Original Article
Fresh-Cut Produce
Anh T. Huynh; Ha V. H. Nguyen
Abstract
Purpose: This investigation focused on the most suitable temperature for fresh- cut pumpkin with harmonization between benefits and drawbacks. Research method: Fresh-cut pumpkin cubes were pre–treated with 30% ethanol and 1% chitosan, then stored for 15 days at different temperatures (5 °C ...
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Purpose: This investigation focused on the most suitable temperature for fresh- cut pumpkin with harmonization between benefits and drawbacks. Research method: Fresh-cut pumpkin cubes were pre–treated with 30% ethanol and 1% chitosan, then stored for 15 days at different temperatures (5 °C or T5, 10 °C or T10, 15°C or T15 and 25°C or T25). Findings: At refrigeration temperature (below 10 °C), fresh-cut pumpkin could maintain its overall visual quality until the end of storage duration (15 days). The difference in firmness and total carotenoid content between T5 and T10 suggested chilling injury occurrence when pumpkin was stored under 10°C. Besides, other nutritional parameters of these two treatments such as weight loss, total soluble solid content, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity did not significantly differ from each other. Regardless of their nutritional composition, T15 and T25 became disqualified for consumption on day 3 and day 6, respectively due to dramatic shrinkage and microbial development. Limitations: Storage duration should be extended until all treatments reach unacceptable quality.The activity of cell wall degrading enzymes and antioxidant enzymes during storage should be investigated to support this study’s findings. Originality/Value: The preservation of fresh-cut pumpkin can be elevated to 10 °C to avoid chilling damage without altering much of their nutritional value.
Original Article
Fresh-Cut Produce
Farid Moradinezhad
Abstract
Purpose: Mango is an invaluable and climacteric fruit with a short shelf life. Minimally fresh‐cut mango fruit market is growing very fast, particularly in Europe and the United States, and recently in Asian countries and the Middle East. Consumers demand high quality in fresh-cut fruit. Research method: ...
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Purpose: Mango is an invaluable and climacteric fruit with a short shelf life. Minimally fresh‐cut mango fruit market is growing very fast, particularly in Europe and the United States, and recently in Asian countries and the Middle East. Consumers demand high quality in fresh-cut fruit. Research method: Effect of different post-cutting chemical treatments including calcium chloride (CaCl2), ascorbic acid (AA), salicylic acid (SA), oxalic acid (OA) and citric acid (CA) on the quality maintenance and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut were evaluated. Treated slices were placed into the Polypropylene (PP) containers with lids (Passive MAP) and stored at 4±1 °C for two weeks. Findings: The results showed that the highest firmness (7.01 N) was recorded in CaCl2 treated fresh-cut mangoes at the end of storage. The TSS significantly was lower in all treated fresh-cuts compared to the control. Besides, treated mango slices with AA, SA, and OA had a higher antioxidant activity than other treatments and control. Interestingly, mango slices that were treated with CaCl2 had a higher texture (4.33) value compared to the control and other treatments. The AA and CaCl2 treatments maintained the fresh-cut taste compared to the control and other chemical treatments after 14 days of cold storage. The highest shelf life was observed in CaCl2 (17.5 days) and SA (17.0 days) treatments. The hue values were best maintained in OA and CA treatments. Moreover, the total aerobic mesophilic bacterial and fungal counts remained below detection limits at the end of storage. Limitations: No limitations were found to report. Originality/Value: In conclusion, CaCl2, AA and SA were better treatments for fresh-cut mangoes because higher acceptability and sensorial quality and also longer shelf life.
Original Article
Fresh-Cut Produce
Ben Amara Mouna; Amodio Maria Luisa; Colelli Giancarlo; Ben Abda Jameleddine
Abstract
Purpose: Ready to eat arils can be a value-added product as an alternative use for the whole pomegranate fruit by offering more convenience to the consumer. Recently, the diffusion of local cultivars with typical and unique quality characteristics will offer new opportunities for the fresh international ...
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Purpose: Ready to eat arils can be a value-added product as an alternative use for the whole pomegranate fruit by offering more convenience to the consumer. Recently, the diffusion of local cultivars with typical and unique quality characteristics will offer new opportunities for the fresh international market. Research method: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of arils from five cultivars, namely Gabsi (GB), Jebali (JB), Khalledi (KH), Tounsi (TN), and Zehri (ZH) to be used for ready to eat market, as well as to provide a form of valorization for these cultivars. Findings: Significant differences found between cultivars for most of the evaluated quality parameters. KH, GB, and JB were the cultivars with the best initial quality. PCA separated the investigated cultivars based on the storage period. Among the studied cultivars, the main changes in color and sensory quality attributes during storage have been registered for the cultivars JB and KH. TN showed slight color difference during storage. GB had right color intensity, maintained high content of anthocyanins, and the best sensory evaluation at the end of storage. Limitations: Based on their nutritional quality, cultivars GB and KH were the best cultivars for ready to eat arils processing. However, a proper selection of initial quality should be considered. Originality/Value: The richness of local Tunisian pomegranate cultivars with its typical and unique quality traits. They could be used as a ready to eat form to valorize the whole fruit thereby, will enhance marketing demand.
Review Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Nida Firdous
Abstract
Purpose: Tomato, being a climacteric and soft textured fruit, faces many challenges in postharvest life, and many factors influence its quality during storage. It faces price fluctuation in Pakistan due to postharvest losses. This review focuses on intensive research in recent years regarding edible ...
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Purpose: Tomato, being a climacteric and soft textured fruit, faces many challenges in postharvest life, and many factors influence its quality during storage. It faces price fluctuation in Pakistan due to postharvest losses. This review focuses on intensive research in recent years regarding edible coatings and films to minimize crop losses, and to maintain tomatoes quality by giving structural integrity. Findings: Tomato is a highly demanded vegetable due to its extensive uses, but its postharvest losses are 33-46% in developing countries. The application of edible coating is one of many methods used to extend the shelf life of tomatoes. The edible coating acts as semipermeable barriers to gases and water vapors. It is not a new concept and dates back to the 12th century. Edible coatings are made from lipids, carbohydrates, or protein-based materials, with additional additives like emulsifiers, plasticizers, release agents, and lubricants. The use of edible coating with different formulations is an effective method for extending the shelf life of fresh produce and tomatoes. Limitations: Edible coating formulations should be wet and uniformly spread on fruit surfaces, as proper adhesion, cohesion, and durability matter. Significantly less eco-friendly coatings are available compared to chemically synthesized layers. Directions for future research: These days, many new materials are evolving as coating solutions based on their film-forming properties, and these materials can replace synthetic plastic-based films. Composite and multi-layer coatings should be developed and micro encapsulation techniques should be adopted for better results.
Original Article
Fresh-Cut Produce
Sridevi Roopnarine; Majeed Mohammed
Abstract
Purpose: Increasing demand for pre-packaged fresh-cut cowpea based on nutritional content, convenience and ready-to–use attributes is limited due to its highly perishable nature. Research method: Two experiments were conducted to investigate the shelf life and storability of fresh-cut cowpea. Fresh-cut ...
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Purpose: Increasing demand for pre-packaged fresh-cut cowpea based on nutritional content, convenience and ready-to–use attributes is limited due to its highly perishable nature. Research method: Two experiments were conducted to investigate the shelf life and storability of fresh-cut cowpea. Fresh-cut cowpea (cv. Local Green) subjected to hydro-cooling with or without sodium hypochlorite was sealed-packaged in LDPE bags and stored at 4-5°C and 20-22°C up to 12 days. The second experiment focused on the occurrence and alleviation of chilling injury (CI) on fresh-cut cowpea (cv. Local Green and cv. Local Pink), stored at 4-5°C and 20-22°C in sealed LDPE bags after 3 and 6 days and upon transfer after 6 days at 4-5°C plus 1, 2 and 3 days at 20-22°C. Findings: Fresh-cut cowpea (Local Green cv.) was 100% marketable after 6 days in sealed LDPE bags at 4-5°C, then decreased to 70% after 12 days. At 20-22°C marketable quality ratings were 87.3% after 3 days, declined to 30% after 6 days and eventually to 100% after 12 days. Absence of chilling injury for both fresh-cut cowpea cultivars, were obtained within the initial 6 days of storage at both temperatures. After 6 days at 4-5°C plus 1, 2 and 3 days at 20-22°C, resulted in progressive increases in CI development which was higher for the Local Pink versus Local Green cultivar. Limitations: Wider range of postharvest dips required. Originality/Value: Temperature control combined with MAP prolonged shelf-life of fresh-cut cowpea and reduced incidence of chilling injury.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Muhammad Sohail; Ron B. H. Wills; Michael C. Bowyer; Penta Pristijono
Abstract
Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of aqueous dips containing the amino acids, L-arginine, L-cysteine and L-methionine, to inhibit the senescence of six leafy green vegetables pak choy, coriander, choy sum, spinach, parsley and rocket. Research method: Pak choy was dipped in amino acid solutions ...
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Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of aqueous dips containing the amino acids, L-arginine, L-cysteine and L-methionine, to inhibit the senescence of six leafy green vegetables pak choy, coriander, choy sum, spinach, parsley and rocket. Research method: Pak choy was dipped in amino acid solutions from 2-100 mM to determine the optimum concentration that inhibited senescence. The other vegetables were dipped in solutions with the optimal concentration. Senescence of the vegetables was assessed during storage at 10 °C in air containing 0.1 µL L1 ethylene by determining loss of green colour (designated as green life), ethylene production and respiration rates. Findings: For each amino acid, a dipping concentration of 5 mM was found optimal to inhibit senescence as shown by an extended green life and reduced ethylene production and respiration rates of all vegetables to a similar extent, except methionine which did not show a significant effect with rocket, and for spinach only reduced ethylene production. Limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: Arginine and cysteine showed considerable potential for commercial use to extend the market life of many green vegetables and with their Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status the amino acids should be a safe, consumer-acceptable treatment.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Fatemeh Afsharnia; Mahmoud Ghasemi Nejad Raeini; Hassan Barzegar; Parisa Ghasemi
Abstract
Purpose: The texture is an essential feature of the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables and plays a critical role in the acceptance and success of these products by the consumer. However, mechanical injuries cause softening and abrasion in the mulberry fruit tissue during harvesting, difficult ...
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Purpose: The texture is an essential feature of the nutritional value of fruit and vegetables and plays a critical role in the acceptance and success of these products by the consumer. However, mechanical injuries cause softening and abrasion in the mulberry fruit tissue during harvesting, difficult to assess. The experiment was conducted to estimate the mulberry fruit texture model by linear measurements for several harvesting conditions. Research method: The mulberry may fall from the highest or middle branches or harvest by hand since three heights, including 0, 1.5, and 3 meters, were considered for both maturity stage, including purple and black stage, for dynamic loading experiments to measure texture in an orchard simulated ambiance. Mulberry fruits were stored at 3 °C for seven days. The abrasion area of mulberry fruit was determined by image analysis. Also, TA-XT PLUS Texture Analyzer (micro stable system, England) was used to perform the compression tests of mulberry fruits. Regression analysis of abrasion area versus practical factors (harvesting method, maturity stage, and storage time) was used to develop several models for assessing the area of fruit abrasion. Findings: The combined effect of hot water for 3 minutes with 3% citric acid resulted in better quality fruits (less mass loss, less degradation of soluble solids, organic acids, and vitamin C), in addition to delaying the development of browning pericarp and pulp until the sixth day of storage. Limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: These models promisingly and accurately estimate the abrasion area of fruit without applying any inaccurate procedures, e.g., using a caliper in many experimental comparisons.
Original Article
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Rahele Dehghani; Zahra Abbasi; Majid Talebi; Emad Shahmansouri; Badrodin Ebrahim Sayed Tabatabaei
Abstract
Purpose: Modern onion breeding is almost completely based on the production of hybrid seed. This project was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in identification of the cytoplasmic types and Ms locus in 123 onion accessions. Research method: Three cytoplasmic markers ...
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Purpose: Modern onion breeding is almost completely based on the production of hybrid seed. This project was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in identification of the cytoplasmic types and Ms locus in 123 onion accessions. Research method: Three cytoplasmic markers cob, accD and MK were used to identify the sterility (S) from the fertility (N) cytoplasm and four nuclear molecular markers (OPT, PsaO, Jnurf-13 and AcSKP1) were used for genotyping of Ms alleles. Findings: The results showed that the two accD and cob markers were quite similar in the detection of the type of cytoplasm with 100% male sterility for male sterile lines and 100% fertility for maintainer lines. The MK marker was able to distinguish T-type cytoplasm as well. Based on the results, the frequency of fertility (N) was much more than the frequency of sterility (S and T) cytoplasm found to be 90% in Dorche (pop.1), 100% in Dorche (pop.2) and Kashan based on marker cob and accD and with MK marker, was found to be 80%, 90% and 82% in Dorche (pop.1), Dorche (pop.2) and Kashan, respectively. Limitations: In this study, nuclear markers were not successful due to not finding linkage disequilibrium with the Ms locus, suggested more markers to be evaluated. Originality/Value: Molecuar markers were very suitable for the indentification of S or N lines. Cytotype (N/S) determination of plants by usingmolecular markers (cob, accD and MK), could easily reduce the population size required for the production of onion hybrid seeds.
Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Fatemeh Borna; Vahideh Nazeri; Fatemeh Ghaziani; Majid Shokrpour
Abstract
Purpose: Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), a medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, has a great diversity and wide distribution in Iran. It is essential due to having leonurine with blood dilution and muscle relaxation effects. Research method: To evaluate the response of the Iranian Motherwort ecotypes ...
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Purpose: Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), a medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, has a great diversity and wide distribution in Iran. It is essential due to having leonurine with blood dilution and muscle relaxation effects. Research method: To evaluate the response of the Iranian Motherwort ecotypes in drought environments, an experiment was carried out in split plot design based on RCBD with three replications. Three irrigation levels were considered as main plots, including %100, one-third, and two-third of field capacity, and four ecotypes as sub-plots including Kerman, Taleghan, Sarab and Khansar. The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, the University of Tehran, in Karaj. Findings: The results showed that water stress affected morphological traits significantly. Water stress had a significant increasing effect on the phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of Motherwort ecotypes. The highest and the lowest total phenol content were observed in Taleghan and Kerman ecotypes, 7.34 and 4.21 mg/mg fresh weight, respectively. The amount and the percentage of leonurine were increased by water stress. The highest and the lowest values of leonurine were observed in the ecotypes of Taleghan and Sarab, respectively, in all three levels of irrigation. There were significant correlations between dry weight (-0.43), antioxidant (0.36), proline (-0.35), catalase (0.4), and the percentage of leonurine. Research limitations: There were no limitations to the report. Originality/Value: It was found a significant variation among the ecotypes in response to water stress. The ecotypes of Taleghan and Sarab were the most tolerant and the most susceptible ecotypes to drought stress among the studied ecotypes.
Review Article
Olericulture
A. K. M. Aminul Islam; A. K. M. Mominul Islam; Farzana Mustafa Era; Islam Hamim
Abstract
Purpose: To increase yield and quality of fruit vegetables under high pressure of soil-borne pathogens, nematode, and unfavorable environments introducing vegetable grafting in agriculture are crucial. It also helps to reduce disease susceptibility and to increase tolerance against abiotic stresses. ...
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Purpose: To increase yield and quality of fruit vegetables under high pressure of soil-borne pathogens, nematode, and unfavorable environments introducing vegetable grafting in agriculture are crucial. It also helps to reduce disease susceptibility and to increase tolerance against abiotic stresses. Findings: Grafting in vegetables is a centuries-old practice to improve yield through organic culture. It was introduced in USA and becoming more common in organic farming of vegetables. Vegetable grafting is popular practice in many European and North American countries, Japan, Korea, and China. Vegetable crops are exposed to many abiotic and biotic stress factors, including salinity, heat, heavy metals, excess trace elements, diseases, and pests, which have a significant effect on crop growth and productivity. Grafting is effective practices in solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables to control soil-borne diseases including; Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and bacterial wilt, and nematodes without using pesticides. Limitations: Despite of its numerous benefits, there are several difficulties associated with grafting which include added cost, graft mismatch, physiological complaints, and reductions in flower formation, quality, and yield of fruit. Directions for future research: Appropriate selection of scion and rootstock, scion–rootstock communication, and the reciprocal effect of the shoot and root system should be considered to get maximum benefits from this novel technique. New research should be conducted to evaluate and test diverse germplasm as a source of the viable rootstock, development of grafting tools ideal for the stable, year-round, and cost-effective yield.
Short Communication Article
Postharvest Disorders and Diseases
Btissam Mayoussi; Hafida Zahir; Mostafa Ellouali; Hassan Boubaker; Hassan Latrache
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the adhesion of Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum spores on four materials commonly used in the citrus packaging chain (plastic, PVC, stainless steel, 316L and wood). Research methods: The physicochemical characterization of spores and ...
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the adhesion of Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum spores on four materials commonly used in the citrus packaging chain (plastic, PVC, stainless steel, 316L and wood). Research methods: The physicochemical characterization of spores and material surfaces was carried out using the contact angle method. The number of adhered spores was estimated after being detached from supports in an ultrasonic bath. The results showed that all citrus materials processes were classified as hydrophobic except for the wood packaging. Surface spores of P. digitatum presented a relatively hydrophobic character, and surface spores of P. italicum presented a hydrophilic character. Both of the spores and all materials presented high electron donor/acceptor characters. Findings: The results showed that P. digitatum and P. italicum sporescould adhere to all the studied substrates. Furthermore, the highest adhesion was observed by P. italicum and P. digitatum spores on wood packaging (58 Î 106 CFU/cm2) and (45 Î 106 CFU/cm2), respectively. The wood packaging was the least hygienic material concerning the adhesion ability of P. digitatum and P. italicum spores, followed by plastic packaging, PVC, and 316 L stainless steel. A correlation between substratum physicochemical properties and spore adhesion was also examined, while a good correlation was observed between spore adhesion and donor electron character. Research limitations: There were no limitations to this study. Originality/value: This research studied the adhesion of spores on materials commonly used in the citrus packaging chain.
Original Article
Plant Stress
Abir Habib; Sihem Ben Maachia; Ali Sahli; Mounira Harbi Ben Slimane
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to valorize the grape genotypes in the oasis of Tozeur, Tunisia, by exploring their salinity tolerance. Research method: The principal genotypes: Arbi, Chetoui, Guelb Sardouk, Kahla, Sfaxi and Muscat d’Italie were subject to two salt treatments: a gradual stress by adding ...
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Purpose: This study aimed to valorize the grape genotypes in the oasis of Tozeur, Tunisia, by exploring their salinity tolerance. Research method: The principal genotypes: Arbi, Chetoui, Guelb Sardouk, Kahla, Sfaxi and Muscat d’Italie were subject to two salt treatments: a gradual stress by adding 25 mM NaCl every week until the final doses of 75,100 and 150 mM NaCl and a shock by applying 50 and 100 mM NaCl from the treatment onset. The shoot length and the number of leaves were monitored during salt treatments. Findings: The first mortalities were registered at the 3rd week for Sfaxi under gradual stress conditions, Guelb Sardouk, and Kahla under salt shock. The effects of 75 mM NaCl gradually added were expressed only by the decline of leaves number for the genotypes Chetoui, Kahla, and Sfaxi, while those of low salt shock (50 mM NaCl) were manifested by plant height and leaves number reductions. Salinity damages were aggravated by increasing the salinity. Another response was observed for the studied genotypes: they kept their vegetative apparatus almost unaffected to preserve the photosynthetic capacity. Research limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: The adverse effects of salinity were more relevant at the end of the stress particularly under the high salt dose (150 mM NaCl). The salinity of irrigation water for our grape genotypes shouldn’t reach 150 mM NaCl. The genotype Arbi was the most tolerant genotype while Kahla was the most sensitive to salinity.
Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Festus Maniriho; Mehmet Aşkin; Hatice Serdar
Abstract
Purpose: To enhance the rooting ability of Prunus rootstocks byIndol-3-butyric acid (IBA) hormone associated with bacillus subtilis bacteriain greenhouse conditions. Research Method: Every 20 cuttings of each cultivar were dipped into either powder or liquid IBA with or without Bacillus subitilis. Afterward, ...
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Purpose: To enhance the rooting ability of Prunus rootstocks byIndol-3-butyric acid (IBA) hormone associated with bacillus subtilis bacteriain greenhouse conditions. Research Method: Every 20 cuttings of each cultivar were dipped into either powder or liquid IBA with or without Bacillus subitilis. Afterward, the cuttings were planted in any of the cocopeat or perlite medium, in a greenhouse. ANOVA was computed to compare the results among Prunus cultivars. Findings: After 2 months of the experiment, shoots were much better in perlite medium than cocopeat medium. Maxma 14 cuttings did not develop any shoot formation in cocopeat medium, while Garnem cuttings developed the best shoots for liquid IBA and Powder IBA treatment (respectively 1.05 and 1 average number of shoots/cutting). The effect of Bacillus subitilis bacteria on shoots was significant in perlite medium with more shoots for Garnem, Maxma 14 and Myrobolan 29C cuttings, respectively (1.70, 0.35 and 0.95 average number of shoot/cutting). On the other hand, the highest rooting levels were observed in powder IBA + Bacillus subtilis treatment for Garnem and Myrobolan 29C (35% and 20%), while powder IBA treatment induced better rooting level for Myrobolan 29C and Garnem cuttings (respectively 10% and 5% higher compared to the control). Limitations: There is a need to do further investigation on the survival rate of the shoots, in field conditions. Originality/Value: The association of powder IBA and bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) is promissing to increase the rooting of the Prunus rootstocks cultivar.
Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Soumaya Dbara; Messaoud Mars
Abstract
Purpose: Nowadays, the problem of water scarcity increased due to the increase of aridity, which enhances the use of non-conventional waters. The irrigation with treated wastewater was primarly developed. Research method: In the present research, we compared the quality of pomegranate fruits harvested ...
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Purpose: Nowadays, the problem of water scarcity increased due to the increase of aridity, which enhances the use of non-conventional waters. The irrigation with treated wastewater was primarly developed. Research method: In the present research, we compared the quality of pomegranate fruits harvested from two ‘Gabsi’ orchards managed according to two different cultural practices such as: organic (O) and conventional irrigated with treated wastewater (WW). We determine the soil and fruit characteristics. Findings: Results showed that the organic soil was richer in Fe, Mn and Mg; however, irrigated with WW was richer in Cu, Zn, and Cd with the absence of Ag and Ni in both soils. The analysis of fruits demonstrated that organic ones were richer in Cu, Zn and Mn. Mg content was similar in both fruits. Hg, Ni, Cd, and Fe were not present in fruits. The BCF of Cu and Zn were higher in organic fruits, contrary to Mg. Furthermore, the highest values of the SSC/TA ratio were recorded in organic fruits with no pathogenic contamination for both fruits. Limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: This study illustrates the possibility of treating wastewater in the irrigation of pomegranates without adverse effects.
Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Bahareh Rahmani; Mahmoud Ghasemnezhad; Reza Fotouhi Ghazvini; Akbar Forghani
Abstract
Purpose: Boron deficiency can be a limiting factor for the flowering and fruit production of olive orchards. The appropriate time for foliar spray needs to be found in each environment. Research method: Effect of foliar spray (350 mg L-1 from boric acid) after fruit harvest (Stage 1), during flower bud ...
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Purpose: Boron deficiency can be a limiting factor for the flowering and fruit production of olive orchards. The appropriate time for foliar spray needs to be found in each environment. Research method: Effect of foliar spray (350 mg L-1 from boric acid) after fruit harvest (Stage 1), during flower bud differentiation (Stage 2), and the anthesis (Stage 3) alone or in combination, on fruit set percentage, leaf and inflorescence boron, zinc, and iron concentration, soluble carbohydrates content in leaves of three commercial olive cultivars was investigated. Findings: Results showed, the maximum fruit set percentage, the highest leaf and inflorescence boron content, was found in the Koroneiki cultivar when boron sprayed two times at stages 1+3 and stages 2+3. The highest leaf and inflorescence zinc content was found when boron sprayed two times at stages 2+3 on the Koroneiki cultivar. The highest leaf and inflorescence iron content was found in Baladi and Mission cultivars, respectively, when sprayed at stage 2 or two times at stages 1+3. Olive cultivar Baladi showed the highest leaf fructose, sucrose, and glucose content when boron sprayed at stage 2 alone or three times at stages 1+2+3. Research limitations: It can be useful to study different concentrations of foliar spray and other cultivars. Originality/Value: The response of different olive cultivars was not the same. It seems that boron spray at the appropriate time increased fruit set percentage, especially in Koroneiki. Therefore, more research is needed to find the best fertilization program in olive orchards of Golestan province.
Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Ali Asadi Kangarshahi; Negin Akhlaghi Amiri
Abstract
Purpose: In this study, the response of Miyagawa Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) on Swingle citrumelo rootstock to calcareous soils of the east of Mazandaran in Iran was investigated. Research method: The experiment was done by seven soils with different calcium carbonate (2-45%) for two years. Findings: ...
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Purpose: In this study, the response of Miyagawa Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu) on Swingle citrumelo rootstock to calcareous soils of the east of Mazandaran in Iran was investigated. Research method: The experiment was done by seven soils with different calcium carbonate (2-45%) for two years. Findings: Soils with 14% total lime and 5% active lime had the highest shoot dry weight. Soils with 30 and 45% total lime, and 14 and 16% active lime had the highest chlorosis and soils with no lime or 3% active lime and 2 to 9% total lime had the least chlorosis. Soils with 2 and 9% total lime had the highest Fe concentration in root and the least chlorosis. Fe concentration in the roots was about 7.5 times that of the leaves, which show Fe accumulation and inactivation in the root. Mn concentration in leaves in most soils was lower than optimum, while available Mn in most soils was more than optimum (2.5 mg kg-1). Mn concentration at the roots was about 3.2 times of that in the leaves. In contrast, although available Zn of some soils was lower than optimum, in most soils the Zn concentration of leaves was in the optimum range. Research limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: Mn, due to low uptake and transmission efficiency from roots to shoots and severe deficiency in leaves is the most limiting microelement in this rootstock-scion combination. According to this research, Swingle citrumelo rootstock is appropriate in soils with total and active lime less than 14% and 5%, respectively.
Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Hamid-Reza Fallahi; Soheyla Abbasi Aval Bohlooli; Zahra Pahlavan; Seyyed-Morteza Hosseini; Seyyed Amir-Hossein Hosseini; Pegah Ghohestani-Bojd
Abstract
Purpose: One of the main challenges of saffron production under controlled environments (CE) is that when flowering ends, there is no specific plan for corm proliferation. It seems that transplanting can provide economic justification for saffron production in CE, by providing the possibility of replacement ...
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Purpose: One of the main challenges of saffron production under controlled environments (CE) is that when flowering ends, there is no specific plan for corm proliferation. It seems that transplanting can provide economic justification for saffron production in CE, by providing the possibility of replacement corms production. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility and effectiveness of transplanting of those corms that previously flowered in controlled condition. Research method: To compare the vegetative growth of saffron between two planting methods including direct planting (DP) and transplanting (TP) an experiment was conducted. In the TP method, corms that were flowered under CE were transplanted to four plots beside the plots of DP. At the end of the growing season, leaf and replacement corms (RC) criteria were measured in both planting methods. Findings: Leaf length and weight in DP were 19.5 and 85.1 % more than TP, respectively. Mean RC weight (4.01 vs. 2.35 g), the weight of main RC (14.22 vs. 9.56 g), and number of buds with flowering potential (1.87 vs. 1.28 No. per corm), in DP was more than TP. The number of RC (524 vs. 612 corms per m2) was higher in TP, while RC yield (2093 vs. 1432 g m2) was more in DP method. The percentage of large RC (> 9g) in DP and TP was 19.8 and 6.5 %, respectively. Also, 68 and 32 % of RC yields were belonged to large corms, in DP and TP methods, respectively. Limitations: This study was one of the first studies on saffron transplanting, and the methodologies should be improved in future studies to gain more favorable results. Originality/Value: It was concluded that transplanting of those corms which were flowered under CE is possible, and at least one-third of the RC yield was at the desired weight.
Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Ramin Nazarian; Noorahmad Samim; M. Qasem Jami
Abstract
Purpose: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a strategic medicinal and spice plant in the world. This study aimed to determine saffron stigma quality obtained from different regions of Herat province in Afghanistan. Research method: The experiment was contacted at the food technology lab, faculty of agriculture, ...
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Purpose: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a strategic medicinal and spice plant in the world. This study aimed to determine saffron stigma quality obtained from different regions of Herat province in Afghanistan. Research method: The experiment was contacted at the food technology lab, faculty of agriculture, Herat University, in 2018. The experiment was set up on a completely randomize design (CRD) with twenty replications. Saffron stigma samples were collected from different parts of Herat province (Ghoryan, Phashton Zarghon, Gozarah districts, and producer companies), and then transferred to the laboratory for determining the saffron quality parameters such as crocins, picrocrocin and safranal using spectrophotometer. Findings: Results showed that the amounts of picrocrocin and safranal were significantly different between stigmas produced in different regions, but there was no significant difference in terms of crocin. The highest amounts of picrocrocin (104.50ϕ 257nm) and safranal (34.95 θ330nm) were recorded in the stigma samples collected from production companies, while the highest amount of crocin (236.95 ω 440nm) obtained from Pashton Zarghon sample. Evaluation of mentioned qualitative attributes among saffron samples and their comparison with ISO 3632 standard showed that all samples were desirable in terms of crocin (>190 ω 440nm), picrocrocin (>70 ϕ257nm) and safranal (>20 θ 330nm), which were laid in (I) category. Research limitations: There was no limitations to report. Originality/Value: This research is one of the first reports on saffron quality produced in Herat.
Original Article
Plant Nutrition
Nazanin Nazari; Hassan Feizi
Abstract
Purpose: Plants are naturally influenced by magnetic fields. On the other hand, the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles may improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of plants. Research method: The effect of magnetic field and nano and bulk-TiO2 was studied on the yield of saffron ...
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Purpose: Plants are naturally influenced by magnetic fields. On the other hand, the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles may improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of plants. Research method: The effect of magnetic field and nano and bulk-TiO2 was studied on the yield of saffron in Nishabur County, Iran. The treatments included 5-mT magnetic field (at three levels of control, exerted magnet tapes into substrate, and the 24-hour exposure of the corms to the magnets) and TiO2 (at five levels of 0 as control, 1000 and 2000 ppm nanosized-TiO2, and 1000 and 2000 ppm bulk TiO2). During the growing season petal fresh and dry weight, flower fresh weight, stigma dry weight and corm weight were recorded. Findings: The results showed that studied traits were significantly (p < 0.01) influenced by the magnetic field and nano-TiO2. The highest stigma dry weight was related to the treatment of 2000 ppm nano-TiO2 and 48-hour exposure to the magnetic field, showing an insignificant difference with 1000 ppm nano-TiO2. Application of TiO2 nanoparticles in 2000 ppm increased stigma dry weight by 14.7 % and corm weight by 51 % compared to the control. Exposure of corms to magnetic field in planting media and pretreatment with it, increased corm weight by 13.6 and 26 % in comparing to control, respectively. Limitations: No limitations were founded. Originality/Value: According to the results, it is possible to use magnetic fields and TiO2 nanoparticles to stimulate the growth of corms and flower of saffron.
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