Plant Productions

Research Paper - Agroecology

The effect of Thiobacillus spp. and bentonite sulfur application on the seed yield and physiological characteristics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under different irrigation regimes

Hamid Alahdadi; Alireza Yadavi; Mohsen Movahedi Dehnavi; Hamidreza Balouchi

Volume 48, Issue 1 , April 2025, Pages 1-19

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47066.2174

Abstract

IntroductionSafflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose crop with medicinal and oil-producing applications, primarily cultivated for edible oil and industrial dyes. Its adaptability ... Read More IntroductionSafflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose crop with medicinal and oil-producing applications, primarily cultivated for edible oil and industrial dyes. Its adaptability to arid and semi-arid climates makes it a valuable crop for regions facing water scarcity. Water scarcity and drought stress significantly impact its growth and yield, particularly in arid regions such as Iran. Sulfur, the fourth most consumed nutrient by plants, plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and cell membrane integrity. However, excessive application of chemical sulfur fertilizers can lead to soil salinity, making biofertilizers a sustainable alternative. Biofertilizers, such as Thiobacillus spp., not only provide essential nutrients but also improve soil health and reduce environmental pollution. Thiobacillus spp. bacteria enhance plant growth by supplying sulfate and improving soil properties.Materials and MethodsThis study investigated the effects of chemical and biological sulfur sources, including bentonite sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria, on the shoot nutrient content (N, P, K, S, Fe, and Zn), physiological characteristics, and seed yield of safflower under water stress. The experiment was conducted in the summer of 2023 at the research farm of Yasouj University, Faculty of Agriculture, located in Dashtrom. A split-factorial design based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Irrigation regimes at three levels (full irrigation, irrigation cutoff from flowering to maturity as severe drought stress, and irrigation cutoff from seed filling to maturity as moderate drought stress) were the main factor, while bentonite sulfur application at three levels (0, 150, and 300 kg/ha) and Thiobacillus bacteria application (with and without) were the secondary factors.Results and DiscussionStatistical analysis showed that bentonite sulfur fertilizer and Thiobacillus bacteria significantly improved nutrient content in shoot, physiological traits, and grain yield under drought stress. The combined application of sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria enhanced the plant’s ability to withstand water deficit conditions by improving nutrient availability and stress-related enzymatic activities. Under severe drought stress (irrigation cutoff from flowering to maturity), the highest nitrogen (2.33%), sulfur (0.149%), iron (44 mg kg-1), and zinc (25.66 mg kg-1) levels were observed with the combined application of 300 kg ha-1 of bentonite sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria. The interaction between irrigation regime, bentonite sulfur, and Thiobacillus bacteria significantly influenced total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, total soluble carbohydrates, and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and peroxidase). The highest values for these traits in each irrigation regime were obtained with the application of 300 kg ha-1 of bentonite sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria. This demonstrates the potential of sulfur-based treatments to enhance stress tolerance mechanisms in safflower. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased under water deficit conditions (flowering and seed-filling stages), but decreased with bentonite sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria. Seed yield was significantly enhanced by the application of 300 kg ha-1 of bentonite sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria, with increases of 25.28% under full irrigation, and 45.54% under moderate drought stress. ConclusionThe findings suggest that drought stress, particularly irrigation cutoff from flowering to maturity, reduces physiological traits and seed yield in safflower. However, the application of 150 kg ha-1 of sulfur-bentonite combined with Thiobacillus bacteria not only mitigates the adverse effects of water stress but also enhances nutrient uptake, biofertilizer efficiency, and seed yield while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This study provides valuable insights into the role of sulfur and biofertilizers in improving safflower resilience under water-limited conditions, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions.

Research Paper - Biotic and Abiotic Stress

Study of yield and yield components of camelina (Camelina sativa L.) under water deficit stress with the application of zeolite and wood vinegar

Amir Mohammad Abedi; Seyed Ali Mohammad Modarres-Sanavy; Ali Heidarzadeh

Volume 48, Issue 1 , April 2025, Pages 21-38

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.46482.2155

Abstract

IntroductionThe agricultural sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security through while conserving natural resources. Oilseed crops require substantial water inputs, making ... Read More IntroductionThe agricultural sector plays a critical role in ensuring food security through while conserving natural resources. Oilseed crops require substantial water inputs, making it necessary to identify alternative crops with lower water and nutrient demands. Camelina sativa has emerged as a promising oilseed crop due to its adaptability to unfavorable environmental conditions. Promoting camelina cultivation could help diversify agricultural production and reduce dependence on traditional oilseed crops. Materials and MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the yield and yield components of camelina under water deficit stress with the application of zeolite and wood vinegar. The experiment was conducted in 2023 at the Agricultural Faculty Farm of Tarbiat Modares University as a split-plot factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor was irrigation regimes at four levels: optimal irrigation, mild water deficit stress, moderate water deficit stress, and severe water deficit stress, corresponding to 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% depletion of available water capacity, respectively, followed by irrigation to field capacity. Sub-plots included two levels of zeolite application (0 and 8 tons ha-1) and four levels of wood vinegar foliar application (0, 5000, 10,000, 15,000 ppm) in a factorial arrangement. The Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) device was used to determine the irrigation timing and volume, as well as the amount of deep water infiltration. After performing the plowing operation, zeolite was evenly spread over the soil surface in the experimental area and mixed with the soil for the plots designated to have zeolite according to the experimental design. Additionally, foliar application of wood vinegar was carried out at four different stages of plant growth (10 days before flowering, inflorescence emergence, full flowering, and fruiting) to achieve optimal effectiveness. Results and DiscussionThe results indicate that zeolite application and wood vinegar foliar spraying significantly improved all measured traits under optimal irrigation conditions. The highest grain yield was obtained in the treatment with zeolite application and no wood vinegar application, which showed no statistically significant difference from the treatment with zeolite application and foliar spraying of wood vinegar at a concentration of 15,000 ppm (1,350 kg.ha-1). Under severe water deficit conditions, the highest grain yield (951 kg.ha-1) was recorded in the treatment without zeolite application and foliar spraying of wood vinegar at a concentration of 10,000 ppm. Other irrigation regimes did not show statistically significant differences. The highest harvest index (33.86%) was achieved under optimal irrigation in the treatment with zeolite application and no foliar spraying of wood vinegar. Under severe water deficit, the highest harvest index (30.31%) was recorded in the treatment without zeolite application and foliar spraying of wood vinegar at a concentration of 10,000 ppm. These beneficial effects were more pronounced under moderate and severe water stress. However, under severe drought stress, zeolite application did not yield significant improvements, whereas wood vinegar at 10,000 ppm significantly enhanced grain yield and harvest index. These findings suggest that zeolite and wood vinegar can serve as effective strategies to enhance plant performance, particularly in water-limited environments. ConclusionFor maximizing seed and biological yield, moderate water stress combined with zeolite application is recommended as the most cost-effective treatment. Under severe water stress, foliar application of wood vinegar foliar application at 10,000 ppm is recommended to enhance seed and biological yield..

Research Paper - Agronomy

The effect of plant density on agronomic and physiological traits of different corn lines in the northern of Khuzestan province

Gholamhosein Eslamnia; Mohammad Reza Moradi Telavat; Seyyed Ataollah Siadat; Khalil Alamisaeid; Ali Akbar Saneinejad

Volume 48, Issue 1 , April 2025, Pages 39-52

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47210.2179

Abstract

Introduction Commercial corn varieties for cultivation in different regions of the world for kernel and fodder production are hybrid type varieties that are offered annually by seed ... Read More Introduction Commercial corn varieties for cultivation in different regions of the world for kernel and fodder production are hybrid type varieties that are offered annually by seed production companies for planting in farmers' fields. In recent years, the area under corn cultivation in Iran has increased, indicating the importance of this crop in the country's agricultural policies. Fodder corn varieties are classified into early- maturing (less than 85 days), medium maturing (85-135 days), and late-maturing (more than 135 days) types. Optimal planting density is a key factor in maximizing yield, as it must be adjusted based on regional climatic conditions and the cultivated varieties. Corn responds to plant density more significantly than other cereal crops due to its impact on yield components. Selecting high-yielding cultivars and applying appropriate planting densities also improve water-use efficiency. Additionally, determining the optimal planting density for maternal lines in seed production can enhance seed yield per unit area, ultimately increasing. Materials and Methods This study aimed to evaluate the eco-physiological responses of different corn lines to planting density in the northern of Khuzestan. The experiment was conducted during the summers of 2018 and 2019 at the Safi-Abad-Dezful Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Training Center. A factorial experiment was implemented using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main factor was planting density at three levels (60, 85 and 110 thousand plants per hectare), while the second factor was genotype, consisting of five experimental corn lines (SD-95-11, C3-95-5, C3-95-15, C4-95-2, C4-95-3) and the control line MO17). Results and Discussion The highest seed yield (2115 kg ha-1) was observed at a planting density of 110000 plants per hectare for line 103, whereas the lowest yield (1030 kg ha-1) was recorded at a density of 60000 plants per hectare for line 119. The results showed that the density of 110000 plants per hectare was optimal for most measured traits, making it the most suitable planting density for the tested lines. Additionally, line 103 was identified as the high potential genotype, suggesting its potential use in corn breeding programs for hot and dry regions. Conclusion Previous studies indicate that optimal planting density for grain corn is approximately 80000 plants per hectare, while for fodder corn, it is around 100000 plants per hectare. However, since the experimental materials in this study were pure corn lines, which are generally smaller than hybrids, they required higher planting densities than commercial corn varieties. Determining the appropriate planting density for corn lines is particularly important for individuals and companies engaged in seed production, as pure maternal and paternal lines are used in this sector. Achieving the optimum plant density in corn lines farms can be very important for seed producer companies, because pure paternal and maternal lines are used in these farms. On the other hand, out of a total of 6 lines used, line number 103 was selected as the best line that can be used in corn breeding programs in hot and dry regions of the country.

Research Paper - Agronomy

Evaluation of seed yield and water productivity of a promising sesame line under different irrigation treatments in Borazjan region, Bushehr province

Majid Gholamhoseini; Davod Kiani; Mehrdad Norouzi; Farnaz Shariati; Gholam Reza Ghodrati

Volume 48, Issue 1 , April 2025, Pages 53-68

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47304.2185

Abstract

IntroductionSesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed crop widely cultivated in dry and semi-arid regions. It is also among the most healthy and quality edible oil sources worldwide. ... Read More IntroductionSesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an oilseed crop widely cultivated in dry and semi-arid regions. It is also among the most healthy and quality edible oil sources worldwide. With a short vegetation period, it has relatively high drought tolerance and potential for decreasing the present gap between consuming and producing the edible oil since it comprises 17–20% protein and 40–50% oil. With minimal input requirements, sesame is well-suited for crop rotation. However, research on optimal irrigation management, particularly the timing of irrigation cut-off, remains limited for existing cultivars and newly introduced lines in the Bushehr regions, a major sesame production hub. This study hypothesizes that optimizing water availability during non-critical growth stages can improve irrigation water productivity while maintaining seed and oil yields. Materials and MethodsThe experiment was carried out during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in Borazjan, Bushehr, Iran. The region has a hot and arid climate with an average annual precipitation of 250 mm, primarily occurring in autumn and winter. The study examined two irrigation regimes: full irrigation (80 mm evaporation) and low irrigation (160 mm evaporation), and three irrigation cut-off timing: at the beginning of flowering, the beginning of capsule formation, and mid-capsule formation, and two sesame genotypes. Dashtestan 2 cultivar and promising line 7, were evaluated for yield components, seed oil content, oil yield, and irrigation water productivity. A split-split-plot design was used, with irrigation regime as the main plot, irrigation cut-off timing as the sub-plot, and genotype as the sub-sub-plot, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. SAS software (version 9.4) was used to analyze variance on the data. Because Bartlett’s test showed homogeneity of variance in most of the studied traits, data were subjected to combined analysis of variance. Differences between the main effects of treatments were compared using the protected LSD at the 0.05 probability level when the F-test was significant. The slicing method was used to separate the significant interaction effects Results and DiscussionAs anticipated, reduced water availability under the low irrigation regime significantly decreased seed yield components in both genotypes. However, line 7 outperformed Dashtestan 2 in key yield traits, including the number of capsules per plant and seeds per capsule, particularly under full irrigation, while showing greater resilience to reduced irrigation and earlier irrigation termination. Conversely, Dashtestan 2 exhibited a higher thousand-seed weight. Line 7 showed higher average seed yield across irrigation treatments, and did not require irrigation beyond the early capsule formation to reach its maximum yield, enabling a water saving of at least 600 m 3ha-1 without significant yield reduction. While both genotypes exhibited similar maximum irrigation water productivity, Dashtestan 2’s efficiency gains resulted from lower water use, whereas line 7 combined water savings with a satisfactory yield (733 kg ha-1) when irrigation was cut-off at the capsule-formation stage. Although Dashtestan 2 exhibited a slightly higher seed oil content (up to 1.5%), line 7 produced up to 24% more oil yield. Conclusion Replacing older sesame cultivars with improved lines, combined with optimized irrigation management, can enhance water productivity, reduce water consumption, and minimize yield losses.

Research Paper - Olericulture

Optimization of greenhouse cucumber growth and fruit yield in response to foliar application of salicylic acid and boric acid

Amir Hossein Shahbazi; Seyyed Javad Mousavizadeh; Kambiz Mashayekhi; Ayoub Ghorbani Dehkordi

Volume 48, Issue 1 , April 2025, Pages 69-85

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47687.2193

Abstract

Introduction Cucumber is one of the most widely cultivated greenhouse vegetables in Iran. It is essential to properly nourish plants and use elements and compounds that increase yield ... Read More Introduction Cucumber is one of the most widely cultivated greenhouse vegetables in Iran. It is essential to properly nourish plants and use elements and compounds that increase yield while maintaining and improving quality. However, its production is often challenged by environmental stresses that reduce water and nutrient uptake, directly affecting yield and quality. Salicylic acid serves as a key plant regulator and stress mitigator, while boron plays a critical role in sugar transport, hormone regulation, and fruit and leaf formation. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of salicylic acid and boric acid on the growth and yield of greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Gohar) under soil-based cultivation. Materials and MethodsThe experiment was conducted using a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments included foliar spraying of salicylic acid at three concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1 mM) and boric acid at three concentrations (0, 2 and 4 mM). Foliar applications were carried out four times at 10-day intervals, starting from the emergence of the second true leaf. Morphological traits such as plant height, number of leaves, individual leaf area, and petiole length were recorded. Biochemical parameters, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, and anthocyanin were analyzed. Fruit quality attributes such as total sugar, sucrose, glucose and fructose as well as yield-related traits including the number of fruit and total yield were also measured. Results and DiscussionBoth salicylic acid and boric acid significantly influenced plant growth, biochemical composition, and fruit yield. The highest leaf count (47.33) was observed with 0.5 mM salicylic acid and 0 mM boric acid, while the largest leaf area (306 cm2) was recorded with 0 mM salicylic acid and 2 mM boric acid. The maximum total chlorophyll content (12.11 and 10.8 mgg-1FW) was achieved with in 0 and 1 mM salicylic acid, respectively, combined with 2 mM boric acid. The highest sucrose (226.28 mg g FW-1) and fructose (87.9 mg g FW-1) contents were found in 1 mM salicylic acid without boric acid, while the highest glucose content (368.71 mg g FW-1) was recorded in 1mM salicylic acid with 2 mM boric acid. The greatest number of fruits (86.33) and the highest total fruit yield (9.59 kg plant-1; 21.10 kg m-2) were obtained with 0.5 mM salicylic acid combined with 2 mM boric acid. The lowest number of fruits (44) and yield (3.39 kg plant-1) were recorded in the control treatment. The lowest plant height of 189.3 cm was associated with 1 mM salicylic acid and 4 mM boric acid. The results showed that the highest petiole length with 15.66 cm was related to 0 mM salicylic acid, and 0.5 and 1 mM salicylic acid caused a decrease in petiole length with 14.88 and 14.33 cm, respectively. ConclusionSalicylic acid had a stronger effect on plant growth and yield than boric acid. However, their combined application produced better results than either treatment alone. The most effective treatment for optimizing cucumber growth and fruit yield was o.5 mM salicylic acid combined with 2 mM boric acid.

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Volume & Issue: Volume 48, Issue 1, April 2025, Pages 1-170

The effect of Thiobacillus spp. and bentonite sulfur application on the seed yield and physiological characteristics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under different irrigation regimes

Abstract

Study of yield and yield components of camelina (Camelina sativa L.) under water deficit stress with the application of zeolite and wood vinegar

Abstract

The effect of plant density on agronomic and physiological traits of different corn lines in the northern of Khuzestan province

Abstract

Evaluation of seed yield and water productivity of a promising sesame line under different irrigation treatments in Borazjan region, Bushehr province

Abstract

Optimization of greenhouse cucumber growth and fruit yield in response to foliar application of salicylic acid and boric acid

Abstract