Plant Productions

A study on the effects of chemical and biological fertilizers on the essential oil content of sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Bohloul Abbaszadeh; Masoumeh Layegh haghighi; Razieh Azimi; Negar Valizadeh

Volume 47, Issue 3 , November 2024, , Pages 455-474

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47372.2188

Abstract

Introduction The use of medicinal plants and their products has been expanded significantly in various countries. Sage, scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, is a valuable medicinal ... Read More Introduction The use of medicinal plants and their products has been expanded significantly in various countries. Sage, scientifically known as Salvia officinalis, is a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the mint family. Sage leaves contain various types of flavonoids and phenolic compounds and possess important medicinal properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Additionally, sage leaves and flowering tops are used in food processing and perfumery. Some compounds present in sage essential oil, such as 1,8-cineole, borneol, camphor, and thujone, exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, memory-enhancing, anti-Alzheimer's, and anticancer properties. The application of biofertilizers not only plays a crucial role in increasing the yield of medicinal plants but also affects the quality of active compounds. One of the strategies in sustainable agricultural systems to enhance soil fertility is the minimal use of on-farm inputs, including biofertilizers, and their combined application with organic and chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, nutrient management is a vital factor in successful cultivation. Materials and methods A factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in the 2021-2022 growing season at the Research Farm of the Forest and Rangelands Research Institute of Iran to evaluate the effects of chemical and biological fertilizers on the percentage and composition of sage essential oil. Treatments included a control (no fertilizer), chemical fertilizers (150 kg/ha phosphorus from triple superphosphate and 300 kg/ha nitrogen from urea), and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi (Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 187). Results and Discussion Results showed that the application of chemical fertilizers significantly affected the yield and percentage of essential oil compounds including alpha-pinene, camphene, 1,8-cineole, alpha-thujone, and beta-thujone, as well as the total of hydrocarbon monoterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The yield of compounds such as alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, alpha-thujone, beta-thujone, and camphor was also significantly affected. The highest percentage of alpha-thujene (% 0.25) were obtained in the treatment with both urea and phosphate fertilizers. The highest percentage of linalool and camphor yield was obtained in the treatment with biofertilizers. The highest essential oil yield with averages of 97.57, 97.07, and 89.27 kg/ha belonged to the treatments N300P0 * Funneliformis mosseae + Rhizophagus irregularis+ Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 187, Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 187 * N0P150, and Funneliformis mosseae + Rhizophagus irregularis + Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 187* N0P150, respectively." Conclusion The results of this study indicated that sage, due to its abundant aerial biomass production, requires adequate fertilization to achieve high yields. However, the essential oil percentage of this plant was not affected by environmental factors such as fertilization and seemed to be more controlled by genetic factors. This finding can significantly contribute to the selection and introduction of cultivars with high essential oil percentages in the future. Furthermore, by combining chemical and biological fertilizers, it is possible to effectively influence the percentage and quantity of major essential oil compounds in sage and achieve the production of higher quality plants with a higher percentage of specific compounds.

Foliar application of silica and potassium sulphate on some characteristics of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’

Farzad Abdollahi; Abdolkarim Zarei; Javad Erfani-Moghadam; Mahmood Rostaminia

Volume 47, Issue 2 , August 2024, , Pages 309-321

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.46385.2150

Abstract

IntroductionPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing species with a long history of cultivation in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Pomegranate production ... Read More IntroductionPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing species with a long history of cultivation in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Pomegranate production in Iran, as the main pomegranate producer in the world, is faced with different challenges. Fruit cracking is one of the serious disorders in pomegranate that cause significant reduction in the quality of fruit and subsequent economic damages to the pomegranate producers annually. Fruit cracking can be controlled to some extent by appropriate orchard management. Proper orchard fertilization is among the influential cases that can lead to the improvement in the physiological state of trees in favor of reducing the fruit cracking. Materials and methods In this study, the effects of silicon and potassium sulfate spraying were investigated on the fruit cracking and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pomegranate fruit. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of four levels of silica (0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm) and three levels of potassium sulfate (0, 0.75%, and 1.5%) spraying on the fruit of pomegranate cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’, one of the most important pomegranate varieties of Iran. The treatments were applied three times during the growing season. The experiment was arranged in a factorial experiment based on the completely randomized block design in three replicates. Data analysis was performed using SAS statistical software and the means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance. Results and DiscussionThe results indicated that most of the qualitative and quantitative traits were influenced by foliar spraying of these substances. Also, the results indicated that foliar application of silica, potassium sulfate, and their interaction significantly affected the fruit cracking. According to the results, the lowest fruit cracking (2.64%) was obtained by spraying 500 ppm silica and 0.75% potassium sulfate, while the highest fruit cracking (27.87%) was recorded from control plants. The highest fruit weight (204 g) was recorded in the treatment of 1.5% potassium sulfate and the lowest fruit weight (144 g) was recorded from untreated plants. Most of the treatments had a positive effect on fruit and aril weight and increased this character compared to the control. Spraying with 500 ppm silica and 1.5% potassium sulfate resulted in the highest (39.69 g) 100 arils weight, while control plants had the lowest (29.14) 100 arils weight. Silica and potassium sulfate treatment also improve the total soluble solid and titratable acidity in the fruit juice of pomegranate. ConclusionThe data obtained from this study could provide valuable insights into the effects of proper fertilization in reducing one of the main pomegranate disorders. Overall, the results indicated that combined spraying of silica (500 ppm) with potassium sulfate (1.5%) is more effective than their individual use and results in the higher fruit yield and quality, as well as a lower cracking disorder. These findings suggest that there are synergistic effects between these compounds. According to the results of this investigation simultaneous application of silica and potassium is suggested as a practical strategy in orchard management practices that could be beneficial for improving qualitative and quantitative attributes of pomegranate fruit.

Influence of three species of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on growth and nutrients uptake in zinnia plant under drought stress conditions

Vahed Bagheri; Mohammad Hossein Shamshiri; Hossein Alaei; Hassan Salehi

Volume 41, Issue 4 , March 2019, , Pages 83-96

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2018.23285.1513

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Drought is one of the major environmental constraints that limit plant growth and productivity more than any other environmental factor. Drought ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Drought is one of the major environmental constraints that limit plant growth and productivity more than any other environmental factor. Drought stress reduces normal growth, disturbs water relations and nutrition uptake in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can increase plant tolerance to drought via direct water uptake and transport through fungal hyphae to the host plants, enhance nutrient uptake, improve osmotic adjustment and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of three AMF species (singly or in combination) on DS alleviation of zinnia seedlings (as a potentially drought-tolerant ﬂower crop) grown under different DS levels. Materials and Methods To study the effects of three identified isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on growth and elements concentration (P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) of zinnia plants (Zinnia elegans L. var. Magellan Red) under drought stress condition, a greenhouse experiment was conducted with two factors including mycorrhiza at five levels (no mycorrhizae as control, Rhizophagus irregularis, Rhizophagus intraradisces, Funneliformis mosseae, Mix ) and four levels of drought stress (100% FC as control, 80% FC, 60% FC and 40% FC) with six replicates based on a completely randomized design (CRD). Seedlings with four true leaves were transplanted into 1 L pot and immediately inoculated with 210 spores per pot of the each of above symbionts. Control plants received the same amount of autoclaved inocula. The plants were irrigated with distilled water for 50 days to obtain certain amount of infection; then four irrigation regimes were achieved for four weeks. Results According to the results, vegetative growth traits like fresh and dry weight of shoot, root and flower leaf area and flower diameter were reduced significantly with increasing drought stress levels. Drought stress reduced uptake and transport of elements. The utilized AMF improved growth and nutrients uptake under drought stress considerably in 40% FC where R. irregularis, R. intraradisces, F. mosseae and mix increased dry weight of shoot by 20, 22, 20, 11 percent respectively in comparison with control. Discussion In conclusion, it is suggested that AMF inoculation improves drought tolerance of zinnia plants at least in part through the enhanced uptake of slowly diffusing mineral ions such as PO42- and Zn2+. Moreover, arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization provides better osmotic adjustment which can be correlated with K+ accumulation in top portions of inoculated plants. The results of this study showed that zinnia plants exhibited a better symbiotic relation with three identified isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi especially with mixed treatment.

Evaluating the Effects of Municipal Waste Compost and Corm Weight on Qualitative Characteristic and Secondary Metabolites of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Z. Gholizade; M.H. Aminifard; M.H. Sayyari

Volume 40, Issue 3 , December 2017, , Pages 53-64

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2017.18117.1351

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Organic fertilizers are carbon-based compounds that increase the productivity and growth quality of plants. Municipal waste compost is an organic ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Organic fertilizers are carbon-based compounds that increase the productivity and growth quality of plants. Municipal waste compost is an organic manure that improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and adds organic matter and exerts a positive effect on elements absorption, quality and yield of saffron. In addition, in saffron cultivation, it is possible to produce considerable amounts of stigma by using of standard mother corms with a minimum weight of 8 g. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate the interaction effects of municipal waste compost and mother corm size on chemical properties of saffron. Materials and methods This experiment was conducted with a factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand during the growing season of 2014-2015. Treatments were four levels of municipal waste compost (0, 5, 10 and 20 t.ha-1) and three mother corm weights (0.1-4, 4.1-8 and 8.1-12 g). Flower of saffron was measured during autumn of 2015. Total phenol was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. Free radical scavenging activity of the samples was determined using DPPH method. Secondary metabolites of saffron (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) were measured according to Iran’s national standard. Results The results showed that the highest total phenol and antioxidant activity (10.0789 mg.100 gr-1 and 65.66%, respectively) was obtained in treatment 20 t. ha-1 compost and the lowest (10.0785 mg.100 gr-1 and 62.58%) was recorded in control. Results showed that addition of the compost rate significantly increased secondary metabolites (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal). So, corm weight had a significant effect on antioxidant activity and the main secondary metabolites and the highest characteristics were obtained for corm with 8.1-12 g. As, the effect of interaction of municipal waste compost and corm weight significantly affected the main secondary metabolites. Discussion The results showed that fertilizer treatment and corm weight influenced chemical properties and the main second metabolites of saffron positively. It has been reported that plants cannot simultaneously allocate resources to growth and defence and that there is competition between proteins and phenolics in plants for the common precursors involved in their biosynthesis .These results led us to presume that saffron plants may utilise benefits from compost fertilizer for their protein synthesis and growth development. On the other hand, organic matter (e.g. compost) acts as precursors or activators of phytohormones and growth substances and secondary compounds in plants. The type of soil and the content of organic compounds in soil can have a decisive effect on increasing the content of organic compounds in soil and strengthening antioxidant activity.

Effects of Calcium Chloride Sprays to the Leaves and Fruits on Postharvest Physiological Characteristics of Papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Eksotika II) Fruits

A. Mirshekari; B. Madani

Volume 40, Issue 3 , December 2017, , Pages 89-100

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2017.17673.1335

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit crop. The ‘Eksotika II’ is high yielding cultivar with pleasant aroma, but fruits soften ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit crop. The ‘Eksotika II’ is high yielding cultivar with pleasant aroma, but fruits soften quickly and lose their quality. Low calcium content causes low fruit quality and storage life. Foliar application of calcium on the fruit is significant to make the cell membrane integrity and cell wall firm and improve fruit quality. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of calcium chloride foliar application on postharvest quality of papaya fruits. Materials and methods In order to evaluate the effect of calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2) on leaves, fruits and leaves + fruits of papaya, a factorial experiment based on RCBD was conducted in 2012. Calcium chloride was sprayed starting 21 days after flower anthesis and continued every two weeks for six times. Fruits were stored at 12±1 ̊C and RH=85-90% after harvest. The calcium and magnesium, respiration rate and ethylene, firmness, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids concentration (SSC) and quality were determined 21 days after storage. Results The highest calcium content in fruits was observed with fruits and fruits + leaves sprayed treatments, while the lowest was recorded on leaves sprayed. Magnesium in peel and pulp of fruits that sprayed on fruits or fruits + leaves was lowest, while the highest was observed in leaves sprayed. Decreased in respiration rate and ethylene production were observed in fruits sprayed on fruits and fruits + leaves. The SSC was lowest in fruits + leaves treatment. Inverse results were recorded for TA. Moreover, calcium content in the peel and pulp, TA and overall quality increased when calcium chloride concentration in fruits and fruits + leaves treatments increased, While there was no effect on calcium content when applied to the leaves, but it increased TA. Discussion Results of this study showed that calcium could not transfer from leaf to fruit and vice versa in papaya. Since calcium moves in the transpiration stream, little or no subsequent translocation occurs from leaf to fruit. Unchanged ethylene production and respiration rate when calcium was applied to the leaves might be related to the immobility of calcium. Calcium was considered as a binding agent between cell walls which result in higher fruit firmness. Calcium is hypothesized to delay ripening by reducing disintegration of tissues and maintaining membrane integrity. The positive correlation might be related to magnesium and malate in fruits and malate might not be used in the process of respiration and thus increase in TA. The effect of calcium in decreasing SSC in fruits is possibly due to the decreasing respiration rate and metabolism activity that postpones ripening process.

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Keywords = Nutrition

A study on the effects of chemical and biological fertilizers on the essential oil content of sage (Salvia officinalis L.)

Abstract

Foliar application of silica and potassium sulphate on some characteristics of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’

Abstract

Influence of three species of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on growth and nutrients uptake in zinnia plant under drought stress conditions

Abstract

Evaluating the Effects of Municipal Waste Compost and Corm Weight on Qualitative Characteristic and Secondary Metabolites of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Abstract

Effects of Calcium Chloride Sprays to the Leaves and Fruits on Postharvest Physiological Characteristics of Papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Eksotika II) Fruits

Abstract