Vermicompost Application in Different Intercropping Patterns Improves the Mineral Nutrient Uptake and Essential Oil Compositions of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Only a few studies have hitherto investigated the effects of the application of organic fertilizers in intercropping systems on the plant essential oil (EO) productivity. Hence, this work has aimed to study the effect of different intercropping patterns on EO quality and quantity of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under vermicompost application. In the present study, the cropping patterns consisted of 1B:1CB, 2B:2CB, 3B:2CB, and 4B:2CB (basil: common bean) as well as the pure culture of both crops and fertilizer treatments including usage or non-usage of vermicompost. The maximum seed yield of common bean (2786 kg ha−1) and dry matter yield of basil in the first (261.5 g m−2) and second harvests (214.7 g m−2) were recorded in the pure cultures fertilized with vermicompost. In addition, the nutrient uptake rate of macronutrients and micronutrients in both plants after application of vermicompost improved in intercropping patterns. In both harvests, the maximum EO content of basil (0.84% in the first harvest and 0.69% in the second harvest) was observed at the cropping ratio of 3B:2CB fertilized with vermicompost. Chemical analysis, achieved by GC–MS, evidenced 1,8-cineole, linalool, methyl chavicol, α-trans-bergamotene, methyl eugenol, and epi-α-cadinol as the main basil EO constituents in both harvests. The highest increment level for most ofEO constituents, nutrient uptake, and land equivalent ratio (1.52) were obtained in the intercropping pattern of 3B:2CB fertilized with vermicompost. In general, the intercropping pattern of 3B:2CB after use of vermicompost can improve the EO productivity and quality of basil. This intercropping pattern was accompanied by the increment of nutrient uptake. Therefore, this treatment can be introduced as a valid and sustainable strategy to replace chemical fertilizer and plant monoculture

Identifying Effective Factors on Consumer Intention to Use Mobile Banking Services (Case Study: Banks of Guilan province)

ABSTRACT This study objective is identifying the factors influencing on consumer intention to use mobile banking services in the Guilan province banks. Proposed model of research is based on six concepts of perceived usefulness, perceived system quality, perceived ease, perceived security, perceived compatibility, subjective norm. Statistical population is bank customers of the Guilan province. In terms of the aim the present study is applied and in terms of nature and method is descriptive -analytical with emphasis on correlation branch. Also method of data collection is Field and by questionnaire. In this study, the descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. So that the first through the software SPSS for each variable in tables and graphs and statistical indices are described and then analyze the data, test hypotheses and to generalize results from the sample to population is used structural equation modeling and is used by Liserl software, and all hypotheses were confirmed

The Effect of Intercropping Patterns on Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) Dry Biomass Yield and Essential Oil Content and Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Seed Yield

In order to evaluate the effect of peppermint and faba bean intercropping patterns, a field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran during 2015 growing season. Treatments included sole planting of peppermint and faba bean and intercropping patterns with ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:3, 3:2, 1:3 and 3:1 (peppermint: faba bean). The highest number of pods per plant (5.4), seeds per pod (3.7) and 100-seed weight (118.4 g) were achieved in the ratio of 2:3. The highest seed yield of faba bean per occupied unit of land when the latter species were planted with the ratios of 2:3 (268.3 g m-2) and 1:3 (250 g m-2). The highest seed yield of faba bean per intercropped unit of land area was related to faba bean sole cropped (189.8 g m-2) and 1:3 (187.5 g m-2) cropping pattern. Also, the highest dry mass yield of peppermint per occupied unit of land area was obtained in the 2:3 treatment (629 g m-2) with no significant difference with 3:2 and 1:3 treatments. The highest dry mass yield of peppermint per intercropped unit land area was observed in the peppermint sole cropped (320 g m-2) and ratio of 3:2 (303 g m-2) with no significant difference with 2:1, 2:3 and 3:1 cropping patterns. The highest peppermint essential oil percentage (2.15%) and essential oil yield (5.61 g m-2) were related to 2:3 and 3:2 treatments. In all cropping patterns (except of 1:1 treatment), the LER value was higher than 1, while LERs value was higher than 1 in 2:3, 3:2 and 1:3 treatments. The greatest value of LERs (1.31) was achieved in 2:3 cropping pattern. In conclusion, based on faba bean seed yield, peppermint essential oil content and yield and LERs, the ratio of 2:3 for peppermint:faba bean was superior to other treatments

Funneliformis mosseae inoculation under water deficit stress improves the yield and phytochemical characteristics of thyme in intercropping with soybean

Intercropping of medicinal plants/legumes along with bio-fertilizer application is a relatively new sustainable practice for improving the yield and secondary metabolites production. Here, a 2-years field experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of water deficit stress and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) application (as bio-fertilizer) on nutrients concentration, dry matter yield, essential oil quantity and quality of thyme in intercropping with soybean. Three irrigation levels, including (i) irrigation after depletion of 20% (I20) as non-stressed, 50% (I50) as moderate water deficit and 80% (I80) available water as severe water deficit were applied as the main factor. The sub-factor was represented by different cropping patterns including thyme sole culture, replacement intercrop ratio of 50:50 and 66:34 (soybean: thyme) and the third factor was non-usage (control) and usage of AMF. According to our results, the thyme dry yield under moderate and severe water deficit stress decreased by 35 and 44% in the first year, and by 27 and 40% in the second year compared with non-stressed (I20) plants, respectively. Also, the macro- and micro-nutrients of thyme leaves increased significantly in intercropping patterns after application of AMF. The maximum essential oil percentage of thyme was achieved in 50:50 intercropping ratio treated with AMF. Under moderate and severe water deficits, the major constituents of thyme essential oil including thymol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene were increased in intercropping patterns treated with AMF. Generally, AMF application in intercropping ratio of 50:50 may be proposed to farmers as an eco-friendly approach to achieve desirable essential oil quality and quantity in thyme under water deficit stress conditions

Funneliformis mosseae application improve the oil quantity and quality and eco-physiological characteristics of soybean (Glycine max L.) under water stress conditions

The water deficit is one of the main limiting abiotic stress factors affecting the plant physiology, growth, and productivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of bio-fertilizer application under water stress conditions on the soybean productivity and its oil quality as a new strategy in sustainable agriculture. The experimental treatments included different water irrigation regimes including irrigation after 20% (W20, well-watered conditions), 50% (W50, moderate water deficit), and 80% (W80, severe water deficit) soil water depletion, as well as inoculation and non-inoculation of arbuscular mycor- rhizal fungus (AMF). The results demonstrated that the seed yield, oil productivity, and oil yield of soybean decreased in moderate and severe water stress conditions. The maximum protein content (43.83%) was obtained in W50 water stress treated with AMF. AMF inoculation enhanced the seed and oil yields by 22.7 and 20.1% in comparison with control, respectively. In addition, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in water stress conditions treated with AMF. AMF inoculation improved the soybean oil quality as shown by the higher content of unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids and lower content of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acids. Application of AMF could be recommended as an eco-friendly strategy for improving soybean oil quality and quantity under water deficit conditions

Optimizing phytochemical and physiological characteristics of Balangu (Lallemantia iberica L.) by foliar application of chitosan nanoparticles and Myco-Root inoculation under water supply restrictions

Balangu is a medicinal plant used in the Iranian traditional medicine to treat nervous, hepatic and renal diseases. To determine the effects of Myco-Root biofertilizer and chitosan nanoparticles (Cs-NPs) on the physiological and biochemical properties of balangu (Lallemantia iberica (M.Bieb.) Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) under different irrigation levels, an experiment was laid out as a factorial based on completely randomized design (CRD) with twelve treatments and three replications. The first factor was represented by different irrigation regimes, including no water deficit (90% FC), mild water deficit (60% FC) and severe water deficit (30% FC); the second factor included control (no Myco-Root and Cs-NPs), inoculation with Myco-Root biofertilizer, foliar application of chitosan nanoparticles (Cs-NPs) and co-application of Cs-NPs along with Myco-Root. The results showed that the highest fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, chlorophyll index (SPAD) and fluorescence indices were obtained in 90% FC treated with Cs-NPs+ Myco-Root. In addition, the maximum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POX) was achieved in 60% FC with application of Cs-NPs+ Myco-Root. Moreover, the maximum essential oil content (1.43%) and yield (0.25 g pot−1) were recorded in 60% FC following the application of Cs-NPs+ Myco-Root. Chemical analysis of essential oil showed that germacrene D (31.22–39.77%), (E)-caryophyllene (16.28–19.82%), bicyclogermacrene (7.1–9.22%) and caryophyllene oxide (3.85–6.96%) were the major volatile constituents of balangu. Interestingly, the maximum contents of germacrene D and (E)-caryophyllene were recorded in 60% FC after the application of Cs-NPs+ Myco-Root. Overall, it can be concluded that co-application of Cs-NPs+ Myco-Root could be a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy for improving the essential oil quantity and quality, as well as physiological characteristics, of balangu under water deficit conditions

Intercropping fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by PGPR inoculation: a strategy for improving yield, essential oil and fatty acid composition

In order to evaluate the quali-quantitative traits of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) when intercropped with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in different cropping patterns and under PGPR application, a two-years field experiment (2015 and 2016) was arranged as factorial design based on randomized complete blocks (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor consisted of six cropping patterns including sole cropping of fennel, sole cropping of common bean, and different intercropping ratios of fennel to common bean (1:1, 2:2, 3:2, 4:2), whereas the second factor included the application and non-application of PGPR. The results showed that the highest seed yields of common bean (2474.83 kg ha−1) and fennel (2730.08 kg ha−1) were produced with sole cropping combined under PGPR application. The fennel essential oil (EO) and seed oil (fixed oil) content in all intercropping patterns were higher than those in sole cropping. Furthermore, under PGPR application, the seed yield, EO content, EO yield, fixed oil content and oil yield of fennel increased by 20.9, 16.4, 39.3, 10.3 and 33.3 %, respectively, compared with control. Based on the chemical analysis of fennel EO, the main constituents were (E)-anethole (73.71–81.10%), fenchone (3.44–6.18%), limonene (3.49–5.82%) and methyl chavicol (4.06–7.22%). The major fatty acids in fennel fixed oil were oleic (77.17–82.90%), linoleic (6.50–8.97%) and palmitic acids (3.25–6.80%). The highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) and (E)-anethole were obtained with intercropping ratios (fennel to common bean) of 2:2 and 3:2 under PGPR application, respectively. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratio (1.32) was obtained with intercropping ratio of 3:2 under PGPR application. Our findings showed that the intercropping ratio of 2:2 and 3:2 upon PGPR biofertilization may be suggested to farmers instead of sole cropping for enhancing the fennel EO and fixed oil quali-quantitative composition

Effect of different fertilizer sources and harvesting time on the growth characteristics, nutrient uptakes, essential oil productivity and composition of Mentha x piperita L.

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in conventional agricultural systems decreased the nutrient use efficiency and caused serious environmental problems such as waterway pollution, mineral depletion, soil acidification and other issues. In order to achieve the desirable essential oil productivity and reduction consumption of chemical inputs in peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.), a 2-year field experiment was carried out using a split-plot approach based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with 7 treatments and three replications at two harvesting times. The main factor was given by different fertilizer treatments including no fertilizer (control), chemical fertilizer, arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus, 50 % chemical fertilizer + arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus, nano chelated fertilizer, 50 % chemical fertilizer + nano chelated fertilizer, nano chelated fertilizer + arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus, and the sub-factor included two harvesting times (first harvest and second harvest). The results demonstrated that the highest and lowest growth parameters including plant height, number of lateral branches per plant and leaf greenness (SPAD index) were achieved with integrative application of 50 % chemical fertilizer + nano chelated fertilizer (in the first harvest) and control conditions (in the second harvest), respectively. Also, the maximum concentration of N, P, K and Fe was reached in the first harvest with application of 50 % chemical fertilizer + nano chelated fertilizer. Furthermore, the highest peppermint dry matter yield (354.8 g/m2), essential oil content (2.7 %) and essential oil yield (6.6 g/m2) was achieved at the first harvest with application of 50 % chemical fertilizer + nano chelated fertilizer. GC–MS analysis of peppermint essential oil showed that the major components at first harvest were menthol (31.82–37.87 %), menthone (23.85–30.90 %), 1,8-cineole (6.39–6.82 %), δ-terpineol (3.61–4.11 %) and neo-menthol (2.67–3.33 %), whereas at second harvest menthol (44–47.31 %), p-menth-l-en-9-ol (11.66–14.96 %), menthofuran (3.44–5.14 %), menthone (3.82–10.62 %), 1,8-cineole (5.51–5.99 %) and neo-menthol (5.03–5.90 %). Notably, menthol reached the highest amount with application of 50 % chemical fertilizer + nano chelated fertilizer. Overall, an integrative application of chemical fertilizers with nano fertilizers can be suggested to farmers as an alternative and environmentally friendly strategy to improve the quali-quantitative characteristics of peppermint essential oil

Comparison of drying methods for the extraction of essential oil from dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Lamiaceae)

In the present study, the effect of six different drying methods on the essential oil content and compositions of aerial parts of Iranian dragonhead was assessed. The highest and lowest essential oil contents (1.85 and 0.45%, respectively), were achieved in freeze-drying method and oven drying at 60°C, respectively. Essential oil analyses showed that the main constituents were geranyl acetate (56.5–33.2%), geranial (10.8–27.9%), neral (7.3–20.3%), and geraniol (6.7–13.5%). The high- est percentages of geranyl acetate (56.5%) and geraniol (13.5%) were obtained with oven drying at 60°C. Cluster analysis of the essential oil constituents demonstrated three main groups based on drying methods. Freeze drying of aerial parts of dragonhead was the most suitable method allowing high-essential oil yields and short drying time. On the other hand, the highest level of marker compounds such as geranyl acetate and geraniol was obtained with oven drying at 60°C