Medicinal Plants
Abolfazl Mohammadi Khorzani; Heshmat Omidi; Mohammad Hosein Bijeh Keshavarzi
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid fertilizers on growth, yield, and physiological traits of chicory under Arak’s climatic conditions using a factorial experiment. Research Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design ...
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Purpose: This study investigated the effects of phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid fertilizers on growth, yield, and physiological traits of chicory under Arak’s climatic conditions using a factorial experiment. Research Method: The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental factors included levels of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 8 and 12 kgha-1), potassium fertilizer (0, 10 and 15 kgha-1), and humic acid (0, 0.5 and 2 kgha-1). Findings The results showed that the highest Leaf Area Index was observed in the treatment of 12kg/ha phosphorus+10 kg/ha potassium sulfate+2 kg/ha humic acid, with a mean of 2.9. The highest number of flowers and the highest total chlorophyll content were obtained in 12 kg/ha phosphorus + 10 kg/ha potassium sulfate + 0.5 kg/ha humic acid treatment with averages of 49.11 per plant and 39.5µg/g FW respectively. The highest flower yield was in 10 kg/ha potassium sulfate treatment with an average of 330.6 kgha-1. The highest content of free proline was obtained in 8 kg/ha phosphorus+15kg/ha potassium sulfate+2 kg/ha humic acid treatment with 0.97μmol/g FW. Combined phosphorus, potassium, and humic acid application significantly improved chicory growth, yield, and physiology, increasing leaf area index, flower number/yield, shoot yield, biomass, and chlorophyll content, while decreasing free proline. Research limitations: No significant limitations were identified in this study. Originality/Value: To maximize chicory growth and yield in the specific climatic conditions of this study, a balanced fertilizer application is crucial, as excessive fertilization can be harmful. This study suggests a combination of 8 kg/ha of superphosphate, 10kg/ha of potassium sulfate, and 0.5 kg/ha of humic acid powder. Future research should focus on understanding how these nutrients affect chicory at a mechanistic level and on evaluating the long-term consequences of various fertilization programs for soil fertility and environmental health.
Plant Stress
Esmaeil Jadidi; Maryam Tatari; Mahmoud Ghasemnezhad; Hamid Reza Salemi
Abstract
Purpose: Identification of pomegranate cultivars with higher tolerance to salinity stress was the purpose of the current study. Research Method: One-year-old rooted cuttings of the pomegranate cultivars including 'Malase Saveh' ('M-Saveh'), 'Malase Isfahan' ('M-Isfahan'), 'Robabe Ghermeze Shiraz' ('Robab'), ...
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Purpose: Identification of pomegranate cultivars with higher tolerance to salinity stress was the purpose of the current study. Research Method: One-year-old rooted cuttings of the pomegranate cultivars including 'Malase Saveh' ('M-Saveh'), 'Malase Isfahan' ('M-Isfahan'), 'Robabe Ghermeze Shiraz' ('Robab'), 'Gabrie Yazd' ('G-Yazd'), Gabrie Torshe Yazd' ('GT-Yazd'), 'Zaghe Sefide Yazd' ('ZS-Yazd'), 'Zaghe Torshe Yazd' ('ZT-Yazd') and 'Malase Torshe Pishva' ('M-Pishva') were cultured in plastic pots and treated with different concentrations of sodium chloride in irrigation water including 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 dS m-1. Findings: At 12 dS m-1salinity level, the lowest decrease in plant height was observed in 'Robab', and 'M-Pishva' and the lowest decrease in the plant diameter was recorded in 'ZT-Yazd' and 'G-Yazd'. At the same salinity level, 'GT-Yazd' showed the lowest percentage of increase in electrolyte leakage (EL) compared to the control (23%). The highest increase in proline content was observed at 9 dS m-1 salinity for 'ZS-Yazd' and at 12 dS m-1 salinity for 'GT-Yazd'. At high salinity levels, leaf chlorophyll content decreased in pomegranate cultivars compared to the control. The activity of peroxidase enzyme in 'M- Pishva', ZT-Yazd' and 'GT-Yazd' followed an increasing and then decreasing with increasing salinity levels. The activity of the superoxide dismutase enzyme was highest in 'G-Yazd', 'M-Isfahan' and 'Robab'. Limitations: Investigation of salinity tolerance in pots is one of the limitations of this study. Originality/Value: Yazd cultivars including 'G-Yazd', 'GT-Yazd', 'ZS-Yazd' and 'ZT-Yazd' were more tolerant to salinity stress.
