Salinity Effects on Some Physiological Characteristics of Allium ampeloprasum L.

Water and agricultural soils salinity is the major limiting factors influencing vegetable production in most Iranian areas and climates. Allium ampeloprasum L. as a leafy vegetable has been of great interest for vegetable producers in most parts of Iran. However, due to gradual increase in soil and water salinity especially at Northwest Iran, the production of this vegetable has been faced with many production constraints. For the study of the salinity effects on some growth related and physiological traits of Allium ampeloprasum, an experiment was conducted as a factorial based on RCBD with five NaCl concentrations (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 mM) levels and two local clones (\u27Tabriz\u27 and \u27Isfahan\u27) with three replications. The results revealed that there were interaction effects of salinity and clonee considering proline content and K+/Na+ ratios. The highest amounts of chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll content, and leaves fresh weight were recorded in control plants. Na+ accumulation, MDA, H2O2 levels, soluble sugars content and ion leakage rate were the highest with 160 mM NaCl levels. With salinity level added, the proline accumulation in the plants was concomitantly increased

Foliar Application of Marmarin on Antioxidant Activity and Storage Time of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum L.)

Two separate experiments were conducted to study the effects of algae extract (\u27Marmarin\u27) foliar application on growth potential and storage life of garden cress. In the first experiment, the effect of \u27Marmarin\u27 foliar application on growth characteristics (leaf length and width, petiole length, leaves number, roots dry weight, root length and leaves dry weight) was determined. The results showed the positive effects of foliar spray on roots and leaves dry weight, root length, leaves number and petiole length. In the second experiment, the impact of foliar application of \u27Marmarin\u27 on harvested plants was assayed. The results showed significant effect of foliar spray treatment and storage time on chlorophyll b, total soluble solids and chlorotic leaves number. The highest total soluble solids were obtained by foliar application of 5 ml L-1 algae extract at harvest and at 4 days after storage, as well as with 10 ml L-1 foliar application at harvest time. Foliar application treatment with 10 mg L-1 at harvest and four days after storage had significant effects on chlorophyll b content. The highest chlorotic leaves number was determined without foliar application at 12 days after storage. Chlorophyll a, anthocyanin and total phenolics content were independently affected by foliar application and storage time. The highest amount of chlorophyll a was attained by foliar application of 5 and 10 ml L-1. The highest amount of anthocyanin and total phenolics was determined at application of 5, 10 and 15 ml L-1, and 10, 15 and 20 ml L-1, respectively. The highest content of anthocyanin was determined at the harvest. Also, the highest contents of total phenolics and chlorophyll a were determined at the harvest and were statistically equal with amount determined at 4 days after harvest

In vitro salinity stress mediates grass pea genotypes' (Lathyrus sativus L.) responses

This study was carried out to determine the tolerance of grass pea genotypes to salinity stress at callus and seedling stages under in vitro conditions. The calli and seedlings of six selected tolerant genotypes based on the primary screening in the field were separately exposed to salinity treatments (0, 125 mM) in vitro. Salinity was imposed with NaCl during in vitro culture, and it significantly affected all seedling traits. Genotype of Iran had the lowest seedling dry weight and therefore was more sensitive to salinity stress. According to salinity tolerance indices for seedlings, genotype Greece-III was characterized as high-yield and relatively high-salt-tolerant genotype. Salinity significantly affected callus size, callus RWC, callus RGR, and callogenesis index. Calli fresh and dry weights were not affected by the treatments. For callus dry weight, genotype Greece-III had the highest mean; and the lowest mean belonged to Greece-I. The stress tolerance indices showed that the highest values belonged to genotype Greece-III, which showed high yield and yield stability and so reasonable salinity tolerance. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes into two separate groups. The first cluster consisted of Iran, Greece-II, and Greece-III genotypes, and the second cluster consisted of Bangladesh, Canada, and Greece-I genotypes. Cluster analysis potentially separated the tolerant and sensitive genotypes to salinity in terms of callus dry weight. Grass pea callus and seedlings were able to survive at 125 mM salinity. Salinity did not affect callus dry and fresh weights, but its effect was remarkable on seedling dry and fresh weights (55% less than control). Therefore, calli were reasonably salinity tolerant. The present study suggests that grass pea was reasonably tolerant to salinity and can survive under salinity conditions during the seedling and callus stages.University of MaraghehThis study was funded by and carried out in the University of Maragheh. These results were from MSc thesis of Mrs. Zahra Khosravi

The Effects of Relative Substitution of Organic Fertilizers on Elementes Content, Some Physiological Traits and Yield of Lepidium sativum L.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of partial substitution of some organic fertilizers on the growth, yield and some physiological traits (elemental content, as well as phenolics, flavonoids and chlorophyll content of lepidium sativum as RCBD with three replications. Treatments were including control, (common soil) and different levels of vermicompost (10 and 20 %), poultry and cow manure substitution in soil. The results revealed that the highest plant height, root length, leaf widths and stem and root dry weight were observed with 10 and 20% of vermicompost. Chlorophyll a content had highest amount at 20% vermicompoust and chlorophyll b content had the highest amount with 10% vermicompost and cow manure substitution and for total flavonoids, 10 % vermicompost hold the highest data. For the elements, Zn content was affected by the poultry (120-122.7 µg/plant) and cow manure (119.7-123.3 µg/plant) substitution. Mn2+(341.8-378.6 µg/plant) and Fe2+ (733.3-800 µg/plant)compositional amounts were statistically affected by vermiconpost. K+content (7.4 mg/plant) were positively responded to cow manure and vermicompost (8.6 mg/plant) both at 20% substitution. The lowest data for Ca2+content was belonged to control (4.6 mg/plan). 20% poultry and cow manures affected N content of the plant. It seems that organic fertilizers substitution affects the soil characteristics and improves nutrients absorption and hence influences the vegetative growth, elemental content of plants tissue as well as the organic compounds pool. Finally, it is worthy of note that with the suitable management of organic fertilizers utilization we would be able to promote the yield and quality attributes of the plant in favor of nutritional and therapeutic plant properties

Diversity and Distribution Patterns of Endemic Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Iran: Implications for Conservation and Habitat Management

Iran, with its unique climatic and topographic conditions, is home to about 8200 species of vascular plants. Approximately 2300 of the 8200 species are popularly characterized as medicinal or aromatic. Here, we compile information about the endemic medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) of Iran and map their distributions. Our survey found 180 endemic species of MAPs, belonging to 10 families and 30 genera. The majority of species are found in Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae, with 86, 30, and 18 species, respectively. Approximately 70% of these plants have been recorded in the 10 provinces of Esfahan, Kerman, Fars, Tehran, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari, East Azarbaijan, Lorestan, West Azarbaijan, Hamadan, and Mazandaran. These provinces are located in the Iran-o-Turanian region, one of the three major phytogeographic regions in Iran, which covers five areas of endemism (i.e., Azarbaijan, Zagros, Kopet Dagh-Khorassan, Alborz, and Central Alborz). So, Iran-o-Turanian region is the main center of diversity for the Iranian endemic MAPs. The north, center and western parts of Iran are rich in MAPs and could be considered as the dominant biodiversity hotspots of Iran more seemingly due to the diverse climatic and geographic assortment which generates the highest frequency and distribution of MAPs. Many of these MAPs are at the edge of extinction due to the unwise, unscientific harvesting and/or global climate change. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve and propagate some of these important MAPs to save them from extinction and also to ensure the availability of raw materials for their use and future research into their efficacy. Furthermore, identifying the areas of endemism (AEs) is an essential part of ongoing regional conservation management programs in Iran and worldwide

Foliar Application of ZnO-NPs Influences Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Antioxidants Pool in Capsicum annum L. under Salinity

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been proven to helpfully improve plant tolerance to several abiotic stresses. However, no information has been reported concerning the role of ZnO-NPs on pepper plants under salinity stress. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants to ZnO-NP foliar application under salinity. Plants were subjected to 0 (control), 25 (S1), 50 (S2), and 75 mM (S3) NaCl salinity with a foliar spray of 0, 1000, and 2000 ppm ZnO-NPs. Significant reductions were recorded in the chlorophyll index (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and in the activity and/or ratios of reduced ascorbate (AsA), reduced ascorbate/dehydroascorbic acid (AsA/DHA), reduced glutathione (GSH), reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and K+ content. There was a significant increase in proline content, electrolyte leakage (EL), H2O2 content, guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) activities, and in Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio. Foliar treatments improved the salinity tolerance of the pepper plants by fortifying the antioxidant defense system, leaf fluorescence parameters, K+, and proline content, and in contrast, by decreasing the EL, Na+, and H2O2 levels. ZnO-NP foliar treatment efficiently improved the pepper plants' physiological responses under salinity. Considering the overall results, 1000 ppm of ZnO-NPs would be advisable for the amelioration of salinity depression and to promote growth potential. However, at higher levels, the nanoparticle showed toxicity symptoms that limited its reliable applications.O

KNO3, Nano-Zn, and Fe Foliar Application Influence the Growth and Physiological Responses of Aloe vera under Salinity

Aloe vera L. is a perennial drought-tolerant plant that is commonly used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. To evaluate the effects of the foliar application of KNO3, nano-Zn, and Fe (0 and 2 mgL(-1)) on Aloe vera plants under NaCl salinity stress (0, 50, 100 mM), a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design. The results revealed that foliar applications influenced the root dry weight. The chlorophyll b content was affected by the salinity plus the foliar application. The total soluble solids content, chlorophyll a, phenolics, and flavonoids of the leaves, the gel content, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde, proline, and mineral nutrients content were impacted by the treatments as well. The highest values for the gel content (0.37 g per leaf) and plant dry weight (13.1 g per pot) were recorded at 0 mM NaCl + KNO3 + nano-Fe. The top K/Na ratio (35.2), and the largest K (69 g kg(-1)), P (6.6 g kg(-1)), Ca (31 g kg(-1)), and Mg (2.5 g kg(-1)) contents were recorded after the 0 mM NaCl + KNO3 treatment. The highest Fe content (383 g kg(-1)) was observed with 0 mM NaCl + nano-Fe treatment, and the maximum Zn content (37.6 mg kg(-1)) was measured after the 0 mM NaCl + nano Zn treatment. One hundred mM NaCl increased the malondialdehyde and Na contents. The largest amount of catalase activity was measured after the 50 mM NaCl + KNO3 + nano-Zn treatment. Salinity stress had adverse effects on the growth and physiological responses of Aloe vera. However, the foliar application of KNO3, nano-Zn and Fe mitigated the damaging effects of salinity. The results from more detailed studies would be advisable for pioneer farmers and the agricultural sector

Improvement of photosynthetic pigment characteristics, mineral content, and antioxidant activity of lettuce (lactuca sativa l.) by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and seaweed extract foliar application

Beneficial plant-microbe interaction for enhancing crop yield and quality is a sustainable way to achieve eco-friendly, desirable agricultural productions. The main objective of this experiment was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) strain (Funnehformis mosseae) and a seaweed extract (SWE) derived from Ascophyllum nodosum, on the growth and physiological responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Lettuce plants were inoculated with commercial AMF inoculum (5 g kg(-1) soil), and SWE foliar application was done at three levels (0.5, 1.5, and 3 g L-1). The findings revealed that AMF along with SWE generated the greatest impact. In fact, co-application of AMF inoculation and 3 g L-1 SWE considerably enhanced root colonization, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and mineral content in the shoots and roots (N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Mn content) of lettuce plants. This combination improved initial fluorescence (F-0), photochemical efficiency of PSII (F-V/F-m) and Y(NO) and total antioxidant activity (TAA), whereas the maximum fluorescence, (F-m) and Y(II), showed the highest increase in lettuce plants treated with AMF and 1.5 g L-1 SWE. Furthermore, AMF inoculation along with SWE, at concentrations 1.5 and 3 g L-1, considerably enhanced variable fluorescence (F-V) and the activity of water decomposition in electron donor photosystem II (F-V/F-0). As a result of these findings, it can be stated that the co-application of AMF and SWE positively improves the growth and development of lettuce plants.Tomas Bata University in Zlin [IGA/FT/2022/004]; University of Maragheh, IranTomas Bata University in Zlin, TBU: IGA/FT/2022/004; University of Maraghe

Growth and antioxidant responses of lettuce (lactuca sativa l.) to arbuscular mycorrhiza inoculation and seaweed extract foliar application

Biofertilizers, such as arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) and seaweed extract (SWE), have been effective in environmental and agricultural ecosystems. In this study, the effects of AMF, SWE, and their co-application were assayed on the growth and antioxidant potential of lettuce plants. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with two factors and four replications under greenhouse conditions. The first factor was AMF (Glomus mosseae) at two levels consisting of AMF application (20 g pot(-1)), and without using AMF; and the second factor was SWE foliar spraying (Ascophyllum nodosum) at 0.5, 1.5 and 3 g L-1 concentration. The results revealed that the highest root colonization (85%) belonged to AMF and SWE (3 g L-1) x AMF; the lowest colonization rate (65%) was observed for AMF x SWE (0.5 g L-1) treatment. The highest growth parameters (leaf number, shoot and root fresh weight, head diameter), biochemical traits (total soluble proteins, carbohydrates content) and TAA, total antioxidant activity by FRAP method and ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and flavonoids content were obtained with the co-applications. Therefore, the best results of the evaluated traits were achieved with AMF x SWE (3 g L-1). The TAA value was increased three-fold compared to the control. Total phenolics and flavonoids content were 2.24 and 6.59 times higher than the control, respectively. On the other hand, leaf dry weight was decreased with the further growth of the plants. Overall, the co-application of AMF with SWE can be recommended to producers as an alternative and environment-friendly strategy to improve the qualitative and quantitative traits of the lettuce crop.University of Maragheh; Univerzita Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně: IGA/FT/2022/00

Morphological and physiological responses of in vitro-grown cucurbita sp. landraces seedlings under osmotic stress by mannitol and PEG

Screening and identification of tolerant genotypes using osmotic materials under in vitro culture could be rapid, easy, and even accurate. In this research, three Iranian landraces of Cucurbita sp. included Tanbal Ajili (Cucurbita maxima Duch.), Ajili Razan (Cucurbita pepo L.), and Balghabakhi (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) seeds were cultured in 1/4 MS medium. After germination, plantlets were transferred to MS media containing mannitol and PEG 6000. Mannitol and PEG at three concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 M and 0.009, 0.012, and 0.015 M, respectively, were added into the MS medium, while the MS medium without any adding was used as control. Our findings revealed that osmotic treatments significantly increased shoot and root dry weight (DW), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline content, but significantly reduced coleoptile length, shoot and root fresh weight, and photosynthesis pigments content. Protein content, phenols, and flavonoids content, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant including ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) activity, reduced ascorbate (AsA), reduced ascorbate/dehydroascorbic acid (AsA/DHA), reduced glutathione (GSH), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) were significantly increased at moderate osmotic stress induced by mannitol and PEG. In contrast, the previous physiological parameters were significantly reduced at higher water deficit conditions. With respect to most attributes and concentrations, mannitol simulated osmotic stress better than PEG. Our results revealed that applying PEG and mannitol under in vitro conditions could be an efficient way to evaluate and screen cucurbit genotypes for future breeding programs.IGA/FT/2022/004; University of MaraghehUniversity of Maragheh, Iran; [IGA/FT/2022/004