Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Abbas Mirsoleimani; Mahdi Najafi-Ghiri; Hamid-Reza Boostani; Hossein Heydari
Abstract
Purpose: It is believed that wood vinegar (WV) can improve soil nutrient availability and uptake, thereby improving plant growth and development. In this study we investigate the effect of WV on the availability of macro- and micro elements in the soil and the uptake, translocation and efficiency of ...
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Purpose: It is believed that wood vinegar (WV) can improve soil nutrient availability and uptake, thereby improving plant growth and development. In this study we investigate the effect of WV on the availability of macro- and micro elements in the soil and the uptake, translocation and efficiency of these elements in seedlings of sour orange (SO) and Mexican lime (ML) as well as on plant growth. Research method: The applied WV (1 and 2%) (v/v) was added to the irrigation water at intervals of 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks after planting. Findings: The results showed that the use of WV at both concentrations reduced the phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) concentration in the leaves of ML, reduced the percentage of calcium (Ca) uptake and efficiency of copper (Cu) in SO and increased the iron (Fe) in ML root (1150 to 1320 mg kg-1 DW). Although 1% WV increased soil availability of Ca, sodium (Na), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) and thus decreased root K/Na and Ca/Na, WV 2% improved Mn and K availability but decreased Ca in the soil solution. Application of 1 and 2% WV reduced root dry weight by 16.1 and 12.9% in SO seedling, respectively and in ML seedlings 2% WV reduced total chlorophyll and leaf greenness. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: The results showed that although the addition of WV to the soil can reduce the pH and thereby increase the availability of some elements such as K and Mn, the increase in EC prevents the effective absorption and translocation of elements and thus plant growth such as root dry weight and greenness.
Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Ahmad Ahmadian; Nazanin Nazari; Yaser Esmaeilian
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the response of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) to nutrient resources and maternal corm weights. Research method: The experiment was conducted as a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots included four ...
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Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the response of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) to nutrient resources and maternal corm weights. Research method: The experiment was conducted as a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plots included four integrated nutrition programs (NP0: control (without fertilization); NP1: cow manure, amino acids, humic acid; NP2: slaughterhouse waste, mono-potassium phosphate, humic acid, mix (macro-micro) fertilizer; and NP3: poultry manure, ammonium nitrate, humic acid, amino acid, hormone biofertilizer, NP fertilizer, micronutrients) and the subplots included three maternal corm weights (CW1: 4-8, CW2: 8-12, and CW3: 12-16 g). Findings: The difference between the experimental treatments in terms of the effect on the studied traits of saffron was more significant in the second year than in the first year of the experiment. The NP3 treatment resulted in the highest values of the flower number (85.6), fresh and dry flower yield (28.21 and 5.48 g m-2, respectively), and fresh and dry stigma yield (3.35 and 0.67 g m-2, respectively). Also, planting the heaviest corms led to the highest values of the mentioned traits (79.9, 24.57, 4.85, 2.90, and 0.58 g m-2, respectively). The highest value of corm number (312.1), corm diameter (4.27 cm), corm weight (6.86 g), and corm yield (1562.4 g m-2) belonged to the NP3 treatment. The CW3 treatment obtained the highest values of the mentioned traits (322.7, 3.72 cm, 6.87 g, and 1476.5 g m-2, respectively). Furthermore, the highest dry stigma water productivity (1.942 g m-3) and corm water productivity (4.45 kg m-3) were found under the NP3 treatment. Also, the highest value of the mentioned traits (1.681 g m-3 and 4.18 kg m-3, respectively) was recorded in the CW3 treatment. Research limitations: No limitations were identified. Originality/Value: The results of this research clearly show the profound importance of the characteristics of the maternal corms and the integrated nutrition in changes in saffron yield. Overall, we conclude that the NP3CW3 treatment is the best treatment for obtaining the highest values of saffron flower and corm indices as well as the stigma and corm water productivity.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Elhadi M. Yahia; Jose de Jesús Ornelas-Paz; Claudia Inés Victoria-Campos
Abstract
Purpose: Changes in color, vitamin C, b-carotene, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol were followed during ripening and senescence of mature-green tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Rhapsody) maintained at 22 °C and 85% RH for up to 5 weeks. Research method: Tomatoes were harvested at the ...
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Purpose: Changes in color, vitamin C, b-carotene, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol were followed during ripening and senescence of mature-green tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill cv. Rhapsody) maintained at 22 °C and 85% RH for up to 5 weeks. Research method: Tomatoes were harvested at the mature-green stage and valuated for color and the content of selected bioactive compounds (β-carotene, lycopene, α- and δ- tocopherols and vitamin C) during simulated retail market conditions (22 °C and 85% RH for 5 weeks). Findings: The tested tomato cultivar had a long postharvest life under the tested conditions, as the fruit maintained in edible conditions during the whole storage period. Vitamin C, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol presented their highest values after about 14 to 18 days after harvest, and b-carotene maintained a maximum content (0.84 mg/100 g) 8 days after harvest. The maximum content of vitamin C, lycopene, a- and d-tocopherol were 0.036, 30, 0.27 and 0.0045 mg 100 g-1 of fresh tissue, respectively. Our results indicate that 'Rhapsody' tomatoes harvested at the mature-green stage have shown important levels of vitamin E (tocopherols), C, and carotenoids (lycopene and b-carotene) after 14 to 17 days from harvest. Research limitations: There were no limitations. Originality/Value: This study evaluated the changes in the content of bioactive compounds in long shelf life tomatoes, of great importance for human health, for up to 5 weeks to determine the ideal moment for their consumption.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Farid Moradinezhad; Maryam Dorostkar; Razieh Niazmand; Gholamreza Doraki
Abstract
Purpose: There is no report regarding the physicochemical properties of dried barberry fruits from main production regions of the South Khorasan Province, Iran. Research Method: Therefore, we investigated the nutritional quality and bioactive compounds of dried, seedless barberry fruits from different ...
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Purpose: There is no report regarding the physicochemical properties of dried barberry fruits from main production regions of the South Khorasan Province, Iran. Research Method: Therefore, we investigated the nutritional quality and bioactive compounds of dried, seedless barberry fruits from different regions of South Khorasan Province, Iran. Dried barberries were evaluated after being purchased and collected. Findings: The highest total soluble solids (TSS) and the highest taste index (TSS/TA) were obtained for the barberries from the Birjand region, which indicates that the barberries from this region have better and sweeter tastes than those from other regions. However, the barberry fruits of the Qaen region had the greatest amount of titratable acidity (TA) and the lowest amount of TSS, which indicates that the fruits of this region are more sour than those of other regions. The examination of color indices (L*, a*, b*, Hue and chroma) showed that the lowest values of a* (redness) and chroma were related to the dried barberry of the Darmian region. Additionally, the highest total phenol content and anthocyanin content were detected in fruits from the Birjand region. However, barberry fruits from the Darmian region had the lowest phenol content and the lowest levels of anthocyanin and vitamin C. Positive strong correlations revealed between anthocyanin and TSS (r = 0.82), anthocyanin and phenol (r =0.95), anthocyanin and vitamin C (r =0.77), and anthocyanin and chroma (r =0.81). Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: In general, it can be concluded that the dry, seedless barberry fruits from the Birjand region had higher quality and nutritional value than those from other regions. Nevertheless, the barberries of the Zirkoh and Qaen regions also had acceptable quality and nutritional value. However, it seems necessary to control and review the storage and drying conditions of barberry fruits in the Darmian region.
Original Article
Pomology
Mehdi Kazemi; Mousa Rasouli; Masoumeh Maleki; Mohammad Abdoli; Majid Rostami-Borujeni
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to gain knowledge about the genetic reserves of native Iranian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars and genotypes in tropical regions and to identify the best grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in vineyards of Khuzestan province. Research Method: This study evaluated ...
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Purpose: This study aimed to gain knowledge about the genetic reserves of native Iranian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars and genotypes in tropical regions and to identify the best grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in vineyards of Khuzestan province. Research Method: This study evaluated the phenotypic diversity of 60 grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in tropical, subtropical region of Khuzestan province in Iran. Findings: The result showed that the most descriptive statistics in the most important quantitative traits are related to fresh weight of bunch, bunch length, bunch width, the number of berries per bunch, berry length, berry width, protein content, total soluble solids and titratanbe acidity. The native Iranian grape cultivars and genotypes of Khuzestan province included 'Bangi', 'Soltani' and 'Yershi' as the earliest, Iranian cultivars including 'Yaghouti Ghermez', 'Yaghouti Sabz' and 'Asgari' as mid-ripening and foreign cultivars including 'Flame Seedless' and 'Perlette' as late ripening respectively. The results of factor analysis showed that the highest coefficients of eigenvectors in 7 main components are related to the most important traits including fresh weight of bunch, fresh weight of berries, berry diameter, berry length, the number of berries per bunch, protein content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and the content of chlorophyll which accounted for 84.28% of the total variance variation. To group cultivars and genotypes based on investigated traits from cluster analysis by Ward’s method was used. Cultivars and genotypes were grouped in 9 main clusters in 5 Euclidean distances. Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: In this research, the significant diversity of grapevine cultivars and genotypes existing in vineyards of Khuzestan province showed the superiority of native cultivars and genotypes such as 'Soltani', 'Bangi (Ghermez)' and 'Yershi' in some traits compared to other foreign cultivars.
Original Article
Plant Physiology
Bonga Lewis Ngcobo; Isa Bertling; Siphokuhle Mbuyisa
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to explore different extraction methods, extraction solvents, as well as solvent/water mixtures that could potentially yield(s) the best growth-enhancing, yield- and quality-promoting effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MLEs), when applied foliarly to tomatoes and peppers. ...
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Purpose: The study aimed to explore different extraction methods, extraction solvents, as well as solvent/water mixtures that could potentially yield(s) the best growth-enhancing, yield- and quality-promoting effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MLEs), when applied foliarly to tomatoes and peppers. Research Method: This study was laid out following a complete randomized design with three replications. Foliar application of MLEs tested included: control, aqueous (hot water, MLE HW), aqueous (cold water, MLE CW), ethanolic (MLE ETH) and methanolic (MLE METH) extracts. These treatments were repeatedly sprayed onto the leaves of selected plants, from two weeks after transplanting in weekly intervals until fruit set. Findings: Foliar application of all MLEs significantly enhanced growth of both pepper and tomato plants compared with the control. MLE HW application positively affected yield parameters, followed by MLE ETH and MLE METH. All MLEs significantly enhanced the colour coordinate a* and TSS, excluding MLE CW. Carotenoids in red peppers were significantly higher, following all MLE treatments, excluding the MLE CW, while in red tomatoes MLEs enhanced lycopene and β-carotene content. The concentration of Vitamin C was also significantly enhanced by MLE application to peppers, while in tomatoes, only MLE METH and MLE ETH positively altered the fruit Vit C concentration. These results generally prove that MLE application could potentially be used to improve crop production and their nutritive value. Research limitations: There were no limitations identified. Originality/Value: The results obtained in this study highlight the potential MLEs, particularly hot water MLE, to enhance growth, yield and nutritional quality of pepper and tomato, without compromising human health and environmental sustainability.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Alex Guimarães Sanches; Elem Maria Ferreira Feitosa
Abstract
Purpose: Guava is a tropical and subtropical fruit recognized for its nutritional quality. However, o it is a climacteric fruit, that is, with high respiratory activity and ethylene production during ripening, it becomes extremely perishable under environmental conditions, requiring conservation technologies ...
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Purpose: Guava is a tropical and subtropical fruit recognized for its nutritional quality. However, o it is a climacteric fruit, that is, with high respiratory activity and ethylene production during ripening, it becomes extremely perishable under environmental conditions, requiring conservation technologies that allow its commercialization without compromising post-harvest quality during storage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant regulators (gibberellic acid – GA3 and ethephon) on ripening and quality preservation during storage at room temperature. Research method: Physiologically mature guavas (stage 3) were harvested in a commercial orchard, selected and sanitized in a chlorinated solution, and immersed in the following solutions: distilled water (control), GA3, and ethephon (150 mg.L-1) for a period of 10 minutes and subsequently stored under room temperature conditions (28 ± 2 ºC) for 12 days with physical-chemical quality assessments carried out every three days. Findings: Treatment with GA3 provided lower values of mass loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total sugars, in addition to higher values of firmness and vitamin C of the fruits analyzed, while the opposite effect was observed in guavas treated with ethephon. In general, the postharvest application of GA3 delays ripening, making it possible to extend marketing for up to 9 days, on the other hand, ethephon anticipates ripening, making them fully ripe after 6 days of storage. Research limitations: There were no limitations to carrying out this research. Originality/Value: This research's results support staggering the ripening of guava over time, allowing the fruit's commercialization period to be extended.
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