@article{ author = {AzamzadehShouraki, M. and Khalilian, S. and Mortazavi, S. A.}, title = {Effects of Declining Energy Subsidies on Value Added in Agricultural Sector}, abstract ={Production subsidies, as a part of the strategy of economic growth of the agricultural sector, are of great importance around the world. Subsidizing production inputs, particularly energy input, is another way of directing subsidy to the agricultural sector. In this research, production function of the agricultural sector was estimated using econometric methods and time series data. After calculating the elasticity of agricultural sector inputs and, simultaneously, estimating their cost and demand functions of production inputs using ISUR (Iterated Simingly Unrelated Regression), farmers' elasticity of price fluctuation of these inputs was determined. The findings of the production function demonstrated that all inputs, including capital, labor, and energy were used in the optimal production region. The findings of the cost function demonstrated that there was negative and low own elasticity price for inputs, in accord with economic theory. In addition, cross price elasticity of all inputs was positive, i.e. they were substitutes for each other. The findings of the subsidization policy showed that since price elasticity of demand for energy inputs was inelastic, reducing the energy subsidy would reduce energy consumption slightly and, eventually, would decrease value added in the agricultural sector. Finally, it is suggested that the government implements the energy subsidy reduction policy based on cost-benefit analysis.}, Keywords = {Value added,Energy,Production function,Subsidy}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {423-433}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5635-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5635-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Amiri, A. and Bandani, A. R.}, title = {Comparison of Energy Reserves in Prediapause and Diapausing Adult Sunn Pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)}, abstract ={In this study, the energy reserves of prediapause and diapausing adult bugs were examined using colorimetric biochemical techniques to determine carbohydrates, lipids, glycogen, and protein content. To this end, 45-day-old bugs were obtained from three different sources: laboratory colony, cold-stored insects, or natural habitat. The results showed that prediapause males and females had significantly lower lipids than laboratory cultured bugs, those were collected in natural habitat, and cold-treated diapausing insects. In contrast to lipids, carbohydrate and glycogen contents were significantly higher in prediapause males and females than in diapausing insects. Glycogen content in laboratory-reared females and males were significantly higher than in their counterparts from natural habitat. In conclusion, Sunn pest energy reserves change from prediapause to diapause phases. Prediapause Sunn pest bugs accumulate lipids for their metabolic needs during diapause and for post-diapause functions that include dispersal and reproduction.}, Keywords = {Carbohydrate,Glycogen,Lipid,Protein,Sunn pest}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {435-444}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3273-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3273-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Namdar, R. and Sadighi, H.}, title = {Investigation of Major Challenges of Rural Development in Iran Utilizing Delphi Technique}, abstract ={The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors causing the rural underdevelopment in Iran. To fulfill this objective, Delphi technique, as a method of refining group opinions and substituting computed consensus for an agreed-upon majority opinion, was used. The study used a series of three steps questionnaires. Findings indicated that lack of a coherent strategy for sustainable rural development, unavailability of appropriate infrastructures in rural regions, lack of coordinated programs in rural development, weak management of governmental structures and lack of diversification in non-agricultural activities such as tourism are the most important challenges which can create an inappropriate condition for the development of Iranian rural communities.}, Keywords = {Capacity building,Entrepreneurship,Migration,National opportunity,Rural community}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {445-455}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7317-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7317-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Darvishi, H. and Khoshtaghaza, M. H. and Najafi, G. and Nargesi, F.}, title = {Mathematical Modeling of Green Pepper Drying in Microwave-convective Dryer}, abstract ={In this study, green pepper was dried by a laboratory scale microwave-convective dryer. The effects of microwave power on drying rate, effective moisture diffusivity, and energy consumption of green pepper were studied at four different microwave powers of 180, 360, 540, and 720W. The drying data were fitted to the four thin-layer drying models. The moisture reduction of the green pepper samples, from 2.894 to 0.1 kg water kg-1 dry matter, lasted 120 and 495 seconds at microwave power of 720 and 180W, respectively. The drying model assessment revealed that the Midilli model exhibited the best performance in fitting the experimental data, providing the highest R2 (0.927), and the lowest RMSE (0.2065) and χ2 (0.0555). With increase in microwave (drying) power from 180 to 720W, moisture diffusivity increased from 6.249×10-9 to 3.445×10-8 m2 s-1. Results also indicated that drying rate increased by increasing the microwave power and decreased continuously with passing of drying time and decreasing moisture content. The least specific energy consumption (7.2 MJ kg-1 water) was at microwave power of 360 W and the highest (9.26 MJ kg-1 water) was at 540W.}, Keywords = {Drying rate,energy consumption,Microwave power,Moisture diffusivity}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {457-465}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5400-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5400-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Salari, K. and AmiriChayjan, R. and Khazaei, J. and AmiriParian, J.}, title = {Optimization of Independent Parameters for Chickpea Threshing Using Response Surface Method (RSM)}, abstract ={Kermanshah province is the main producer of various chickpea cultivars in Iran. In this study a laboratory peg-tooth thresher was employed for chickpea threshing. The effect of cylinder speed (9, 12, 15 m/s), concave clearance (12, 14, 16 mm), feed rate (80, 160, 240 kg/h) and material moisture content (5, 10, 15% w.b.) was studied on percentage of grain damage, threshing efficiency and percentage of seed germination. The experimental plan for optimization was prepared with response surface methodology technique with composite experiment design. The effects of all independent variables on the response variables were significant. The effect of cylinder speed was the most significant and followed by the moisture content. With increasing cylinder speed in the range of 9 to 15 m/s, the grain damage increased from 4.98 to 47.97%, threshing efficiency increased from 96.81 to 99.69% and seed germination decreased from 85.75 to 55.98%. With increasing moisture content, grain damage and threshing efficiency decreased but seed germination increased. With increasing feed rate and concave clearance, grain damage and threshing efficiency decreased while, seed germination increased. The optimized point was determined at the cylinder speed of 10.63 m/s, concave clearance of 13.74 mm, feed rate of 240 kg/h and moisture content of 12% (w.b.). In this condition, the optimum values of grain damage, threshing efficiency and seed germination were 3%, 98.3% and 84.29%, respectively.}, Keywords = {Germination,grain damage,threshing efficiency,thresher,RSM}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {467-477}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5007-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5007-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Amanullah, Jr. and Stewart, B. A.}, title = {Dry Matter Partitioning, Growth Analysis and Water Use Efficiency Response of Oats (Avena sativa L.) to Excessive Nitrogen and Phosphorus Application}, abstract ={Shoot:root ratio, dry matter partitioning, growth analysis, and water use efficiency of oat (Avena sativa L., cv. Walker) was investigated under excessive nitrogen (N) as 200 mg N kg-1 (N1P0), excessive phosphorus as 200 mg P kg-1 (N0P1), and combined 100 mg N+100 mg P kg-1 (N2P2), and the control (N0P0) as check in a pot experiment at Dryland Agriculture Institute, West Texas A and M University, Canyon, Texas, USA, during winter 2009-2010. The experiment was performed in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. One week after emergence, 15 plantswere maintained per pot. Later, five plants were uprooted at 30, 60, and 90 days after emergence (DAE). The volume of each pot was 6,283 cm3, containing 2,000 g of potting mix (organic soil) pot-1. Excessive N applications had very negative effects on leaf, stem, and root and, consequently, on the total dry weight per plant of oat. The reduction in total plant dry weight with excessive N applications reduced crop growth rate. In contrast, excessive P applications had no negative effects on leaf, stem, root, and the total plant dry weight. Rather, excessive P applications had more favorable effects on leaf, stem, root, and total dry weight per plant at early growth stage. At later growth stages, combined N+P applied had more beneficial impact on leaf, stem, root and total dry weight per plant. The increase in total dry matter accumulation per plant showed positive relationship with absolute growth rate (AGR), crop growth rate (CGR), and net assimilation rate (NAR). The NAR showed negative relationship with increase in LAI and positive relationship with increase in CGR. Water use efficiency was increased with P application and showed positive relationship with increase in CGR.}, Keywords = {Growth analysis,N and P toxicity,Oats,Shoot-root ratio,Water use efficiency}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {479-489}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3038-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3038-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Haghshenas, A. and Emam, Y. and Ghadiri, H. and Kazemeini, S. A. and Kamgar-Haghighi, A. A.}, title = {Effect of Mixed Cropping of an Early- and a Middle-ripening Wheat Cultivar on Mitigation of Competition during Post-anthesis Moisture Stress}, abstract ={A two-year field experiment was carried out in semi-arid region of southern Iran (Shiraz), during 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 growing seasons using various mixtures of an early- (cv Falat) and a middle-ripening (cv Shiraz) winter wheat cultivar to evaluate the beneficial effects of inducing temporal growth heterogeneity on reduction of intra-specific competition during post-anthesis moisture stress conditions. Treatments were composed of five combination ratios of the two cultivars (1:0; 2:1; 1:1; 1:2, 0:1), and two levels of post-anthesis moisture conditions i.e. equal to Field Capacity and 50% FC. The results showed that the equal ratio (1:1 mixed cropping of early and middle-ripening cultivars) was superior in grain yield components as well as post-anthesis water use efficiency (PWUE) among the mixture treatments. It appeared that mixed cropping of early- and middle-ripening cultivars had the potential for altering the intensified competition under deficient moisture conditions and may improve PWUE. Additional research for determining the best choices of cultivars, mixing ratios, sowing date, phenological differences, input requirements, and management practices for each regional environment are essential to achieve the maximum benefits.}, Keywords = {Cultivar mixture,Intra-specific competition,Post anthesis water use efficiency,Semi-arid regions}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {491-503}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6336-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6336-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Mirshekari, M. and Majnoonhoseini, N. and Amiri, R. and Moslehi, A. and ZandVakili, O.}, title = {Effects of Sowing Date and Irrigation Treatment on Safflower Seed Quality}, abstract ={Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of sowing dates and irrigation on seed quality of a spring-type safflower cultivar, in Karaj-Iran, during 2008 and 2009 growing seasons. A split plot design based on a randomized complete block layout with three replications was used in which sowing dates and irrigation treatments comprised the main plot and sub-plot, respectively. The results showed the highest oil yield, oil content, protein yield, and linoleic acid content of safflower seed for sowing date of 19th of April and under non-water stress conditions. The highest seed protein, oleic acid, and palmitic acid contents were obtained for sowing dates of May 5th and 20th along with ceasing irrigation at heading, flowering, and seed filling stages, respectively. Under arid and semiarid Mediterranean conditions prevailing in Karaj, late sowing date led to a greater simultaneity of reproductive stages and higher temperature, which made the negative effect of water stress more prominent than in the early sowing dates.}, Keywords = {Fatty acid profile,Late sowing date,Seed oil yield,water stress}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {505-515}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11976-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11976-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Azizian, M. and Rahimi, S. and Kamali, M. A. and KarimiTorshizi, M. A. and Zobdeh, M. R.}, title = {Comparison of the Susceptibility of Six Male Broiler Hybrids to Ascites by Using Hematological and Pathological Parameters}, abstract ={This study was conducted to compare susceptibility of six different strains of male broilers to ascites syndrome. In this experiment, 612 one-day-old male broiler chicks from five international hybrids (e.g, Arbor Acres, Cobb 500, Hubbard, Lohmann, and Ross 508) and an Iranian hybrid (Arian) were used. Growth performance, ascites mortality ratio, the ratio of right ventricle to total ventricles weight (RV:TV) in dead and healthy broilers, hematocrit values, serum levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and T3: T4 ratio were studied to evaluate the susceptibility of the birds. The results showed that there were significant differences among the hybrids in ascites susceptibility. Arian and Hubbard were more susceptible, while, Lohmann was more resistant to ascites than the other hybrids. The results of this study showed that RV:TV ratio and the hematocrit value can be sensitive indicators for differentiating hybrids susceptible to ascites from the resistant ones.}, Keywords = {Ascites syndrome,Broiler strains,mortality,Susceptibility}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {517-525}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7001-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7001-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Farhoosh, R. and HaddadKhodaparast, M. H. and Sharif, A. and AlaviRafiee, S.}, title = {Effect of Initial Quality and Compositional Parameters on Total Polar Compounds Formation during Continuous Heating of Olive Oil}, abstract ={The present study was conducted to determine the relative contribution of initial quality and compositional parameters to the rate of changes (RCTPC) in the content of total polar compounds (TPC), which is considered to be one of the most reliable indicators of heated oils quality, of olive oil during continuous heating at 180 ºC. The ratio between monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids showed the highest relative contribution (44.86%) to the RCTPC. The content of total phenolic compounds indicated a considerable contribution (30.76%) to the RCTPC whereas the content of total tocopherols was found to be actually ineffective (0.01%). Peroxide value was another important parameter that showed a marked contribution (20.51%) in this regard. The contributions of acid value and initial TPC content to the RCTPC of olive oil were 3.85 and 0.01%, respectively.}, Keywords = {Alteration rate,Oil quality,Relative contribution,stability}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {527-535}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10381-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10381-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Wu, L. Y. and Xiao, H. and Zhao, W. J. and Shang, H. and Zhang, M. Z. and Lin, Y. D. and Sun, P. and Ge, G. P. and Lin, J. K.}, title = {Effect of Instant Tea Powder with High Ester-catechins Content on Shelf Life Extension of Sponge Cake}, abstract ={In this research, a novel formulation of sponge cake was studied. Instant Tea Powder (ITP) with high ester-catechins content was used to replace 0, 7.5, 12.5, and 17.5% of flour to make sponge cakes, hereafter referred to as the control, ITP1, ITP2, and ITP3, respectively. The microbiological analysis and lipid oxidation experiments were conducted and the odor, flavor, color, chewiness, and overall acceptability of different samples were assessed by sensory evaluation. There was significant difference between ITP2 and the control in hedonic sensory evaluation results, whereas, ITP3 was rated lowest in sensory evaluation results. The results also showed the sponge cakes with ITP had good antimicrobial and antioxidant activity compared with the control, and the shelf life of ITP-treated cakes could be extended as a consequence.}, Keywords = {Antimicrobial activity,Lipid oxidation,Sensory evaluation,shelf life,Sponge cake}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {537-544}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7496-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7496-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Ghanbari, M. and Farmani, J.}, title = {Influence of Hydrocolloids on Dough Properties and Quality of Barbari: An Iranian Leavened Flat Bread}, abstract ={Barbari is a traditional flat leavened Iranian bread and one of the most popular breads consumed in Iran and some other countries in the Middle East. Barbari stales very fast and its shelf life is very short. Therefore, addition of bread improvers and anti-staling agents, such as hydrocolloids, is a suitable method for extending the shelf life of the bread. In the present study, the effect of various hydrocolloids including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), xanthan, and κ-carrageenan at 0.2 and 0.5% levels were investigated on dough rheological properties, fresh bread quality, and bread staling. Dough water absorption was increased by all hydrocolloids tested and HPMC had the highest effect. Application of all hydrocolloids, except κ-carrageenan, resulted in increase in dough development time (DDT). Only xanthan addition at 0.5% level showed an increase in dough stability, while the other treatments showed a reduction in the stability of the dough. Anti-staling effect was observed for HPMC and κ-carrageenan, but not for xanthan. The effect of hydrocolloid addition on some sensory indexes of bread such as upper surface and chew-ability was more pronounced than other indexes. Sensory analysis showed that all hydrocolloid addition treatments, except 0.5% xanthan, were able to improve the overall acceptability of the bread. The highest improvement in bread overall acceptability was brought about by HPMC. Hydrocolloid addition to the bread formulation could improve the sensory properties of Barbari bread and retarded the staling process. Based on the present study, the highest improvement in Barbari dough and bread quality could be obtained by the addition of 0.5% HPMC into the formulation.}, Keywords = {Barbari,Bread,Dough,Hydrocolloids,Sensory properties,Texture}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {545-555}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7944-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7944-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Mendez-Albores, A. and Campos-Agular, A. Z. and Moreno-Martinez, E. and Vazquez-Duran, A.}, title = {Physical and Chemical Degradation of B-aflatoxins during the Roasting and Dutching of Cocoa Liquor}, abstract ={ To evaluate the effect of roasting and Dutching processes on the stability of B-aflatoxins (AFB1+AFB2), experimental units of cocoa beans contaminated with aflatoxin at a concentration of 220.7 ng g-1 were roasted at 250ºC for 15 minutes. Roasting conditions caused a notable reduction in the aflatoxin content (up to 71%). The resulting cocoa liquors contaminated with 63.9 ng g-1 were thermal-alkaline treated with sodium, potassium, and calcium hydroxide at three different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 g kg-1). The effects of the two variables (alkali type and concentration) were analyzed as a completely randomized factorial 3´3 design. At a concentration of 10 g kg-1, the aflatoxin reduction was more effective when using NaOH and Ca(OH)2 (up to 94%) than when using KOH (up to 88%); however, at concentrations of 20 and 30 g kg-1, all of the three chemicals were almost equally effective for aflatoxin degradation (up to 98%). According to these results, higher reductions in aflatoxin levels were achieved during the roasting and an effective extra-reduction occurred during the Dutching process. Treatment of cocoa liquors with these alkalizing agents not only improved their physicochemical properties, but also enhanced their sanitary quality through the reduction in the aflatoxin content.}, Keywords = {Alkalization,Aspergillus flavus,Cocoa beans,Mycotoxins,Sanitary quality}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {557-567}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6324-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6324-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Liu, J. P. and Yuan, S. Q. and Li, H. and Zhu, X. Y.}, title = {Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study on a New Type of Variable-rate Fluidic Sprinkler}, abstract ={Due to the complex structure of the pressure-adjusting device used in most sprinklers for variable irrigation, it is not possible to observe the flow behavior of the water passing through the flow field. In this paper, an integral three dimensional (3D) numerical model based on the structural characteristics of the fluidic sprinkler was constructed to simulate the flow field distribution using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A new type of fluid sprinkler (BPXH) was used in the experiments. The main stream region and the variable velocity regions were clearly distinguished, and the details of the variations in pressure are discussed. The results indicated that the simulation methodology generated sufficient data to analyze the sprinkler pressure and outlet velocity changes. The minimum error of the difference between the simulation and the test pressure values was 0.049, with a maximum of 0.14. The turbulence model could accurately predict the relationship between the outlet velocity and the wetted radius. The outlet velocity ranged from 12.6 to 17.9 m s-1 during the simulation under the variable inlet boundary conditions of the sprinkler. Both the simulation and test values of the wetted radius increased gradually with the sprinkler rotating angle. The absolute error of the simulation and the test ranged from 0.07 to 0.16. Computational fluid dynamics provides a promising tool to help in the design of pressure-adjusting devices using a new type of variable-rate fluidic sprinkler.}, Keywords = {Fluidic sprinkler,Inner flow field,Numerical simulation}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {569-581}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4025-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4025-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Yao, G. H. and Gao, P. P. and Wang, Y. P. and Wang, L. H. and Xu, G. D. and Liu, P.}, title = {Abscisic Acid Improves Chilling-Induced Oxidative Stress in Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim Seedlings}, abstract ={Trichosanthes kirilowii, an important economic plant in China, is sensitive to chilling. To investigate the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) treatment on the chilling tolerance of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim, different concentrations of ABA were sprayed on Trichosanthes kirilowii leaves and the resulting catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the leaves were determined. The results indicated that at 4 ºC, the CAT and SOD activities increased at first and then decreased with increasing ABA concentration. By contrast, the MDA content decreased at first and then increased. They both had an extreme value when sprayed with 5.0 or 7.5 mg L-1 ABA. A real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the influence of exogenous ABA on the CAT gene expression of Trichosanthes kirilowii leaves. The results indicated that at 4 ºC, the CAT relative gene expression showed a high degree of positive correlation with the enzyme activities of CAT and SOD, and a negative correlation with MDA content. These results led to three conclusions. First, exogenous ABA exhibits significant effect on the chilling tolerance of Trichosanthes kirilowii. Second, exogenous ABA significantly increases the enzyme activities of CAT and SOD under cold environments. Finally, under cold environments and the effect of ABA, the relative gene expression of catalase 2 (CAT2) gene was found to play an important role in the enhancement of the chilling tolerance of Trichosanthes kirilowii leaves.}, Keywords = {Catalase,Cold,Malondialdehyde,Real time PCR,Superoxide dismutase}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {583-592}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4748-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4748-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Mirzaee, M. and Moieni, A. and Ghanati, F.}, title = {Effects of Drought Stress on the Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Two Canola (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars}, abstract ={Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and development. In the present study, the changes in lipid peroxidation rate and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined at different concentrations of PolyEthylene Glycol (PEG) 6000 (0, 5, 10, and 15% (w/v)) for two canola cultivars (SLM046 and Hyola 308). In order to produce water deficit, 12 days old canola seedlings were treated with PEG 6,000 in half strength Hoagland solution for 24 hours. PEG treatments increased the content of Malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation, in roots and shoots of both cultivars; but for Hyola 308 cultivar, the rate of increase of MDA was higher than SLM046 cultivar. In addition, drought did not have any significant effect on MDA content in roots of SLM046 cultivar. On the other hand, water stress increased Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT) and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) antioxidant enzyme activities of both shoots and roots of the studied cultivars; but activity of these antioxidants in SLM046 cultivar was obviously higher than in Hyola 308 cultivar. These results showed a higher water stress tolerance for SLM046 cultivar.}, Keywords = {Antioxidant,MDA,Osmotic stress,PEG 6000}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {593-602}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9016-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9016-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Mohammadi, H. and Gramaje, D. and Banihashemi, Z. and Armengol, J.}, title = {Characterization of Diplodia seriata and Neofusicoccum parvum Associated with Grapevine Decline in Iran}, abstract ={During 2004-2007, a field survey was conducted in different vineyards to determine the fungal pathogens associated with grapevine decline in different provinces of Iran including Fars,Hamedan,Isfahan, and Kohgiluyeh and Boirahmad. Twenty-seven isolates of Botryosphaeriaceae were recovered from vines showing decline and dieback symptoms only in Fars Province. Based on morphological and cultural characters along with molecular analysis [partial sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (BT), and elongation factor 1-a (EF)], two species of Botryosphaeriaceae, namely, Diplodia seriata and Neofusicoccum parvum were identified. Both species were pathogenic on rooted cuttings of cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and caused the dieback and drying-out of leaves as well as extended lesions on the shoots 4 months after inoculation. Results showed that N. parvum isolates were the most virulent and produced significantly longer lesions than those caused by D. seriata. Both species were reisolated from the margin of the lesions completing Koch’s postulates.}, Keywords = {Botryosphaeriaceae,Internal transcribed spacers,Pathogenicity,Translation elongation 1-α gene,Vitis vinifera}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {603-616}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1045-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1045-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Chaudhary, k. K. and Kaul, R. K.}, title = {Efficacy of Pasteuria penetrans and Various Oil Seed Cakes in Management of Meloidogyne incognita in Chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)}, abstract ={A green house study was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Pasteuria penetrans under the influence of organic amendments of four oil seed cakes namely Azadirachta indica (Locally known as Neem), castor (Ricinus communis), mustard (Brassica campestris) and Citrullus (Citrullus colocynthis)on suppression of populations of Meloidogyne incognita in Chilli. Oil seed cakes were applied at the rate of 20 mg/Pot (500 kg/ha), either individually or in combination with one dose of P. penetrans (100 g/kg soil). Application of oil seed cakes and P. penetrans, singly or in combination, proved effective in reduction of gall and final root-knot nematode population. Combination of castor and P. penetrans showed greater reduction in galling index (84.75%) and final population (85.74%) over the M. incognita control than other treatments. In addition, oil seed cake significantly improved the shoot and root dry matter of chilli. Among the four oil cakes tested, the combined application of P. penetrans with castor oil cake seemed to be more promising in the management of M. incognita in chilli as it resulted in greater nematode suppression and improved plant health.}, Keywords = {Azadirachta indica (Neem),Castor,Citrullus,Meloidogyne incognita,Mustard,Pasteuria penetrans,Seed cakes}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {617-626}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5185-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5185-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Toscano, P. and Casacchia, T. and Diacono, M. and Montemurro, F.}, title = {Composted Olive Mill By-products: Compost Characterization and Application on Olive Orchards}, abstract ={Olive mill by-products could be composted and applied to olive orchard soils. These practices solve the problem of these wastes disposal and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the aims of this research were: (i) proposing ‘on-farm’ composting process of different olive mill waste mixtures; (ii) investigating the chemical, physical, and microbiological characteristics of produced composts; (iii) evaluating the agronomical performance of the composts. Two on-farm composting trials were carried out in Southern Italy by using “two-phase” and “three-phase” olive mill wastes. The obtained composts were analyzed for their main characteristics and were spread in two different olive orchards (Nocellara and Leccino). At the end of field trial, soil properties, olive tree yield, and oil production were determined. The results highlighted that both composts reached a chemical composition in line with the thresholds established by the Italian fertilizers legislation for “green wastes compost”. When the two compost piles became stable and mature, their microbial properties reached similar values. Also, the results suggested the efficiency of the composting process and good hygienic conditions of the matrices. Soil application of composted olive mill by-products increased olive yields on average by 9% compared to the untreated soils. Both olive orchards showed good results in productive parameters. In particular, oil ha-1 increased by 166.4 and 179.9 kg in treated olive orchards, compared with untreated soils. However, more experimental data might be needed to confirm the effects of compost application in the long time and on different olive orchard soils.}, Keywords = {Microbial cultures,Olive-oil industrial sector,Olive trees yield,Olive waste composting,Soil fertility}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {627-638}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2628-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2628-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} } @article{ author = {Rizvi, R. and Mahmood, I. and Tiyagi, S.}, title = {Potential Role of Organic Matters and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) on the Growth and Productivity of Fenugreek}, abstract ={A field experiment was conducted during 2009-2011 at the Aligarh Muslim University Agricultural Research Farm, India, to evaluate the efficacious nature of some oil-seed cakes such as neem cake and castor cake, a botanical Calotropis procera and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Pseudomonas fluorescens singly and in various combinations, on the growth and productivity of Trigonella plant. Growth parameters included fresh and dry weight, pollen fertility (%), pods plant-1, root-nodule index, nitrate reductase activity, and chlorophyll content. Productivity was calculated in terms of N, P, and K in plant as well as in soil. Although all the parameters were significantly increased in these treatments, single application was comparatively less effective than the combined applications. Among oil-seed cakes, neem cake was found better in promoting plant growth than castor cake, followed by C. procera and PSB. Root-nodulation also showed a considerable increase in combined treatments. Maximum growth and productivity were observed in the combined inoculation of neem cake, castor cake, C. procera and PSB, as compared to other treatments including inorganic fertilizers and untreated one.}, Keywords = {Botanical,Oil-seed cakes,Pseudomonas fluorescens,Trigonella}, volume = {15}, Number = {3}, pages = {639-647}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7608-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7608-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2013} }