In Memory of Professor Ebrahim Behdad

Professor Ebrahim Behad, emeritus professor of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Isfahan Center, and professor at Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan branch passed away at the age of 85 on March 2021. Despite administrative responsibilities, he is the author of several books which some are references mostly for undergraduate students. His key role in holding two rounds of the Iranian Plant Protection Congress is memorable. Also, he published some peer-reviewed scientific articles and a lot of extension booklets and was involved in teaching and supervision the postgraduate students, mainly at the Isfahan University of Technology

A contribution to the rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Paederinae) in north of Iran

In this paper, 19 species of rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), belonging to the subfamily Paederinae Fleming 1821, were collected from Mazandaran province, north of Iran, during 2015-2016. Two species, Rugilus angustatus Geoffroy 1758 and Astenus lyonessius (joy 1908) are reported for the first time from Iran

The Effect of Celery (Apium graveolens) Extract on the Reproductive Hormones in Male Mice

AbstractCelery (Apium graveolens) has many therapeutic effects. This plant has many phytoestrogens that can affect on the reproductive endocrine system and can reduce fertility .In this study, Hydro alcoholic extracts of celery leaves on the pituitary -gonad axis in young male l mice of Balb/C was investigated. The samples were randomly divided into 5 groups (three treatment groups, placebo and control). Celery leaves hydroalcoholic extract in different doses (50, 100,150mg/kg/2day) was injected (IP) for 20 days. The Placebo group was used for injection of normal saline. The samples were randomly divided into 5 groups (three treatment groups, placebo and control). Celery leaves hydroalcoholic extract in different doses (50, 100,150mg/kg/2day) was injected (IP) for 20 days. The Placebo group was used for injection of normal saline. After 10 injections, samples bloods were analyzed for FSH, LH, and testosterone using RIA method and compared with control groups and compared with control groups. Concentrations of FSH in 100 and 150mg/kg decreased significantly while LH and testosterone concentrations in all experimental groups decreased (P<0.05). This study showed dose-dependent negative effect of celery extracts in the pituitary - gonad axis in male mice

Review of the genus Laelaspisella Marais & Loots, with the description of a new species from Iran (Acari, Laelapidae)

A new species of mite is described from Iran, Laelaspisella elsae sp. n. (Acari: Laelapidae). The new species was collected from bark of elm trees in Isfahan province. A revised diagnosis for Laelaspisella, as well as a key to the world species of the genus, are presented. Two species groups of Laelaspisella are proposed: those with seta pd3 on genu I and those without pd3 on genu I. Pseudoparasitus (Gymnolaelaps) tonsilis Karg, 1989a is transferred to Laelaspisella, based on its hypertrichous holodorsal shield, metasternal setae st4 absent and genu IV with ten setae. The problems with L. canestrinii are explained and L. canestriniisensuBerlese (1903), (1904) and Costa (1962) is provided with a new name, Laelaspisella berlesei Joharchi, nom. n

Investigating the effect of dichlorvos and acetamiprid residues in greenhouse cucumber on biochemical parameters and protective role of colostrum

Background: Across the world, people are exposed to pesticide residues in agricultural products. Various materials are used to deal with effects of these residues. Considering the wide use of dichlorvos and acetamiprid in crops, pesticide residues in cucumber and its effects on the biochemical parameters of mice were calculated, and the protective role of donkey colostrum (DC) to deal with the pesticide effects was investigated. Materials and Methods: Dichlorvos (4 ml/l) and acetamiprid (0.5 g/l) residues, after spraying cucumber plants, were 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively. For 60 days, the mentioned doses were used in the drinking water of 4 groups of mice. No substances were added to mice drinking water in the control group while dichlorvos and acetamiprid groups received 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg of pesticide, respectively, and the mixed group received a combination of two pesticides. In order to investigate the protective role of DC, 0.2 ml of colostrum was given to each of the groups in a similar division and timing. Results: In the biochemical sector, albumin (control 2.96, dichlorvos 1.86, acetamiprid 2.00, and mix 1.6 g/dl) and total protein levels reduced. Alanine aminotransferase (control 41.8, dichlorvos 56.2, acetamiprid 58.4, and mix 68 iu/l) and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased. In the protective role of colostrum, albumin (control 2.96, dichlorvos 2.74, acetamiprid 2.80, and mix 2.50 g/dl) and alanine aminotransferase changes (control 41.8, dichlorvos 43.4, acetamiprid 46.0, and mix 52.2 iu/l) were recorded (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Adding pesticides to mice drinking water causes liver disorders and DC can be effective in protecting these damages

A new species of Myrmozercon Berlese (Acari, Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) associated with ant from Iran

This paper report on a new species of mites of the genus Myrmozercon associated with ant in Iran – Myrmozercon cyrusi Ghafarian and Joharchi sp. n. was collected associated of the Monomorium sp. in Kenevist Rural District in the Central District of Mashhad County, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. This new species is described and illustrations provided. Myrmozercon ovatum Karawajew, 1909 is suspected to be a junior synonym of M. brevipes Berlese, 1902 and host-specificity and host range of Myrmozercon are also reviewed