capacity of the plants were increased against stress conditions.

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To evaluate the effect of chitosan NPs on wheat under late season drought stress, a factorial experiment was performed based on a randomized complete block design in three replications in pot conditions at Tarbiat Modares University in 2015. The experimental factors included the NPs concentrations (0, 30, 60 and 90 mg.L^-1), application methods (foliar and soil application) and irrigation regimes (normal irrigation and removal of irrigation 15 days after pollination). Experimental procedure includes planting seeds and then prepared chitosan NPs suspension added to them through soil and foliar application in three stages (tillering, stem elongation and heading). Results indicated that the drought stress significantly decreased amount of carotenoid, chlorophyll a, b, total, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, yield, 1000- grain weight as well as biomass and increased intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci). In most studied traits, no significant difference was observed between consumption methods of nanoparticles. In both irrigation regimes, applying NPs especially concentration of 60 and 90 mg.L^-1 significantly improved the majority of studied traits. In general, application of chitosan NPs reduced negative effects of drought stress in wheat plants and improved growth.

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Due to the high resistance of safflower to environmental severe conditions, many researchers use this plant as a model to explore and understand the defense mechanisms against environmental stresses. In this regard, an experiment was carried out to investigate the reaction of photosynthetic pigments and catalase and ascorbate peroxidase in planting density of two safflower cultivars under supplementary irrigation conditions at the farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University. The experiment was conducted in a split- plot design with factorial arrangement. The treatments which included the main factor of irrigation at two levels (supplementary irrigation and dry-land) and sub -factors, including density at five levels (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 kg/ha) and two cultivars (Goldasht and Faraman) were performed with three replications. The results of evaluation of these traits showed that the highest total chlorophyll content (a and b) occurred in supplementary irrigation treatment, and carotenoid content was not affected by any of the treatments. When density increased, anthocyanin level increased, but the highest density was observed at 40 (kg ha-1). Similarly, Faraman cultivar had better performance in terms of anthocyanin than Goldasht. Flavonoids, also, augmented when planting density increased. Catalase enzyme had better performance in dry-land treatment, and both catalase and ascorbate peroxidase increased with the increase of planting density, which improved the adaptability and drought tolerance in semi-arid areas (the area where the experiment was conducted) for this product.
 

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The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of ammonium molybdate on some biochemical indices of broad bean plant in Ahvaz climatic conditions (Khuzestan, southwest of Iran). Experiments were carried out the field with the following treatments: control (without the use of molybdenum), soil application of ammonium molybdate (1.5 and 3 kg/ha), leaf spraying of ammonium molybdate (10 and 20 mg/ L), soil application of ammonium molybdate (1.5 Kg /ha) + leaf spraying of ammonium molybdate (20 mg/ L) and soil application of ammonium molybdate (3 Kg /ha) + leaf spraying of ammonium molybdate (10 mg/ L). The results showed that increased significantly in all molybdenum treatments compared to and after soil application of ammonium molybdate (3 Kg /ha) + leaf spraying of ammonium molybdate (10 mg/ L), the highest amount of  seed molybdenum was observed. The use of molybdenum significantly reduced the amount of nitrate in seeds and shell of broad bean pod. The lowest nitrite in seed was observed in leaf spraying of ammonium molybdate (20 mg/ L). Application of 3 kg/ha of ammonium molybdate significantly increased the soluble carbohydrates (, and glucose) and the protein content of Also, the highest amount of phenolic in seed was observed in plants treated with 1.5 and 3 kg/ha of ammonium molybdate. The results showed that both methods of soil application and molybdenum spray application altered the biochemical composition of seeds and pods.

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Narcissus tazetta L. is very proper plant to grow outdoor. Southern of Iran such as Khuzestan are one of the most relevant areas of narcissus flower production. However, the applied soil texture needs improvement. In this research, a factorial experiment was performed based on a completely randomized plan with seven repeats to study effects of culture substrate improvement accompanied with the inoculation of endophytic fungus Serendipita indica on narcissus yield. Four culture substrates (100% field soil, 75% field soil+25% sand, 50% field soil+50% sand, and 25% field soil+75% sand) were used as first factor, and the fungus S.indica as the second factor. Based on the findings from the research, the inoculation with S.indica led to increase in the traits the diameter of the biggest flower (104%), number of florets (121%), flowering stem length (114%), (137%), total chlorophyll (118%), carotenoid content (113%), and a decrease in flowering stem diameter (84%), and guaiacol peroxidase activity (76%) compared to the control (no-inoculation). Also it was known that the culture substrate 75% field soil+25% sand had the most positive effect on the indices, the diameter of the biggest floret, number of florets, flowering stem length, vase-life, total chlorophyll content, and carotenoid content. The interaction of two factors indicated that the S.indica-inoculated culture substrates: 75% field soil+25% sand and 50% field soil + 50% sand were the best treatments for narcissus growing. In conclusion, it can be said that despite of moderately good growth of narcissus in the field soil of Khuzestan, it needs the addition of sand for more porosity to produce high-quality cut-flowers. Based on the results from the research, the inoculation with S.indica had more positive impact on narcissus vase-life than soil texture. Hence, the use of a culture substrate with 25% sand together with field soil and the fungus inoculation was found as a proper medium for narcissus cut-flower production. Also with next studies, it is suggested to focus on the effect of soil composition and fungal inoculation on the conservation of water and the reduction of salinity effect. 

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Obtaining a high dry matter yield is one of the most important goals of plant physiologists. In this regard, it is necessary to know the effective traits in the production of plant dry matter. Salinity stress is also one of the most important non-biological stresses that limits plant growth and affects the morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of plants. Therefore, in order to understand the relationship between dry matter yield and antioxidant properties, photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic pigments of mint under salinity stress, an experiment was conducted as a factorial split-plot (18 mint ecotypes, including longifolia, pulegium, spicata, rotundifolia, mozafariani and piperita, salinity stress at control, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 dS/m levels and harvest stage at   2 stages), based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that salinity stress affected the correlation between dry matter and other studied traits. Also, path analysis at different levels of salinity stress showed that total chlorophyll traits had a very high direct effect on dry matter yield. On the other hand, at a 7.5 dS/m salinity level, the dry matter yield of the plant depended on a greater number of traits compared to lower-salinity stress levels. Also, the correlation between traits in the first and second harvest stages was different. The anthocyanin pigment trait had a positive and significant correlation with dry matter yield at 7.5 dS/m. The indirect role of carotenoid pigment was also evident in severe stress. Based on path analysis, all the studied traits, including non-enzymatic antioxidants and anthocyanin and carotenoid pigments, were strongly dependent on the total chlorophyll trait to affect the dry matter yield.

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High absorption and accumulation of lead in the cultivated Amaranthus caudatus L. make this plant suitable for the purpose of phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soils. The present factorial experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, during 2019. The factors considered in the study included zeolite (0, 5 and 10℅), biochar (0, 7.5 and 15℅), and mycorrhizal fungi (no mycorrhiza and use of mycorrhiza). The highest plant height (1.93 m) and root dry weight (2.55 g) were obtained in the combined treatment of not using zeolite, biochar 15% by weight, and mycorrhiza. Also, the highest biological yield (54.05 g) and accumulated lead in roots (20.05 mg/kg) were obtained in the combined treatment of zeolite 5%, biochar 15%, and no mycorrhiza. Moreover, the highest number of sub-branches (26.67) was recorded in the combined treatment of zeolite 10% + no biochar + no mycorrhiza (Z₂B₀M₀). Furthermore, the highest concentrations of lead in the soil around roots (49.92 mg/kg) were observed in the treatment consisting of zeolite 5% + biochar 7.5% + mycorrhiza. Findings also showed the highest activities of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes in the combined treatment of the plants with zeolite 10% + biochar 15% + no mycorrhiza were obtained. On the other hand, the highest activities of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were recorded in the combined treatments of zeolite 5% + biochar 7.5% + no use of mycorrhiza and zeolite 10% + biochar 15% + the use of mycorrhiza, respectively. The highest concentration of lead in leaves (17.71 mg/kg) was obtained in none zeolite + none mycorrhiza + biochar 15%, which was among the best treatments of the study resulting in a high biological performance of the plants (41.55 g). Finally, the most favorable treatment with the highest biological yield (54.05 g) and maximum lead contents of the roots (20.05 mg/kg) was obtained by zeolite 5% + biochar 15% + none mycorrhiza. The maximum biological yield of the plant (54.05 g) and the highest concentration of lead in roots (20.05 mg/kg) were observed in the combined treatment of zeolite 5%, biochar 15%, and no mycorrhiza (Z₁B₂M₀). This is the best treatment for phytoremediation, in which the plants absorb the highest concentration of lead. On the other hand, the highest accumulation of lead in leaves (17.71 mg/kg) was obtained in the treatment with no zeolite and mycorrhiza + using biochar 15% (Z₀B₂M₀). In view of the high biological performance of Amaranthus caudatus L. in this treatment (41.55 g), it is considered one of the most effective plants in bioaccumulation.

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Abiotic stress from drought inhibits plant growth and decreases yields. Salicylic acid (SA) is classified as a compound that effectively reduces crop susceptibility and environmental stress by mitigating the harmful effects of many stressors. Numerous levels of SA protect several plant species from environmental stresses by initiating different processes involved in the stress tolerance mechanism. Fruit productivity and quality under dry stress conditions were examined by evaluating the effects of the application mode and various concentrations of SA. The split factorial experiment based on a completely randomized block design with four replicates in the Jiroft University Research Greenhouse was carried out. In this study, drought stress is the main factor at three levels (control, moderate and severe stress). Factorial treatment included interaction at two levels of (SA application method as foliar spray and soil drench) and (SA concentration include control, 1 and 1.5 mM SA). The results showed that relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage, titratable acidity (TA), average fruit weight, fruit yield, and the number of fruits per plant were affected by the interaction of drought stress, SA concentration and consumption method. Strawberry fruit production per plant was highest with 315.20 g from non-stress treatment with 1.5 mMof SA. Under severe drought stress, the maximum fruit production per plant of 201.80 g with 1.5 mM of SA was obtained, which increased the strawberry fruit productivity with an ascending concentration of SA. In strawberry plants, drought stress manifests in elevated levels of antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) in the leaves. Interestingly, moderate and high drought stress led to improvements in certain fruit quality indices such as vitamin C content, compared to those not subjected to stress. Another significant finding was that the application of SA increased the activities of CAT and POD enzymes, while also elevating the concentrations of chlorophyll and proline considerably. Finally, it is recommended to use 1.5 mM of SA as a foliar spray under drought stress conditions on greenhouse strawberries.

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Due to the expansion of saline soils in recent years, identification of promising wheat genotypes with acceptable yield in saline condition is of particular importance. The present research was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications, in saline soil and water condition of Zarindasht region of Fars province during the growing seasons of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Experimental treatments were 15 wheat cultivars and lines including Sistan, Narin, Brat, Sarang, Mehrgan, Shoosh, Sahar, Aineh, Ms-90-15, Ms-92-8, Ms-93-5, Ms-93-6, Ms-93-14, Ms-93-16 and S-94-12. The results showed that the lowest sodium content, ion leakage and malondialdehyde of leaves was observed in Mehrgan and Sarang cultivars. Also, in the first and second year the potassium content and relative water content of leaves showed a significant increase in Sistan, Mehrgan, Brat, Sarang and S-94-12 compared to other genotypes. The highest number of days to maturity with a significant difference compared to other genotypes was observed in MS-93-6 and MS-92-8 lines. On the other hand, Mehrgan and Aineh cultivars were the earliest genotypes. Based on the results of the two-year test, four genotypes of Sarang, Mehrgan, S-94-12 and Brat had the highest yield, suitable earliness and proper yield components. In biplot analysis, these genotypes had the highest amount of grain yield and yield components. Based on the cluster analysis which was done by considering all traits, the genotypes were divided into three separate groups and Mehrgan, Sarang and S-94-12 genotypes were categorized in one group. These genotypes are recommended as salinity tolerant genotypes for planting in the study area.