Plant Productions

Effect of humic acid and seaweed extract application on some biochemical traits of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) in the condition of interruption of irrigation in two places of Kermanshah province

Ghobad Mohamadpoor; salim farzaneh; saeed khomari; seyedeh yalda Raeisi Sadati; Raouf Seyed Sharifi; Behrooz Smaielpoor; kianoosh azashab

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 02 December 2024

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.46890.2168

Abstract

Introduction: Due to its high protein content, the balance of essential amino acids such as lysine and plant tryptophan with great nutritional value, quinoa can be a suitable substitute ... Read More Introduction: Due to its high protein content, the balance of essential amino acids such as lysine and plant tryptophan with great nutritional value, quinoa can be a suitable substitute for rice, so the development and cultivation of this product is very important. Since our country is located in an arid and semi-arid region and the amount of evaporation and transpiration is higher than the amount of rainfall, the planted crops suffer from drought stress especially at the end of the season, so the use of natural fertilizers such as seaweed extract and humic acid can be suitable in adjusting the effect of stress. Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in order to evaluate some biochemical indices of quinoa under the condition of irrigation interruption in two locations with hot climate (Qasar Shirin) and cold climate (Dalaho) in Kermanshah province in it was implemented as a split plot in the form of a randomized complete block design in the 2018-2018 crop year. The main plots of irrigation treatment were at three levels (complete irrigation, stop irrigation at the beginning of flowering and the beginning of seeding) and the sub-plots of foliar spraying at five levels of seaweed extract at two levels (2.5 g/L and 3.57 g/L), humic acid at two levels (3.75 g/L and 5 g/L) along with a control treatment (solution spraying with pure water).. Results and Discussion: The results showed that stopping irrigation caused a decrease in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid, the amount of protein and the relative water content of quinoa plant leaves compared to full irrigation. Also, under stress conditions, proline content and electrolyte leakage from the cell membrane, the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase increased. The use of seaweed extract and humic acid reduced the effect of irrigation interruption, so that the highest amount of chlorophyll a (1.760 mg/g), chlorophyll b (0.989 mg/g), carotenoid (0.291 mg/g), protein (1.40 mg/g) and the relative water content in foliar application was 3.75 g/L of seaweed extract. The effects of interruption of irrigation were greater in Qasr-Shirin hot location and the greatest effect of drought stress was observed in the phase of interruption of irrigation at the beginning of flowering. Conclusions: In general, these findings showed that foliar spraying with seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy to reduce the adverse effects of irrigation interruption on Koshia plant. Conclusions: In general, these findings showed that foliar spraying with seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy to reduce the adverse effects of irrigation interruption on Koshia plant.Conclusions: In general, these findings showed that foliar spraying with seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy to reduce the adverse effects of irrigation interruption on Koshia plant.Conclusions: In general, these findings showed that foliar spraying with seaweed extract and humic acid can be used as an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy to reduce the adverse effects of irrigation interruption on Koshia plant.

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The effect of 24-Epibrassinolide foliar application on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense system and yield of pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Pinto) under Low irrigation stress

Sulmaz Samfar; Hojatolah Latifmanesh; Ali Moradi; Amin Mirshekari; Hamid Alahdadi

Volume 47, Issue 4 , January 2025, , Pages 543-560

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47285.2184

Abstract

Introduction Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are among the most valuable and strategic legumes globally and in Iran, primarily due to their high protein content and nutritional benefits. ... Read More Introduction Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are among the most valuable and strategic legumes globally and in Iran, primarily due to their high protein content and nutritional benefits. Growing global demand for protein-rich foods highlights the importance of enhancing bean production. However, water scarcity, exacerbated by Iran's location along the global desert belt and receiving less than one-third of the global average rainfall, poses significant challenges to sustainable agriculture and food security. Brassinosteroids, a class of plant growth regulators, have emerged as a promising solution to mitigate environmental stresses like drought while improving crop growth and yield. This study aims to evaluate the effects of foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide hormone on various physiological traits, enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms, and gain yield of pinto beans under low irrigation stress. Materials and Methods A field experiment was conducted during the 2022 growing season on a farm in eastern Shiraz, using a split-plot design within a randomized complete block design with three replications. The irrigation regime was applied at three levels: full irrigation (100% of the moisture requirement) and low irrigation stress (80% and 60% of the moisture requirement), as the main factor. Four concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide, including control (distilled water), 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/L were applied as the subplot factor. The experiment aimed to assess physiological traits such as chlorophyll index, relative water content, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), grain yield under different irrigation and hormone treatments. Results and Discussion The results revealed that both low irrigation stress and 24-epibrassinolide application significantly influenced all measured traits. Foliar application of 0.2 mg/L 24-epibrassinolide increased the chlorophyll index and leaf relative water content by 7.42% and 11.77%, respectively, compared to the control. Significant interactions between irrigation regimes and hormone concentrations were observed. At 60% and 80% moisture levels, the 0.2 mg/L hormone treatment increased antioxidant enzyme activities as follows (compared to the control): catalase (172% (60%) and 131% (80%)), peroxidase (105% (60%) and 115% (80%)), and superoxide dismutase (0.35% (60%) and 0.45% (80%). Similarly, seed yield improved significantly with 24-epibrassinolide application. Under 100%, 80%, and 60% irrigation levels, 0.2 mg/L application resulted in yield increases of 72.38%, 56.02%, and 44.35%, respectively, compared to the control. Conclusion The application of 24-epibrassinolide at a concentration of 0.2 mg/L effectively enhances the antioxidant defense system, reduces reactive oxygen species, prevents cell wall damage, and minimizes macromolecule degradation in pinto beans. These effects contribute to improved grain yield, under both full and low irrigation conditions. This approach offers a promising solution for mitigating water stress and promoting sustainable bean production in arid and semi-arid regions.

Effect of UV-B radiation on physiological and phytochemical indices related to cold tolerance in Yaghooti grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

Ahmad Orooji; Rouhollah Karimi; Alireza Shayganfar

Volume 47, Issue 2 , August 2024, , Pages 195-212

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.46261.2146

Abstract

IntroductionEnvironmental stresses, especially damage caused by frost, often have a significant effect on plant growth and development. In order to adapt to the cold, plants show specific ... Read More IntroductionEnvironmental stresses, especially damage caused by frost, often have a significant effect on plant growth and development. In order to adapt to the cold, plants show specific physiological and biochemical responses that lead to an increase in their duirability and survival during exposure to low temperature. The use of ultraviolet (UV) rays to increase cold tolerance and physiological and biochemical changes related to it has been less researched. This is while UV-B is not necessarily a source of stress, but moderate, non-harmful levels of UV-B act as an environmental signal in higher plants and able to induce several key reactions in order to adapt to cold in the plant. Materials and MethodsThis experiment was carried out on rooted seedlings of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Yaghooti in a factorially (3×3) based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Malayer University in the spring and summer of 2022. In the 15-leaf stage, the vines (except for the control) were exposed to two doses of UV-B radiation in the following order: first dose (control): natural light, second dose (moderate): 5.98 kJ m-2 d-1 ( equal to 0.55 W/m2 for 3 hours) and the third dose (severe): 9.66 kJ m-2 d-1 (equal to 0.55 W/m2 for 4.5 hours) was applied to the plants under the natural photoperiod in the greenhouse in June. After applying UV-B radiation treatments, one group of pots was kept in the greenhouse (temperature 24±1 ºC) and another group of pots (control vines and treated with UV-B rays to apply cold stress to the cooling chamber) transferred and placed under the temperature of 4ºC and -4ºC (for 6 hours at each temperature).Results and DiscussionAccording to the results, the highest and lowest total chlorophyll content was related to the treatment without irradiation and temperature of 24°C and the treatment of severe irradiation and temperature of -4°C, respectively. The highest and lowest carotenoid content was related to the severe UV-B irradiation treatment and 24°C temperature and the treatment without irradiation and 24°C temperature, respectively. The relative water content was the highest in the treatments without radiation and temperature of 24°C, and the lowest in the treatment of moderate irradiation and temperature of -4°C. The highest and lowest percentages of electrolyte leakage were observed in treatments without irradiation and temperature of -4°C and treatment without irradiation and temperature of 24°C, respectively. The content of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide was the highest in the vines under severe UV-B irradiation along with (-4°C) and was the lowest in treatment without irradiation along with 24°C. The highest content of soluble sugar and soluble protein was observed in plants treated with severe irradiation along with (-4°C), and the lowest amount of these compounds was observed in the treatment without UV-B irradiation along with (24°C). The content of proline was the highest in the treatments with severe irradiation along with (4°C), and the lowest in the treatment without radiation and temperature of 24°C. The highest and lowest activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme was observed in the treatments of sever irradiation along with (4°C) and moderate irradiation along with (-4°C), respectively. The activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase enzymes (CAT) were the highest in plants under moderate irradiation along with (4°C), and the lowest activity of these enzymes observed under non-irradiation condition along with (-4°C). The highest and lowest total phenol and flavonoid contents were related to those vines that were treated with sever irradiation along with (4°C) and without UV-B irradiation along with 24°C, respectively.ConclusionTotally, it can be concluded that moderate radiation treatment through the stimulation of antioxidant systems, the accumulation of UV-B absorbing compounds and acclimate osmolytes in the plant led to an increase in their tolerance to chilling temperatures (+4°C), but there was no effect on frost tolerance (-4°C). However, sever UV-B irradiation treatment both at normal and low temperatures caused damage to cell membranes and leaf necrosis. Based on the results of application of moderate dose of UV-B rays, it can be used as an elicitor to improve plant antioxidant system and cell membrane stability under chilling temperature (4°C).

Effect of waterlogging stress at the three-leaf stage on the growth and some physiological characteristics of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Seyed Bashir Fazeli; Moosa Meskarbashee; Afrasyab Rahnama Ghahfarokhi

Volume 46, Issue 2 , September 2023, , Pages 279-292

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2023.42792.2072

Abstract

IntroductionWheat is one of the most important crop plants in the world. Waterlogging stress causes serious damage to the wheat crop wheat crop worldwide annually, and it is likely ... Read More IntroductionWheat is one of the most important crop plants in the world. Waterlogging stress causes serious damage to the wheat crop wheat crop worldwide annually, and it is likely that these damages are increasing with climate change. In many cases, waterlogging stress occurs for various reasons in the initial stages of the growth of this plant. There are many reports about the existence of differences in waterlogging stress tolerance in different cultivars and genotypes of wheat, but so far these differences have not been fully exploited. This research was designed and carried out to investigate the effect of waterlogging stress on the dry matter yield of shoot system, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, the activity level of antioxidant enzymes, the concentration of malondialdehyde and carotenoid content. Materials and MethodsFloods will increase as a result of climate change and in some areas will have a negative impact on wheat production. Plants are obligate aerobic organisms and they need to absorb oxygen from their surroundings to complete their life cycle, growth, reproduction and competition. With 215 million hectares, wheat has the largest area of cultivated plants in the world, waterlogging stress usually damages winter wheat during Seedling establishment and tillering. a field experiment in the form of a split plot design, based on randomized complete blocks in 3 replications accomplished. Stress was applied at the three-leaf stage and at three levels, control (no waterlogging stress), mild stress (48 hours) and severe stress (120 hours) as the main factors. Cultivars and genotypes were also included as secondary factors. Plants were cultivated in pots and grown in open space (outdoor), the water level was maintained about five centimeters above the soil level during the stress period. Results and DiscussionMild and severe waterlogging stress resulted in a decrease of 14.06 and 38.37 percent of shoot dry matter, respectively, which was significant in all cultivars and genotypes. Different cultivars and genotypes showed different responses to waterlogging stress. to better understand the reasons for these differences, among 11 cultivars and 10 genotypes, Mehrgan and Sarang cultivars and ms 93-16 and ms 93-6 genotypes were selected to study some physiological traits. Waterlogging stress led to a decrease photosynthetic pigments, an increase in the malondialdehydeconcentration and an increase in the antioxidant enzymes activity, and in these cases, the differences between these cultivars and genotypes were obvious. There were also differences between severe stress and mild stress, for example, in all studied cultivars, only severe stress could lead to a significant increase in peroxidase enzyme activity, but in the case of catalase, mild stress tolerant cultivars also led to a significant increase. ConclusionIn general, cultivars that had a higher level of antioxidant enzyme activity when faced with waterlogging stress were able to pass through the stress period with less damage to the cell membrane structure (according to the concentration of malondialdehyde) and photosynthetic pigments and showed a lower percentage reduction in dry matter. Mehrgan cultivar had the highest dry matter yield compared to other cultivars and genotypes in all three stress levels, despite the severe decrease in shoot system dry matter yield.

Effects of mycorrhizal and rhizobium inoculation on some physiological and biochemical traits of soybean under copper toxicity

Sharareh Shiati; Jalil Khara; Siavash Hosseini Sarghein; Abdollah Hassanzadeh Ghorttapeh

Volume 45, Issue 4 , February 2023, , Pages 603-615

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2023.41415.2048

Abstract

Introduction Heavy metals enter the surroundings through natural means as well as human activities. These metals reduce biomass, growth and photosynthesis and absorption of nutrients, ... Read More Introduction Heavy metals enter the surroundings through natural means as well as human activities. These metals reduce biomass, growth and photosynthesis and absorption of nutrients, which ultimately lead to plant death. Heavy metals such as copper, induce oxidative stress in plants by producing reactive oxygen species. Nowadays, heavy metal refining by physical and chemical methods are less used for economic and environmental reasons, and biological refining has been introduced as an alternative method. Among these, we can refer to the inoculation of plants with mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium, which can protect the plants against this stress. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of mycorrhiza and rhizobium on the physiological and biochemical traits of soybean under copper stress. Materials and Methods For this purpose, a factorial greenhouse experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was performed in the Faculty of Science, Urmia University in 2021. Experimental factors included four levels of copper sulfate stress (0, 50, 400 and 200 mg/kg soil) and four inoculation treatments (control, mycorrhiza, rhizobium and mycorrhiza + rhizobium). Plants were colonized by inoculum Glomus verusiforme (for mycorrhiza) and Rhizobium japonicum (for rhizobium). The soybean plants were grown in 16 treatment groups with a diurnal regime of 16-hour light and 8 hours dark at 18-29°C. Forty days after planting, the harvest was done and the factors were examined. The studied traits included the activity of guaiacol peroxidase and catalase enzymes, malondialdehyde, fresh and dry weight, soluble sugar of shoots and roots and chlorophyll a and b content. Results and Discussion Results showed that chlorophyll a and b content, soluble sugar and dry and fresh weights of shoots and roots were significantly reduced in treated plants compared to the control. This decrease was less evident in Inoculated plants than in non- Inoculated samples. However, antioxidant enzymes activity and malondialdehyde increased under copper stress. Increased enzymatic activity was more dramatic in rhizobia and mycorrhizal plants samples than non- rhizobia and mycorrhizal ones, which was the opposite of malondialdehyde. Based on the results of this study, the use of fungi and rhizobia in copper stress conditions reduced the effects of stress. The highest enzymatic activity, soluble sugar, fresh and dry weight and photosynthetic pigments and the lowest amount of malondialdehyde were observed in co-inoculation with Mycorrhiza- Rhizobia and control, respectively. The efficiency of plants inoculated with rhizobium and mycorrhizal against copper stress can be due to the reduction of oxidative stress, high antioxidant capacity, maintenance of natural plant metabolism, increased phosphorus uptake, increasing the rate of photosynthesis, Impact on heavy metals bio-availability and improvement of nitrogen fixation e in these plants. Conclusion According to the results, it is concluded that copper stress has severe effects on effects on soybean (Saba cultivar) and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia can somewhat reduce this stress. Furthermore arbuscular mycorrhiza and rhizobia had synergistic effects so in many cases co-inoculation was more effective than single inoculation. On the basis of these results, co-inoculation with Glomus verusiforme and Rhizobium japonicum is suggested for improving soybean tolerance to copper stress.

Investigation of the Growth and Physiological Reactions of Kochia Plant to Simultaneous Stress of Salinity and Cadmium

Mohadeseh Shamsaddin Saied; Nasibeh Pourghasemian

Volume 44, Issue 4 , December 2021, , Pages 459-474

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2021.36646.1967

Abstract

IntroductionNowadayes, due to the increasing use of phosphorus fertilizers in agricultural lands, the salinity of the soil ,along with contamination with heavy elements such as cadmium, ... Read More IntroductionNowadayes, due to the increasing use of phosphorus fertilizers in agricultural lands, the salinity of the soil ,along with contamination with heavy elements such as cadmium, has increased sharply. Plants' response to a particular stress is different from when they experience multiple stresses simultaneously. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the simultaneous effect of salinity and cadmium stresses on morphological and physiological characteristics of Kochia. Materials and MethodsFor this purpose, a factorial greenhouse experiment based on a randomized complete block design with four replications was conducted in the educational-research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Valiasr University of Rafsanjan in 1397/2019. Experimental factors included four different levels of salinity stress (0, 6, 12 and 18 dS/m) and cadmium concentration in soil (0, 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg soil). The studied traits included dry weight of branches, stems and leaves, RWC, concentration of chlorophyll a, b and a + b, enzymes activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, the concentration of cadmium, iron, zinc, manganese, calcium and magnesium. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that due to increasing salinity to 18 dS/m the dry weight of branches, leaf and stem dry weight and leaf area, RWC, concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids decreased by 56.8, 48.01, 50, 46.09, 21, 53.76, 56.91, 53.75 and 51.21 percent, respectively. By increasing the cadmium concentration to 10 mg/L, the dry weight of lateral branches, leaves, stems and leaf area decreased by 24.32, 31.89, 28.45 and 41.24%, respectively, but the concentration of leaf cadmium compared to the control treatment 1.7 times increased. The activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase enzymes in treatment of 18 dS/m salinity alongside with 10 mg/L cadmium were 1.83, 1.4 and 4.7 times higher than the control treatment, respectively. Leaf iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium concentrations decreased by 73.07%, 51.51, 51.8%, 0.17 and 0.26% with increasing salinity stress to 18 dS/m, respectively, and with increasing cadmium concentration to 10 mg/L increased iron concentration by 37.32% and zinc and magnesium concentrations decreased by 28.70 and 0.12%, respectively. The highest dry matter of Koshia in salinity and cadmium stress treatments belonged to the control treatment and the lowest dry matter were obtained from 18 dS / m salinity and 10 mg / kg cadmium in soil. ConclusionThe results of the present study revealed that in Kochia in the presence of cadmium stress, the concentration of cadmium in the leaves and shoots increased and this indicates the potential of this plant for phytoremediation (removal of heavy metals by the plant) from saline soils contaminated with cadmium. Kochia's proper performance in high cadmium accumulation appears to be due to the detoxification of cadmium in cells. The presence of salinity along with cadmium increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which is probably one of the plant's solutions to stress. Decreased nutrients due to increased cadmium and salinity stress can be a reason for reduced yield and lead researchers to the direction that in the face of these stresses, nutrients can be used as fertilizer so that the plant does not suffer from nutrient deficiencies.

Proteome Analysis of Osage Orange Leaf (Maclura pomifera) in Response to Drought Stress

Alireza Khaleghi; Rohangiz Naderi; Seyed Alireza Salami; Mesbah babalar; Biancaelena Maserti

Volume 44, Issue 2 , August 2021, , Pages 211-220

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2019.30310.1791

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionDrought stress is one of the most important environmental factors, which limit the growth of plants. By the end of the 21st century, the incidence of drought stress ... Read More AbstractIntroductionDrought stress is one of the most important environmental factors, which limit the growth of plants. By the end of the 21st century, the incidence of drought stress is expected to increase because of the global warming phenomenon. As a consequence, trees growth and viability in the forests and urban greenspace will reduce. Thus, selection of plants that are more tolerant to severe drought stress and are able to cope with such environmental conditions needs to be considered in future silvicultural strategies. This study was carried out to identify candidate drought-tolerance proteins in Maclura pomifera. Therefore, we aimed to explore the performance of Maclura pomifera under a severe drought stress and analyse the proteome changes of Maclura pomifera leaf in response to drought. Materials and MethodsThe experiment was carried out on 4-year-old Maclura pomifera saplings genotypes cultivated on a flat field in the Botanical Garden of University of Tehran. Saplings were exposed to irrigation regimes of 100% and 25% field capacity in a completely randomized design. Leaf samples were collected and were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen and then stored at −80◦C to be used for further analyses. Experiments were performed using the gradient pH 3-10 NL IPG strips for the isoelectric focusing. IEF was carried out using the PROTEAN IEF. Strips were then equilibrated first for 15 min in reducing solution and then 15 min in alkylating solution. Equilibrated IPG strips were then placed and fixed using hot agarose on the top of home-made 12 % SDS- polyacrylamide gels. Separation of proteins in the second dimension was carried out in Protean XL cell. The protein spots were visualized by staining with BioSafe Coomassie gel stains following manufacturer’s instructions. Results and DiscussionAfter doing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, 25 protein spots that had displayed significant protein level changes were identified. Differentially expressed, proteins were divided in three groups. The first group included stress and defense proteins such as lipoxygenase, two types of heat shock protein, Allergen, Convicilin and legumin A2 precursorm; the second group included oxidative stress proteins such as Catalase, Chloroplast stromal ascorbate Peroxidase, Cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase, Iron superoxide dismutase and Manganese superoxide dismutase. The third group included energy and metabolism proteins such as Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit, Ribulose -1,5- bisphosphate carboxylase /oxygenase small subuni, Translation elongation factor, Aldolase, Hydroxy-acid oxidase, Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase, Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and glyoxalase. The present results indicate that most proteins have been identified and their changes caused an increase in tolerance and adaptation of Maclura pomifera to drought stress. Also, our data suggest that drought tolerance of M. pomifera might be correlated with diminishing oxidative damage by activation of the antioxidant systems. ConclusionThe present results indicate that most proteins have been identified and their changes caused an increase in tolerance and adaptation of Maclura pomifera to drought stress. Also, our data suggest that drought tolerance of M. pomifera might be correlated with diminishing oxidative damage by activation of the antioxidant systems.

The Effect of Different Concentrations of Cadmium Chloride on Oxidative Stress in Shoot Cultures of Lemon Balm

Sayyedeh Razieh Nourbakhsh Rezaei; Leila Shabani; Majid Rostami; Mohammad Abdoli

Volume 42, Issue 4 , December 2019, , Pages 509-522

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2019.24806.1567

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Melissa officinalis is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The essential oil of this plant is used in many fields. Although ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Melissa officinalis is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The essential oil of this plant is used in many fields. Although more than 100 types of chemical substances have been identified in this plant, the most important compositions of its essential oil include citral, citronella, geraniol and linalool. Heavy metals are one of the main causes of non-biotic stress for living organisms due to increased use in the field of industrial and agricultural development and its high accumulation and toxicity. Cadmium is an unnecessary heavy metal, which, due to its high mobility and low concentration, easily enters the food chain from the soil. Cadmium induces oxidative stress by stimulating the synthesis of free oxygen radicals in the plant. In this study, the effect of cadmium chloride on oxidative stress induction in lemon balm was investigated. This experiment was carried out in 2016-2017 at Shahrekord University. Materials and Methods This research was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in vitro condition. We investigated the effects of different concentrations of cadmium chloride (0, 10, 20 and 40μm) on the biochemical parameters of the lemon balm. In this study, sterile stems of lemon balm propagated on the medium (1/2 MS) were used. After 60 days, seedlings were removed from solid MS medium and the roots were cut and cultured in liquid medium of 1/2 MS with different concentrations of cadmium. The cultivation was carried out in Erlenmeyer flask (250 cc) and was kept in an incubator shaker device. Sampling for the experiment was conducted one week after the growth of the stems in the medium. Results Based on the results obtained in this study, fresh weight of shoots grown in 10 and 20μM of cadmium chloride increased compared to the control. This heavy metal significantly reduced the amount of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, while the total chlorophyll content decreased only at 40μm concentration relative to control. Cadmium significantly increased hydrogen peroxide levels in all treatments. Also, it increased the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. Malondialdehyde increased in all treatment concentrations, but this increase was not significant at 40μm of cadmium chloride. Chloride cadmium reduced the absorption of molybdenum and iron, yet increased the adsorption of manganese and zinc. Discussion The results of this study revealed that the cadmium chloride in lemon balm shoots may have the potential to accumulate compounds such as hydrogen peroxide which, as a messenger molecule, produces antioxidants and can help the plant tolerate stressed conditions. It seems that two concentrations of 10 and 20 μm of cadmium chloride have no toxic effects for the stems and the plant has managed to withstand this tension with defense mechanisms.

Improving Quality and Antioxidant Characteristics of Pulp and Peel of Citrus During Storage by Pre-Harvest Spray of Calcium Chloride on Fruit

Javad Fatahi Moghadam; Abuzar Hashempour; Reza Fifaei

Volume 42, Issue 1 , April 2019, , Pages 1-12

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2019.22511.1484

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Calcium is a key plant nutrient with significant functions including reducing fruit senescence; calcium deficiency has been involved in several ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Calcium is a key plant nutrient with significant functions including reducing fruit senescence; calcium deficiency has been involved in several physiological disorders in fruits. Pre-harvest foliar application of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is an efficient and safe strategy to maintain or improve the fruit quality during storage. Also, calcium significantly increases the membrane and cell wall density and reduces the physiological disorders of the fruit. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest CaCl2 sprays of citrus trees at three fruit development stages on improving fruit quality and antioxidant capacity during storage. Materials and Methods To conduct this research, citrus trees of three different varieties (‘Thomson’, ‘Moro’ and ‘Page’) were sprayed with different concentrations of CaCl2 (0, 1, 2 and 4%) at three fruit development stages (120, 140 and 160 days after full bloom). After harvesting, citrus fruits were stored at 5°C and 85% relative humidity for 60 days. Then, weight loss and juice percentage, total carotenoids, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 content) of the fruits peel and pulp were determined on 0 (harvesting time), 30 and 60 days. Data were analyzed using SAS (Ver.9.1) and significance of the differences between the means was computed using Tukey test. Results Results showed that weight loss percentage in fruit treated with CaCl2 (especially in 2 and 4% treatments) of all three cultivars was significantly less than control during storage. Total carotenoid of pulp of Thomson and Moro cultivars increased with increasing of CaCl2 concentrations compared to control during storage. In Page mandarin, the carotenoid content of pulp was not affected by calcium chloride treatment. Results also showed that SOD activity in peel and pulp of treated fruits was higher than control at harvest time. At the time of harvesting, the peel APX activity of Thomson and Moro cultivars (control) was higher than those treated by calcium. Antioxidant capacity (based on IC50 content) of peel and pulp varied depending on the cultivar and the treatment. That is, the highest antioxidant capacity was determined in ‘Thomson’ at harvest time and in treated fruits with high level of CaCl2. Discussion In the present study, the CaCl2 pre-treatment was sprayed on the citrus trees and the results indicated that pre-harvest calcium chloride significantly decreases weight loss percentage and increases antioxidant capacity, SOD activity and total carotenoid contents in citrus fruits during storage. It seems that the accessibility of sufficient CaCl2 during plant growth has a strong influence on concentrations of bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant properties of citrus fruits. Overall, it is suggested that an appropriate CaCl2 pre-treatment of citrus tree can help improve or maintain pulp and peel quality during storage. It is further suggested, using chlorine-free calcium sources in southern Iran with alkaline soils.

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Keywords = Antioxidant enzymes

Effect of humic acid and seaweed extract application on some biochemical traits of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoaWilld.) in the condition of interruption of irrigation in two places of Kermanshah province

Abstract

The effect of 24-Epibrassinolide foliar application on the enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense system and yield of pinto beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Pinto) under Low irrigation stress

Abstract

Effect of UV-B radiation on physiological and phytochemical indices related to cold tolerance in Yaghooti grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

Effect of waterlogging stress at the three-leaf stage on the growth and some physiological characteristics of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Effects of mycorrhizal and rhizobium inoculation on some physiological and biochemical traits of soybean under copper toxicity

Abstract

Investigation of the Growth and Physiological Reactions of Kochia Plant to Simultaneous Stress of Salinity and Cadmium

Abstract

Proteome Analysis of Osage Orange Leaf (Maclura pomifera) in Response to Drought Stress

Abstract

The Effect of Different Concentrations of Cadmium Chloride on Oxidative Stress in Shoot Cultures of Lemon Balm

Abstract

Improving Quality and Antioxidant Characteristics of Pulp and Peel of Citrus During Storage by Pre-Harvest Spray of Calcium Chloride on Fruit

Abstract