@article{ author = {MirzaeiKhalilabadi, H. R. and Chizari, A. H. and DahajipourHeidarabadi, M.}, title = {Effects of Increasing Price of Energy Carriers on Energy Consumption in Pistachio Production: Case Study in Rafsanjan, Iran}, abstract ={As one of the most important products of Iran, pistachio has a significant share in non-oil revenues. Its annual foreign exchange earnings are over 800 million dollars. However, production of this nut in the country’s major production centers is faced with many problems regarding the efficiency and productivity of the inputs. This study was performed by using two-stage cluster sampling method. The results showed that with the increase in energy carriers’ prices, the farmers of the region would tend to use the optimal amounts of inputs in the long term, thus, reducing energy consumption from 46,016.72 to 31,092 MJ ha-1. Also, the present values of energy productivity, its efficiency, and specific energy of, respectively, 0.03, 0.42, and 35.05 MJ kg-1 would be optimized to 0.07, 1.10 and 13.47 MJ kg-1. Besides, it was revealed that the net energy, which was negative under the existing condition (-26,532 MJ), would increase to 3,160 MJ following the increase in the price of energy carriers. Above all, the non-renewable energy consumption would be reduced from 39,743 to 26,457 MJ. Of course, to achieve the mentioned results, government support of farmers in the short term is necessary in order to facilitate and expedite the change in technology.}, Keywords = {Energy carriers,Input-output,Price elasticity,Pistachio production,Profit maximization}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {697-704}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8536-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8536-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Mosavi, S. H. and Esmaeili, A. K. and Azhdari, S.}, title = {Evaluating Economic Effects of Exchange Rate Depreciation on the Rice Market in Iran}, abstract ={In recent years, Iran has experienced high level depreciation of the Nominal Exchange Rate (NER). The ultimate effects of such depreciation on Iranian families’ welfare and income distribution have been a challenging issue among policymakers and researchers. Accordingly, this study evaluates the economic effects of NER depreciation on the rice market, using spatial price equilibrium model. The model was calibrated for the base year 2010 and was executed using GAMS programming language and was solved by the PATH solver. The results suggested that decreasing the NER would be detrimental. Social welfare is adversely affected by depreciation of the NER. This shock would also decrease real and per capita income and increase slightly the incidence, the gap, and severity of poverty. Also, the regional effects were found to vary, depending on being a net exporter or a net importer region. Overall, this study contributes to previous studies by considering income effects and import exemptions in the model. }, Keywords = {Nominal exchange rate,Spatial price equilibrium model,Welfare}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {705-715}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8638-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8638-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Dhehibi, B. and Alimari, A. and Haddad, N. and Aw-Hassan, A.}, title = {Technical Efficiency and Its Determinants in Food Crop Production: A Case Study of Farms in West Bank, Palestine}, abstract ={In this study, farm level technical efficiency (TE) and its determinants were investigated. A stochastic Cobb-Douglas (CD) production frontier was used to provide estimates of input-oriented TE for a sample of 100 rain fed farms in two Palestinian governorates. Empirical findings showed that the estimated TE of the farms in the pooled sample ranged from 35.7 to 95.6%, with a mean value of 72.2%. This suggests that, on average, farms in Jenin and Tubas can potentially increase their productivity by as much as 28% through more efficient use of inputs. Analysis of the main determinants of TE suggested a positive relationship between farmers’ level of education, experience, access to credit and extension services, and membership in a cooperative. We argue that access to credit and strengthening of capacity within the national extension system are critical areas of public policy concern in order to affect levels of agricultural production and productivity in the West Bank.}, Keywords = {Cobb-Douglas stochastic frontier model,Cross section data,Palestine,Rainfed farms}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {717-730}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5941-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5941-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Rajput, A. Q. and Khanzada, M. A. and Shahzad, S.}, title = {Effect of Different Organic Substrates and Carbon and Nitrogen Sources on Growth and Shelf Life of Trichoderma harzianum}, abstract ={Nine organic substrates viz., rice grains, sorghum grains, wheat grains, millet grains, wheat straw, rice husk, cow dung, sawdust, and poultry manure were used for mass multiplication of Trichoderma harzianum. Of these,sorghum grains followed by millet grains were the best substrates. The poultry manure appeared to be the most unsuitable substrate, whereas rice grains, wheat grains, wheat straw, and rice husk performed moderately well. Sucrose was the best carbon source and supported the highest colony growth of T. harzianum on Czapek’s Agar plates. Similarly, ammonium nitrate at 3,000 ppm appeared to be the most suitable nitrogen source and produced the highest colony growth as well as abundant conidia. A combined use of sucrose at 30,000 ppm as carbon source, and ammonium nitrate at 3,000 ppm as nitrogen source significantly enhanced the mycelial growth and conidial production by T. harzianum in wheat straw, rice husk, and millet grains, whereas, in sorghum grains and rice grains, the addition of carbon and nitrogen sources showed negative effect on sporulation of T. harzianum. Studies on shelf life of the inocula multiplied on various substrates showed that the populations of T. harzianum on all the substrates achieved the peak at 60-75 days incubation period and declined gradually thereafter. However, even after 330 days, the populations were greater than the population at 0-day. At 345-360 days interval, population was found to be less than the initial population at 0-day.}, Keywords = {Biocontrol agent,Mass multiplication,shelf life,Trichoderma harzianum}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {731-745}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9008-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9008-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Golshan, H. and Saber, M. and Majidi_Shilsar, F. and Karimi, F. and Ebadi, A.}, title = {Laboratory Evaluation of Beauveria bassiana Isolates on Red Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum and Their Characterization by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA}, abstract ={Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin is an important natural regulator of insect populations. Identification of a suitable molecular marker for detecting a virulent phenotype on a target pest would be useful in screening for effective isolates against the pest. Nine isolates of B. bassiana were tested for their virulence to adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in laboratory bioassay with 1×108 conidia mL-1. DNA markers provide more detailed genomic information.DNA fingerprints were generated by RAPD markers. Fungal DNA was extracted by CTAB. Twelve random oligonucleotide primers were used for amplification. After bioassay, three arbitrary categories of isolates were chosen i.e. isolates that caused > 45%, 45-30% and < 30% mortality, and were classified as highly (H), moderately (M), and less (L) virulent isolates based on average mortality, respectively. Also, based on LT50 values, three arbitrary categories were chosen i.e. isolates with < 80 h, 80-100 h and > 100 h LT50 values, and were classified as highly (H), moderately (M), and less (L) virulent isolates, respectively. The results of bioassay showed that isolates IRAN 440C and DEBI 004 were the causative agents of mycoses with the highest and lowest lethal effect, respectively. The lowest LT50 value was related to DEBI 014. Cluster analysis of the RAPD data showed four clusters according to similarity, following cluster analysis using the Jaccard similarity coefficient and clustering was done using un-weighted pair group method with arithmetic (UPGMA). The results showed that there was genetic diversity between these isolates, but the groups based on virulence rating and LT50 values did not match with the RAPD clusters completely.}, Keywords = {entomopathogenic fungus,Virulence,bioassay,Tribolium castaneum,RAPD analysis}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {747-758}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5419-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5419-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Khatam, A. and Muhammad, S. and Ashraf, I.}, title = {Perceived Effect of Farmers Field School Approach on Capacity Building in Controlling Pre and Post Harvest Losses}, abstract ={The present study was conducted in the central region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan comprising seven districts: Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat and Hangu, during 2010. The objective was to analyze the perceived effect of Farmer Field School (FFS) approach on farmers’ capacity in controlling pre- and post- harvest losses. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected from 280 randomly selected farmer respondents. The analysis revealed that FFS had remarkably built up farmers’ capacity in controlling pre and post-harvest losses caused by rodents, birds, immature harvesting/picking, and inappropriate packing, storing, and transportation of the produce. Furthermore, FFS helped farmers in reducing losses at the market and controlling grain borer, wheat weevil, and store weevils effectively. The study concluded that the highest improvement as a result of FFS activities was in controlling losses by rodents, proper packaging and labeling of the produce, and controlling some stored grain pests like grain borer and wheat weevil. By and large, farmers’ capacity was built up in almost all aspects of controlling pre- and post-harvest losses, except a few i.e. losses due to immature harvesting of crops, and controlling losses caused by store insects, which needed special focus of the authorities concerned. }, Keywords = {Controlling crop losses,Farmers’ Capacity building,Farmers’ training,FFS extension approach,Immature harvesting}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {759-765}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7498-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7498-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Farjam, A. and Omid, M. and Akram, A. and FazelNiari, Z.}, title = {A Neural Network Based Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Energy Inputs for Predicting Seed and Grain Corn Yields}, abstract ={In this study, several artificial neural networks (ANNs) were developed to estimate seed and grain corn yields in Parsabad Moghan, Iran. The data was collected by a face-to-face interview method from 144 corn farms during 2011. The energy ratios for seed and grain corns were calculated as 0.89 and 2.65, respectively. Several multilayer perceptron ANNs with six neurons in the input layer and one to three hidden layers with different number of neurons in each layer and one neuron (seed or grain corn yield) in the output layer was developed and tested. Energy inputs including fertilizers, biocides, seeds, human labor, diesel fuel and machinery were considered as explanatory variables for the input layer. The best model for predicting seed and grain corn yields had 6-4-8-1 and 6-3-9-1 topologies, respectively. Model output value associated with the actual output had coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.9998 and 0.9978 for seed and grain corn, respectively. The corresponding regression models had R2 values of 0.987 and 0.982, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that in seed corn production, diesel fuel and machinery, and in grain corn, diesel fuel and seeds consumption have the greatest effect on production yield.}, Keywords = {Artificial Neural Networks,Corn production,Energy input,Regression,Sensitivity analysis}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {767-778}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5916-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5916-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Khayamim, S. and TavkolAfshari, R. and Sadeghian, S. Y. and Poustini, K. and Roozbeh, F. and Abbasi, Z.}, title = {Seed Germination, Plant Establishment, and Yield of Sugar Beet Genotypes under Salinity Stress}, abstract ={It is well known that sugar beet is sensitive to salinity stress at the germination stage. Three separate experiments were conducted to study the effects of salinity on seed germination, plant establishment, and yield of sugar beet genotypes for screening purposes. These included: (a) A laboratory study using four water salinity levels (with EC values < 0.1 as the control, 16, 20, and 24 dS m-1) with 20 sugar beet genotypes, which were evaluated in a factorial completely randomized design with four replications, and seedling characteristics were measured; (b) A greenhouse experiment where the same statistical design as the lab study was used for seed germination and establishment of 19 sugar beet materials, with irrigation water EC= 3 and 16 dS m-1; and (c) A field experiment that was carried out to study the response of nine selected genotypes to irrigation waters with EC= 4 and EC= 16 dS m-1, using a split plot design with three replications. Interaction effects of salinity and genotypes were statistically significant (α= 0.01) for percentage of germination, abnormal seedling, and root and hypocotyls lengths. Indeed, sugar beet germination decreased to 35% and dead seedlings increased to 80 % under salinity stress (EC= 16 dS m-1) in the greenhouse. Genotypes were ranked from tolerant to susceptible. The results of field experiment were consistent with that obtained in the greenhouse. It can be concluded that salt stress decreased seed germination and, later on, crop establishment by increasing dead seedlings; consequently, sugar beet yield decreased. It seems that establishment is more susceptible to salinity than germination. Root length and abnormal seedling are good indexes for screening sugar beet genotypes for salinity tolerance at the primary growth stages. }, Keywords = {Abnormal seedlings,Crop establishment,Root length,Saline irrigation water}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {779-790}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2487-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2487-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {HosseiniVardanjani, S. M. and MiraeiAshtiani, S. R. and Pakdel, A. and MoradiShahrbabak, H.}, title = {Accuracy of Real-time Ultrasonography in Assessing Carcass Traits in Torki-Ghashghaii Sheep}, abstract ={The possibility of in vivo carcass trait prediction using the ultrasound measurements obtained between 12th and 13th ribs was studied. Attention was paid to several carcass traits such as carcass backfat thickness (CBFT), carcass longissimus dorsi muscle (CLMA) and carcass weight (HCW). Also, the effects of the flock, as the fixed effects, and body weight (BW), as covariate, on these traits were considered. The study was carried out on 99 lamb of Torki-Ghashghaii breed from 4 flocks. BW had significant effects (P< 0.001) on HCW, Fat-tail, CBFT, and CLMA, but had no significant effect on carcass longissimus dorsi muscle depth (CLMD) and width (CLMW). The flock had a significant effect (P< 0.0001) on HCW and CBFT, only. The correlations between ultrasound and carcass measurements, before and after adjustment for flock effect, ranged between (0.27 to 0.80) and (0.22 to 0.78), respectively. Estimates of CBFT, CLMW, CLMD and CLMA based on the corresponding ultrasound measurements explained 49%, 29%, 59%, and 64% of their variation, respectively. BW explained 57% variation of HCW and only 12% variation of Fat-tail. The introduction of two or three ultrasound measurements by stepwise procedure in the multiple regression equations improved the explanation of variation for all traits by 0.01 up to 0.13. The results indicate that ultrasound has potential for carcass traits prediction in live Torki-Ghashghaii sheep.}, Keywords = {Backfat,Correlation,Longissimus dorsi muscle,Regression,Ultrasound}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {791-800}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1127-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1127-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Boustan, A. and NejatiJavaremi, A. and MoradiShahrbabak, M.}, title = {Economic and Genetic Aspects of Using Sexed Semen in Traditional and Genomic Evaluation of Iranian Holstein Dairy Cattle: A Simulation Study}, abstract ={In recent years, sexed semen has been commercially available. Due to its lower fertility and higher price compared to conventional semen, economic evaluation should be undertaken before recommending the technology to dairy producers in each country. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the sexed semen usage at farm level in economic conditions of Iran based on total net present value (TNPV) and to estimate the impact of sexed semen on the rate of genetic improvement in dairy cattle population with and without using genomic information. Three relative conception rates (RCR) of sexed semen compared to the conventional semen were assumed i.e. 0.80, 0.75, and 0.70. Visual basic 6 and Excel software were used for calculations. The results showed that greater numbers of sexed semen services in heifers resulted in higher TNPV for all assumed RCRs, but for cows in parities 1 and 2, use of two sexed semen services for RCR, 0.80 and 0.75 resulted in the highest TNPV; while, for RCR= 0.70, the results indicated that using sexed semen was not economical. By using traditional evaluation, genomic evaluation with 3k chip, and genomic evaluation with 50k chip, the additional genetic gains in 305-day milk yield were, respectively, approximately 25, 34, and 38% higher than the current annual genetic progress for this trait in Iran (that is, about 53 kg per year).}, Keywords = {Economic evaluation,Genetic gain,Milk yield,Net present value}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {801-810}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7293-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7293-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Zahedifar, M. and Karimi, N. and Fazaeli, H. and Mirhadi, S. A.}, title = {Optimization of Steam Treatment Conditions for Improving the Nutritive Value of Date Leaves}, abstract ={The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of steam treatment on nutritive value of date (Phoenix dactylifera) leaves. Date leaves were chopped and mixed with water or sulfuric acid solution to contain 50% moisture with or without 1% sulfuric acid. Steam treatment of the date leaves was carried out using three levels of steam pressure (14, 17 and 20 bar), three reaction times (120, 180, and 240 seconds) and two levels of acid (0 and 1 percent). The treated samples were analyzed for chemical composition including: cell wall components, ash, total extractable phenolics, water soluble sugars, and reducing sugars. Dry matter loss (DML), enzymic hydrolysis, and in vitro gas production of the samples were also measured. Results showed that steam treatment significantly affected (P< 0.05) cell wall components. An increasing trend was observed in DML by increasing harshness of treatment conditions. The lowest DML (12.7 g kg-1) was observed in the auto-hydrolyzed (steam treatment without addition of exogenous acid) sample treated at 14 bar pressure and 120 seconds reaction time and the highest DML (78.8 g kg-1) was observed in the acid-hydrolyzed (addition of 10 g kg-1acid prior to treatment) samples treated at 20 bar pressure and 180 and 240 seconds reaction times. Steam treatment significantly (P< 0.05) decreased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content but increased acid detergent lignin (ADL). Maximum changes in hemicellulose and water soluble sugars were observed in acid-hydrolyzed samples, in which hemicellulose decreased from 264.6 g kg-1 in control to 72.2 g kg-1 in the sample treated at 20 bar and 240 seconds and water soluble sugars increased from 14.0 g kg-1 in the control to 101.8 g kg-1 in the sample treated at 17 bar and 240 seconds. Enzymic hydrolysis of date leaves was improved after steam treatment and higher improvement was observed in acid-hydrolyzed samples. Gas production was significantly increased (P< 0.05) in all incubation times after steam treatment. The maximum increase in metabolizable energy (ME) estimated by gas production was from acid-hydrolyzed sample treated at 20 bar and 240 seconds. In auto-hydrolyzed samples, the biggest increase in ME was observed in the sample treated at 20 bar and 180 seconds. The results suggest that steam treatment could be used for upgrading the nutritive value of date leaves in the regions where date is grown and animals are encountered with severe feed shortage.}, Keywords = {Chemical composition,Hemicellulose solubilization,Lignin depolymerization,Enzymic hydrolysis,in vitro gas production}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {811-825}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12222-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12222-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {KhakbazHeshmati, M. and Shahedi, M. and Hamdami, N. and Hejazi, M. A. and Motalebi, A. A. and Nasirpour, A.}, title = {Mathematical Modeling of Heat Transfer and Sterilizing Value Evaluation during Caviar Pasteurization}, abstract ={In this study, a numerical model was developed to investigate the two-dimensional heat transfer in a homogenous finite cylinder to predict the local temperature and sterilizing value during caviar pasteurization. A fixed grid finite difference method was used in the solution of heat transfer equations according to Crank-Nicolson’s scheme. The model was validated by comparison of the experimental temperature profiles during caviar pasteurization with the model predicted values (Correlation Coefficient> 0.99 and Root Mean Square Errors< 0.61ºC). The cold spot location was at the radial center between the middle and top of the jar on the vertical axis. For caviar pasteurization, the required heating time for cold spot to reach the desired F-value (= 0.19 min) was 128 minutes at 55°C and 37.63 minutes at 65°C. The results indicated that the developed model could be successfully applied to simulate the caviar thermal processing.}, Keywords = {Crank-Nicolson’s scheme,Thermal lethality}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {827-839}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4165-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4165-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Aghnoum, M. and Feghhi, J. and Makhdoum, M. and JabbarianAmiri, B.}, title = {Assessing the Environmental Impacts of Forest Management Plan Based on Matrix and Landscape Degradation Model}, abstract ={Management of the forest resources and related activities has significant effects on the environment. Applying the environmental impact assessment (EIA) provides a basis for improving forest management plans. However, in the developing countries such as Iran, there have been so far no serious endeavors and research to undertake the EIA of the various practices affecting the forest resources, despite the enormous negative impacts of forestry practices on environmental quality. Hence, the main objective of the present study was to address the effects of the human activities on forest ecosystem and their consequences, and to assess the environmental quality of Patom Forest Management Plan through the application of landscape degradation model (LDM) and the matrix method. Decision making based on LDM indicated that all compartment of Patom District have high degradation coefficient and need rehabilitating practices. Furthermore, application of the matrix method revealed that forest roads, logging operations, and other activities needed modification and mitigation plans. Also, forestry activities have had 25.8 and 35.5% positive impacts and consequences in contrast with 74.2 and 64.5% negative impact and consequences on the environment. Hence, in order to improve forest management plans and reduce the negative effects of forestry activities in Iran, forest managers should apply environmental impact assessment with quantitative EIA instruments before the design and implementation of the forest management plans and forestry activities.}, Keywords = {Degradation coefficient,EIA,Matrix method,Patom forest management plan}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {841-850}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5194-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5194-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Amjad, M. and Akhtar, J. and Anwar-ul-Haq, M. and Ahmad, R. and Zaid, M.}, title = {Characterization of Comparative Response of Fifteen Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Genotypes to NaCl Stress}, abstract ={A solution culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the salinity tolerance of 15 tomato genotypes in Hoagland’s nutrient solution with three levels of NaCl (0, 75, and 150 mM). The experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with three replicates. After 30 days of imposition of salt stress, gas exchange parameters including transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate, and intercellular CO2 concentration were recorded and the harvested plants were characterized for growth (shoot/ longest root lengths and fresh/dry weights) and ionic characteristics (Na+, K+ and K+/Na+ ratio) parameters. All growth and gas exchange parameters decreased with increasing NaCl concentrations. However, this decrease was less in salt-tolerant genotypes as compared to salt-sensitive genotypes. It was also observed that with the increasing NaCl concentration in the rooting medium, the amount of Na+ in the plant tissues increased while the amount of K+ ion decreased. Thus, it was concluded that the plants with more K+ absorbing ability, with high K+/Na+ ratio, and higher growth were more salt-tolerant. Also, the results showed that fresh and dry weights, gas exchange characteristics, and K+/Na+ ratio were very effective in determining salt tolerance of tomato. Considering the genotypes, Indent-1 and Nagina were characterized as salt tolerant and the Red Ball and Peto-86 as salt sensitive under saline conditions.}, Keywords = {Salinity tolerance,K+/Na+,Photosynthesis,Growth}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {851-862}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5880-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5880-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Polat, A. A. and Çalışkan, O.}, title = {Fruit Set and Yield of Apricot Cultivars under Subtropical Climate Conditions of Hatay, Turkey}, abstract ={Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a species particularly prone to erratic fruit set, and its flower bud drop has been repeatedly reported in different cultivars and growing conditions. A number of potential causes have been explored, but a clear main cause remains elusive. In this study, fruit set was determined for 11 apricot cultivars (‘Precoce de Tyrinthe’, ‘Feriana’, ‘Beliana’, ‘Priana’, ‘Bebeco’, ‘Early Kishinewski’, ‘Precoce de Colomer’, ‘Canino’, ‘Silistre Rona’, ‘Rouge de Sernhac’ and ‘Tokaloglu’) grown on the coast of the Mediterranean region of Turkey from 2006 to 2008. Trees budded on apricot seedlings and planted 6×6 m in 1997. On four branches of each tree randomly selected from all four directions, blossom number, percentage of initial and final fruit set, and yield per tree were determined during the experimental period. Fruit set differed significantly depending on year and cultivar. Based on three-year averages, percentage of fruit set was highest on ‘Tokaloglu’ (14%), followed by ‘Beliana’ (8.8%) and ‘Precoce de Tyrinthe’ (8.2%). The lowest fruit set (2.3%) was in ‘Early Kishinewski’ and ‘Canino’. High yields per tree were found in Tokaloglu’ (29.1 kg), ‘Precoce de Tyrinthe’ (29.0 kg), ‘Rouge de Sernhac’ (27.9 kg), and ‘Beliana’ (23.0 kg). ‘Tokaloglu’, ‘Beliana’, ‘Precoce de Tyrinthe’, and ‘Rouge de Sernhac’ cultivars showed good performance for both fruit set and yield per tree under subtropical climate conditions. However, findings of this study also suggested that fruit set and fruit drops in apricots should be assessed together with total yield amounts by years. The influence of the cultivar on fruit yield was more determinant than the seasonal effect.}, Keywords = {Dormancy,Flowering,Productivity,Prunus armeniaca L}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {863-872}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3058-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3058-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Petropoulos, S. A. and Olympios, C. and Ropokis, A. and Vlachou, G. and Ntatsi, G. and Paraskevopoulos, A. and Passam, H. C.}, title = {Fruit Volatiles, Quality, and Yield of Watermelon as Affected by Grafting}, abstract ={The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of grafting of watermelon hybrids ‘Obla F1’ and ‘Vanessa F1’ on to Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata rootstock TZ 148 and Lagenaria sp. rootstock ‘Dias F1’, on the volatiles and yield of fruit and the plant growth. Fruit volatiles analysis showed the presence of two aldehydes, namely (E)-2-nonenal and (E,Z)-2,6-nonadien-1-al, with (E)-2-nonenal being present at higher concentrations in grafted than in un-grafted plants. Grafted plants had also higher growth rate, total yield, and fruit number than un-grafted plants, whereas the percent dry matter of leaves and shoots was higher in ungrafted plants. No differences were observed for mean fruit weight, fruit shape, and rind thickness. Fruit from grafted plants had more compact flesh and less acid fruit juice than fruit from ungrafted plants. Fruit volatile components differed between ungrafted and grafted plants. With regards to sugar content, no significant differences between grafted and ungrafted plants were observed, except in the case of ‘Obla F1’ hybrids. Sodium concentration of plant tissues and fruit was higher in ‘Obla F1’ ungrafted plants, as well as carotenoid, lycopene, and vitamin C content in fruit, but only in the second year. In conclusion, rootstock-scion combination implemented in the present study affected plant growth and fruit yield and quality, rendering the choice of rootstocks and scions of major importance in order to achieve the highest yield and quality of watermelon fruit.}, Keywords = {Citrullus vulgaris L,Obla F1 hybrid,Vanessa F1 hybrid,Volatiles profile}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {873-885}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7623-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7623-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {GarciaTejero, I. F. and DuranZuazo, V. H. and Perez-Alvarez, R. and Hernandez, A. and Casano, S. and Moron, M. and Muriel-Fernandez, J. L.}, title = {Impact of Plant Density and Irrigation on Yield of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in a Mediterranean Semi-arid Environment}, abstract ={Within the context of climate change, water scarcity is the major constraint to the viability of many crops. Thus, it is necessary to develop strategies for sustainable water management, and introduce alternative crops to sustain the viability of agro-ecosystems. The main objective of this work was to assess the performance of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) subjected to different plant densities and irrigation. Two cultivars (Carma and Ermes) were tested at three plant densities i.e. 40,000, 20,000, and 10,000 plants ha-1, under two irrigation regimes: i) fully irrigated with total water supply equal to 100% of ETc; and ii) deficit irrigation with 80% of ETc. The experimental design was a split-split plot with four replications per combination. At harvest, yield and its components (weight, plant height, stem diameter, and the weight of leaves and flowers relative to the stem weight) were evaluated. Also, the production of chemical compounds for medical use (terpenoids, and fatty acids Omega 3 and 6) were analyzed. The results showed that cv. Carma was the most appropriate in agricultural terms, with a yield significantly higher than cv. Ermes. In terms of plant density, 40,000 and 20,000 plants ha-1 gave the best results for yield, without significant impact by irrigation rates. Regarding the capability of these varieties to produce relevant chemicals, cv. Ermes yielded higher amounts than did cv. Carma. This work offers a preliminary assessment for hemp cultivation in Andalusia (SW Spain), with important potential under local agro-climatic conditions.}, Keywords = {Carma,Ermes,Omega 6,Omega 3,Terpenoids,water stress}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {887-895}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9987-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9987-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Yildiz, E. and Kaplankiran, M. and Demirkeser, T. Hakan and Toplu, C. and Uysal-Kamiloglu, M.}, title = {Performance of \'‘Rio Red’\' Grapefruit on Seven Rootstocks in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey}, abstract ={The effects of rootstocks such as 'sour orange' (Citrus aurantium L. var. ‘Yerli’), 'Carrizo' and 'Troyer citranges' (Citrus sinensis Osb. x Poncirus trifoliata Raf), 'Smooth Flat Seville sour orange' (Citrus spp. hybrid of uncertain origin), 'Brazilian sour orange' (Citrus aurantiam L. var. ‘Brasilian’), 'Volkameriana' (Citrus volkameriana Tan. and Pasq.) and 'Calamondin' (possibly Citrus reticulate var. austere×Fortunella hybrid, Swingle) on plant growth, fruit yield, and quality of ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit were investigated from 2008 to 2012. Rootstocks were found to have significant effects on plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit trees budded on 'Carrizo' and 'Troyer citranges' showed higher vegetative growth parameters (canopy height, diameter, and volume) than the trees on the other rootstocks. The trees on 'Volkameriana' and 'Carrizo citrange' produced higher percentage of cumulative yield of about 55.1 and 34.3%, respectively, than the trees on 'sour orange'. ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit budded on 'Carrizo citrange' had higher fruit quality such as thin rind, high juice content, and more color development than the other rootstocks. 'Carrizo citrange' was the most promising rootstock for ‘Rio Red’ grapefruit in Dörtyol, Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey.}, Keywords = {Citrus paradisi,Fruit yield,fruit quality,Plant growth,Rootstocks}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {897-908}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1543-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1543-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Akbarpour, O. and Dehghani, H. and Sorkhi, B. and Gauch,Jr., H. G.}, title = {Evaluation of Genotype×Environment Interaction in Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Based on AMMI model Using Developed SAS Program}, abstract ={Understanding the implication of genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) and improving stability of crop yield in a target production environment is important in plant breeding. In this research, we used the AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) model to identify the stable genotype(s) by predictive accuracy of yield data. Results of this study indicated that the FGH tests were useful to identify the best truncated AMMI model. In general, FGH1 and FGH2 tests had similar results. The findings of this study confirmed that the AMMI-4 was the best truncated AMMI model to distinguish the general and specific stability of genotypes across environments for recommending them to farmers. Based on AMMI-4 yield prediction, G15 and G17 were identified as useful genotypes for some environments, while G14 was found as a stable genotype in all environments.}, Keywords = {F-test,stability,Truncated AMMI model,Yield prediction}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {909-920}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1523-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1523-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Nasiri-Bezenjani, M. A. and Riahi-Madvar, A. and Baghizadeh, A. and Ahmadi, A. R.}, title = {Rosmarinic Acid Production and Expression of Tyrosine Aminotransferase Gene in Melissa officinalis Seedlings in Response to Yeast Extract}, abstract ={Effects of yeast extract (YE) (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 and 1%) were investigated on rosmarinic acid (RA) accumulation and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) gene expression in Melissa officinalis seedlings at different time intervals (4 and 17 hours). Based on the results, only YE concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%, for the 17-hour treatment, significantly stimulated RA biosynthesis pathway. At this elicitation time, flavonoid content and TAT gene expression significantly increased by the increase in YE concentration up to 0.2% as compared to the control. The maximum amount for both of them was seen at 0.1% YE treatment, where the RA accumulation was drastically elevated. Furthermore, the aerial parts were improved when root lengths were decreased; this was observed in seedlings that were treated by YE for 30 days. Overall, these observations can be attributed to the oxidative stress induced by YE, as a consequence of its uptake by the plant, as revealed by increasing activities in superoxide dismutase and catalase.}, Keywords = {Antioxidant enzyme activity,flavonoids,Elicitor,Morphological properties}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {921-930}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-29-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-29-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Mirtalebi, M. and Banihashemi, Z.}, title = {Genetic Relationship among Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Vegetative Compatibility Groups and Their Relatedness to Other F. oxysporum formae speciales}, abstract ={Fusarium wilt of melon is a destructive fungal disease throughout the world. In this study, the evolutionary relationships among isolates of different formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum was examined, with a special emphasis on the forma specialis melonis. Bootstrapped maximum likelihood analysis of the elongation factor-1α (EF-1α) sequence was conducted on 16 Iranian and 11 foreign isolates of F. o. melonis that included representatives of different vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs 0130-0136). The tree inferred from the dataset resolved five evolutionary lineages that were correlated with the F. o. melonis VCGs, with the exception of VCGs 0130 and 0131, which could not be differentiated with EF-1α sequences. Furthermore, based on EF-1α sequences, specific associations were found between F. o. melonis VCGs and the other formae speciales whose sequences were obtained from the GenBank. Taken together, these results support a polyphyletic origin for F. o. melonis, meaning that the ability of this forma specialis to cause disease on melon has emerged multiple times.}, Keywords = {Cucumis melo,Iran,Polyphyletic,VCG}, volume = {16}, Number = {4}, pages = {931-943}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-22-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-22-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2014} }