Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Hassan Bayat; Mohammad Javad Vahidi; Abdulghiyas Radan
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates the enhancing growth and flowering traits of petunia (Petunia hybrida L.) through the application of biochar and vermicompost. Research Method: The experiment employed a completely randomized design with four replications in a greenhouse setting during the years of 2022-2023. ...
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Purpose: This study investigates the enhancing growth and flowering traits of petunia (Petunia hybrida L.) through the application of biochar and vermicompost. Research Method: The experiment employed a completely randomized design with four replications in a greenhouse setting during the years of 2022-2023. The experimental treatments comprised the control group (without vermicompost and biochar), vermicompost at 5% by weight, jujube biochar at 2% by weight, or combination of vermicompost with biochar. Findings: Results revealed that the application of vermicompost significantly increased the dry weight of root, shoot, and total biomass by 23%, 51%, and 46%, respectively, compared to the control. Additionally, the vermicompost treatment yielded the highest number of leaves and plant height, while the biochar treatment resulted in the maximum number of flowers per plant. The durability of flowers on the plant varied, with biochar treatment exhibiting the highest durability (6.75 days) while control treatment gave the lowest durability (4.75 days). Biochar-treated plants also displayed the highest levels of total chlorophyll and relative water content in the leaves, exhibiting increases of 29% and 14%, respectively, compared to the control. Leaf nutrient content demonstrated significant changes, with the biochar + vermicompost treatment exhibiting the highest nitrogen and potassium content, demonstrating a 34% and 19% increase, respectively, compared to the control. Research limitations: No limitations were identified. Originality/Value: In summary, the findings underscore the positive influence of biochar and vermicompost fertilizers on the growth, ornamental features, and physiological characteristics of petunia. Notably, biochar demonstrated superior effectiveness in enhancing ornamental parameters compared to vermicompost. Biochar and vermicompost can be used as organic fertilizers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and increase the production and yield of petunia plant.
Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Saeed Fatahi Siahkamary; Vali Rabiei; Mahmoud Shoor; Silvana Nicola
Abstract
Purpose: Lycium barbarum berries can be a source of natural antioxidants for human food production. Research method: To increase the antioxidant activity of secondary metabolites in goji berry seedlings, we applied amino acid L-phenylalanine (Phe: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM), sodium selenate (Se: 0.25, 0.5, ...
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Purpose: Lycium barbarum berries can be a source of natural antioxidants for human food production. Research method: To increase the antioxidant activity of secondary metabolites in goji berry seedlings, we applied amino acid L-phenylalanine (Phe: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM), sodium selenate (Se: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg. L-1), and nitroxine biological fertilizer (170, 330, and 500 μL.L-1) at three levels. Distilled water was the control treatment. The experiment took place at the research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2021-2022. Findings: The results revealed that the treatments significantly affected goji berry plants regarding physiological and chemical attributes. Phenylalanine, selenium, and nitroxine substantially affected photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll and carotenoid, antioxidant, and catalase during the two years of foliar application. The results showed that phenylalanine with selenium increased the amounts of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carbohydrates in goji berry plants. Applying phenylalanine alone had a positive, more potent effect on the amount of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme, which shows the impact of this substance on the phenylpropanoid pathway. Using it with nitroxine enhanced the phenol content and superoxide dismutase activity significantly. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: According to the results of this experiment, during the two years of 2021 and 2022, phenylalanine improved antioxidant enzyme activity and other traits significantly. Using phenylalanine and sodium selenate at low concentrations increased all antioxidant compounds and improved plant growth.
Short Communication Article
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Bidisha Mondal
Abstract
Purpose: Citrus plant exhibits a unique trait called polyembryony. In open-pollinated plants the pollen source of the plant remains unknown but it is assumed that the apomictic nucellar embryos mimic the genetic architecture of the mother plant. This assumption was exploited in the detection of true-to ...
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Purpose: Citrus plant exhibits a unique trait called polyembryony. In open-pollinated plants the pollen source of the plant remains unknown but it is assumed that the apomictic nucellar embryos mimic the genetic architecture of the mother plant. This assumption was exploited in the detection of true-to the type seedlings of polyembryonic Citrus sinensis plants for fruit quality retention and smooth maintenance of the orchards. Research Method: The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was employed to distinguish nucellar and zygotic seedlings obtained from a selected Citrus sinensis plant marked in South 24- Parganas district of state of West Bengal in India. The embryos were extracted from a fruit and seedlings were raised in poly-house. To identify DNA marker for tracing the embryonic origin, ten vigorous seedlings marked in poly-house were used for RAPD analysis. DNA was extracted from three-month-old seedlings along with the mother plant and RAPD analysis was performed with 25 arbitrary decamer primers with a negative control. Findings: Four decamer primers OPQ15, OPAH02, OPAA02 and OPA11 were able to differentiate the sexual seedlings from the apomictic nucellar types. The total study took 48 hours for tracing the embryonic origin of the seedlings. Research limitations: This study could be extended with inclusion of more primers and screening of more fruits from diverse locations of India. Originality/Value: This process could act as a fast technique for preliminary identification of true-to the-type plants for quality control of Citrus fruit industry and sustainable nursery management.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Ahad Sheikh Yousefi; Orang Khademi; Ayatollah Rezaei
Abstract
Purpose: Highly perishable tomatoes face rapid deterioration at postharvest. This study investigated the effect of methylcellulose (MC) edible coating and citrus essential oil (EO) on disease control and postharvest quality preservation of tomatoes. Research Method: The experimental factors included ...
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Purpose: Highly perishable tomatoes face rapid deterioration at postharvest. This study investigated the effect of methylcellulose (MC) edible coating and citrus essential oil (EO) on disease control and postharvest quality preservation of tomatoes. Research Method: The experimental factors included MC at three levels (0, 0.5, and 1% (w/v)), citrus EO (control, orange, and sour orange EO, at concentration of (1 g/L), and studying time (ST) (7, 14, and 21 days). The treated fruits were stored at 10°C with RH over 80±5% and evaluated for disease severity and other fruit quality attributes during storage. Findings: The results showed that both MC and EO treatments effectively controlled tomato fruit disease and maintained its marketability throughout the experiment, with the combination of these treatments yielding better results. The applied treatments, especially 1% MC, reduced weight loss compared to control. The results indicated increase in coloring of samples during the experiment. The firmness of the fruit tissue decreased over time, and the EO treatment proved to be more effective than MC in preserving fruit firmness. Applying MC and EO treatments, either alone or in combination, preserved total soluble solids compared to the control samples. Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: Based on the results of this experiment, incorporating EO into MC edible coating showed promise in extending the shelf life of tomatoes by controlling weight loss, rate of metabolism, and disease severity. This approach offers a sustainable and effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments while providing consumers with a healthier and more flavorful product.
Original Article
Plant Propagation
Faridullah Areek; Esmaeil Seifi; Mahdi Alizadeh; Mohsen Olamaee; Elham Malekzadeh
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and auxin on olive microcutting rooting, and assess how PGPR and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation affect the growth of rooted olive plantlets. Research Method: In the first experiment, ...
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Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and auxin on olive microcutting rooting, and assess how PGPR and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation affect the growth of rooted olive plantlets. Research Method: In the first experiment, native PGPR inoculation with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) was tested to enhance rooting in olive microcuttings of 'Mission' cultivar. The second experiment evaluated six inoculation treatments (control, PGPR, Funneliformis mosseae, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, PGPR + F. mosseae, and PGPR + C. etunicatum) for their impact on rooted plantlet growth of 'Mission' and 'Koroneiki' cultivars. Findings: The study showed that PGPR and IBA treatment for 12 weeks resulted in a higher rooting rate (63.33%) and more roots per cutting (4.5) compared to the control. Additionally, PGPR and IBA combination for 16 weeks produced the longest roots (59.03 mm), indicating PGPR's role in enhancing root initiation and growth through auxin modulation. The results also revealed that the 'Mission' cultivar had higher AMF colonization than the 'Koroneiki' cultivar. The inoculation with F. mosseae significantly increased the number of lateral shoots and leaves, stem diameter, and root length in 'Koroneiki', while PGPR + F. mosseae enhanced lateral shoots, leaf number, and stem diameter in 'Mission'. The 'Koroneiki' cultivar also exhibited greater growth responses in stem and root weights, and plant height to AMF and PGPR inoculation. Research limitations: No limitations were identified. Originality/Value: These findings underscore the importance of genetic background in biofertilization strategies for olive cultivation, demonstrating the synergistic potential of PGPR and auxin in rooting and the cultivar-specific benefits of combined PGPR and AMF inoculation.
Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Thi Kim Ngan Tran; Hoang Thien Vu Nguyen; Thi Thu Ha Nguyen; Thi Cam Thai
Abstract
Purpose: Study on the effects of extraction methods on the biological activities of Centella asiatica, including antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Research Method: The main components of C.asiatica include triterpenoid saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other health-beneficial compounds found ...
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Purpose: Study on the effects of extraction methods on the biological activities of Centella asiatica, including antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Research Method: The main components of C.asiatica include triterpenoid saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other health-beneficial compounds found through phytochemical screening. Ethanol extraction is performed using three extraction methods: immersion extraction, ultrasonic extraction, and reflux. Centella asiatica extract was tested for polyphenol content, total flavonoids, total triterpenoid saponins, and the ability to scavenge the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. Findings: The reflux extraction method was more effective than the other extraction methods in extracting chemical components, yielding relatively higher polyphenol, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoid saponins contents. All three types of extracts have the ability to fight oxidation, protecting cells from harmful free radicals. The IC50 value of pennywort extract in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging tests ranged from 455.52 and 270.05 µg/mL (soaked) < 333.63 and 206.56 µg/mL (ultrasound) < 239.75 and 199.75 µg/mL (reflux). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the two bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was less than 2.188 mg/mL in all three methods. Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: The development of extraction processes and evaluation of high quality extracts from gotu kola requires a combination of traditional methods and modern technology such as the use of advanced chemical and biological analytical techniques. This may create opportunities for the development of new technologies in the field of herbal extraction.
Original Article
Plant Growth Regulators
Tafsin Araf; Amrul Kayes; Nazrul Islam; Shormin Choudhury
Abstract
Purpose: The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect and optimal dose of paclobutrazol, and appropriacy of bunch covering materials on productivity and quality of banana. Research method: This study was laid out following a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment consisted ...
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Purpose: The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect and optimal dose of paclobutrazol, and appropriacy of bunch covering materials on productivity and quality of banana. Research method: This study was laid out following a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment consisted of two factors namely Factor A: Different doses of paclobutrazol i.e. no paclobutrazol, 1 g/L paclobutrazol and 2 g/L palobutrazol and Factor B: bunch covering i.e. control (no polythene covering), white polythene covering and blue polythene covering. Paclobutrazol was sprayed 2 times; firstly, at fruit set stage and secondly, one month after 1st spray. Findings: The treatments showed significant effect on the yield as well as qualitative traits of banana. Paclobutrazol sprayed plants performed better than non-paclobutrazol treated plants. Application of paclobutrazol (2 g/L) and blue bunch covering banana contained higher amount of sugar. However, blue and white polythene had no significant effect on color measurement of banana peel. Paclobutrazol (1g/L) and white polythene treated bunch produced the highest bunch weight (24.91 kg), pulp:peel ratio (3.57), fibre content (4.20%) while no polythene treated with no paclobutrazol produced the lowest bunch weight (16.77 kg), pulp:peel ratio (1.89), fibre content (2.60%) of banana. These results generally prove that paclobutrazol application could potentially be used to improve crop productivity and their quality value. Research limitations: There were no limitations identified. Originality/Value: Paclobutrazol (1mg/L) with white polythene as bunch covering resulted in the maximum banana production and quality when compared to other treatment combinations, without compromising of human health and environmental sustainability.
Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Mohammad Hosein Bijeh Keshavarzi; Heshmat Omidi
Abstract
Purpose: Artemisia annua L., a medicinal herb of significant importance due to its high artemisinin content, a potent antimalarial compound. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various bio-chemical fertilizer combinations on the growth characteristics and artemisinin content of Artemisia ...
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Purpose: Artemisia annua L., a medicinal herb of significant importance due to its high artemisinin content, a potent antimalarial compound. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various bio-chemical fertilizer combinations on the growth characteristics and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L. Graphical analysis techniques were employed to visualize and optimize fertilizer treatments for achieving the desired balance between quantitative (biomass) and qualitative (artemisinin content) traits. Research Method: This experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment with a basic randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in a research greenhouse. The main factors in this experiment included the application of bio-fertilizers (control, nitroxin, bio-phosphorus, and vermicompost), and the sub-factor consisted of four levels of chemical phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizers (0, N40 P40, N80 P40, and N80 P80). Findings: The results of the combined analysis for all traits revealed significant effects of bio-fertilizer and chemical fertilizer at the 5% and 1% probability levels, respectively. The interaction of treatments also exhibited significant differences for most traits. Mean comparison using LSD showed that vermicompost and N80P80 treatments were superior to other treatments. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant correlation between the traits, as evidenced by the correlation coefficients and correlation charts. Graphical analysis identified treatments Vermicompost + N80P80 and Nitroxin + N80P80 as optimal based on trait desirability. The results of the focused scatter plot analysis further confirmed Vermicompost + N80P80 as the most favorable treatment. The findings revealed a strong correlation among the evaluated traits. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: Treatments Vermicompost + N80P80 and Nitroxin + N80P80 emerged as the most favorable options based on the assessed traits, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in augmenting artemisinin levels.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Md. Rukunuzzaman; Md. Atikur Rahman; Mst. Ananya Khatun; Mosa. Lajina Begum; Nazmin Akter; Md. Tariqul Islam
Abstract
Purpose: Mango shelf life has significance for both market availability and long-distance transportation. So, effective treatments of postharvest are vital for maintaining the climacteric character of mangoes by limiting postharvest losses during storage. Research method: A total of 96 physiologically ...
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Purpose: Mango shelf life has significance for both market availability and long-distance transportation. So, effective treatments of postharvest are vital for maintaining the climacteric character of mangoes by limiting postharvest losses during storage. Research method: A total of 96 physiologically mature mango fruits (8 fruits in each replication) were taken. This study assessed the effect of Aloe vera gel (1:1 AVG), chitosan (1.5% CTS), and combinations (CTS+AVG) on mango shelf life and postharvest features following 16 days at ambient storage (28±3°C and 80±5% RH). The experiment was conducted using completely randomized design. Findings: The results demonstrated that either CTS or AVG had a positive effect compared to control on different parameters but their combinations was considerably superior treatment equated to the control in terms of weight loss (13.09, 20.03%), reduced respiration rate (11.22, 19.89 mlCO2/kg/h), ethylene production (0.50, 0.56 µl/kg/h), total soluble solids (17.33, 22.23 oBrix), pH (5.86, 7.40) and decay percentage (13.14, 27.64%). Fruit quality metrics were all higher when CTS+AVG was used than the control, such as titratable acidity (0.66, 0.61), fruit firmness (28.61, 21.95 N/m2), ascorbic acid (14.52, 10.84 mg/100g), total phenolic content (112.99, 80.02 mg GAE/100g) and antioxidant activity (274.86, 196.65 µmol/g). Coated fruits exhibited a considerable reduction in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (5.49, 7.87 U/mg FW), while higher levels of catalase (CAT) (0.54, 0.45 U/mg FW) and peroxidase (POD) (0.75, 0.70 U/mg FW) enzyme activity. During storage, coated fruit peels exhibited notably less discoloration than control fruits. Research limitations: In future, mechanism of CTS and AVG for prolonging shelf life of mangoes will be revealed using molecular approach. Originality/Value: These results suggest that chitosan (CTS) and Aloe vera gel (AVG) coatings combined can preserve ‘Mishribhog’ mango shelf life and postharvest quality for 16 days during ambient storage.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Hossein Meighani; Mohammad Salehi Sarbijan
Abstract
Purpose: Strawberry fruits are perishable with a short shelf life. Methyl jasmonate (MJ) is a well-known signaling molecule involved in the regulation of many processes in plants. Previous studies have addressed the effectiveness of pre- and postharvest MJ treatments on the quality of fruits. Therefore, ...
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Purpose: Strawberry fruits are perishable with a short shelf life. Methyl jasmonate (MJ) is a well-known signaling molecule involved in the regulation of many processes in plants. Previous studies have addressed the effectiveness of pre- and postharvest MJ treatments on the quality of fruits. Therefore, in this study, the effect of pre-harvest MJ on the quality and physio-chemical traits of strawberry at harvest and during cold storage were investigated. Research Method: The effect of pre-harvest foliar spraying of MJ (0, 50, 100, and 200 μM) at three times (full flowering, production of green fruits, and the beginning of the pink stage) on quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry fruit (cv. Paros) stored at 4 °C for 12 d was studied. Findings: Our results showed that fruit obtained from MJ-treated plants had significantly higher firmness and APX enzyme activity than fruit from control plants. However, no significant differences in other traits were observed between control and MJ-treated fruits at this stage. During cold storage, MJ treatment significantly reduced firmness loss, physiological loss in weight, and ascorbic acid content compared to control fruits. In cold storage, MJ treatment reduced firmness loss and weight loss, while maintaining higher levels of titratable acidity, antioxidant compounds (ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and phenolics), and total antioxidant activity. Furthermore, MJ treatment resulted in increased catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity, as well as lowered guaiacol-peroxidase, total soluble solids/ titratable acidity ratio. Total soluble solids were not affected by MJ treatment at harvest and during cold storage. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: Pre-harvest application of MJ, especially 200 μM, can increase the shelf life of strawberry fruits by increasing or maintaining higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant enzyme activity.
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