@article{ author = {Naseri, B. and Fathipour, Y. and Talebi, A. A.}, title = {Population Density and Spatial Distribution Pattern of Empoasca decipiens (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) on Different Bean Species}, abstract ={The population density and spatial distribution pattern of Empoasca decipiens Paoli were etermined in Tehran area, Iran, during 2004-2005 on four species of common bean Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) var. Talash, lima bean P. lunatus (L.) Savi ex Hassk. var. Sadaf, rice bean P. calcaratus Roxb. var. Goli and cowpea Vigna sinensis (L.) var. Parastoo. The higher and lower mean population densities of E. decipiens per leaf were observed on Parastoo cowpea (18.85 in 2004 and 29.94 in 2005) and Talash common bean (1.08 in 2004 and 0.37 in 2005), respectively. Spatial distribution pattern of E. decipiens was described on these four bean species using variance to mean ratios, Taylor's power aw coefficients and Iwao's patchiness regression methods. The spatial distribution pattern of this pest in most cases as aggregated and in a few cases random. In 2004, collected data were in a better fitting with aylor's model in comparison with Iwao's model on Talash common beans (r2= 0.879) as well as on Goli rice bean (r2= 0.967). Iwao's model explained the distribution data of 2004 and 2005 on Sadaf lima beans (r2= 0.746 and 0.906, respectively) more appropriately than Taylor's model (r2= 0.541 and 0.828, espectively). It is concluded that bean species influence the population density and spatial istribution pattern of E. decipiens. Spatial distribution parameters can be employed to develop a sampling program and to estimate the population density of this pest.}, Keywords = {Bean species,Empoasca decipiens,Leafhopper,Population density,Spatial distribution}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {239-248}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4838-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4838-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {MostafaieMaynagh, B. and Ghobadian, B. and TavakkoliHashjin, T. and Jahannama, M. R.}, title = {Effect of Electrostatic Induction Parameters on Droplets Charging for Agricultural Application}, abstract ={In this study, an electrostatic sprayer which had been previously designed and constructed was evaluated in order to quantify the charging of droplets. Liquid atomization was achieved by using an ultrasonic nozzle. The nozzle maximum flow rate was 25 milliliters per minute and vibration frequency was about 30 kHz. The induction method was used for charging the output droplets. All experiments were carried out within a closed environment with a fixed ambient humidity and temperature to reduce the effect of environmental factors. The independent parameters in this study included: voltage at four levels of 1.5, 3, 5 and 7 kV; air flow speed at six levels of 14, 14.9, 17, 20.2, 21.6 and 23 m s-1; charging electrode radius in two levels of 10 and 15 millimeters, horizontal distance between the electrode and nozzle tip at four levels of 1.5, 6, 10 and 15 millimeters; and liquid flow rate at three levels of 5, 12 and 25 milliliters per minutes. For evaluation of the system, the charging quantities of droplets were measured in different states. The maximum charging occurred at 5 ml min-1 flow rate, voltage of 7 kV, air flow speed of 23 m s-1 and the resulting current was 0.24 μA. On dividing the electrical current by the liquid flow rate and changing the scale, the mean charge to mass ratio was 1.032 μC g-1. Increasing voltage increased the charging quantity slightly but higher voltages and lower air speeds decreased it. The effect of the faster air speed on droplet charging phenomena is positive and the smaller electrode radius causes less charge induction on the droplets. The quantity of droplets charging first increased with increased distance between ring electrode and nozzle tip, and then it was either reduced and/or fixed.}, Keywords = {Induction electrode,Charged liquid droplets,Charged spray,Electrostatic spraying}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {249-257}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9475-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9475-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Mostofi, M. R.}, title = {Mass Flow Rate Measurement System Performance on Potato Harvesters}, abstract ={A project was established to develop a procedure for the selection, design, installation, test and evaluation of mass-flow rate measurement systems for root crop harvesting and to assess the consistency and precision of the weighing systems incorporated into crop feed arrangements in both laboratory and field studies. Studies were conducted to evaluate conveyor belt weighing systems using an experimental apparatus and a commercial potato harvester. Two weighing systems were evaluated: (a) cantilever transducers fitted to the conveyor belt mechanism and (b) a load cell system supporting the total weight of the conveyor and crop. The results of laboratory studies with sugar beet/potatoes showed that the standard cantilever transducers gave the smallest percentage of standard deviation from the mean experimental error ranging from 1.43 kg (connected to one idler roller) to 2.61 kg(connected to three idler rollers) with an appropriate value equal to 0.54 kg (connected to two idler rollers). The load cell supporting system also gave the smallest percentage of standard deviation from the mean experimental error ranging from 1.56 kg (continuous side feeding) to 2.25 kg (side feeding from right side) with an appropriate value equal to 0.84 kg (steady state side feeding). Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and field to assess the effects of belt inclination and extraneous vibration, transferred from the tractor to the harvester, on the measurements of crop mass. The results of field studies with potatoes using the cantilever transducers showed that the most precise system performance was obtained when using the 125 mm idler wheels with standard deviation of the mean experimental error of the sample yield equal to 0.99 kg. The results of barn studies with potatoes using the load cell supporting system showed that there was a good linear relationship between the measured and weighed mass of the potato samples with standard deviation of the mean experimental error equal to 0.34 kg.}, Keywords = {Continuous measurement system,Harvesting,Mass flow,Potatoes,Root crops,Sugar beet}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {259-274}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11346-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11346-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Hemmat, A}, title = {Reduction in Primary Tillage Depth and Secondary Tillage Intensity for Irrigated Canola Production in a Loam Soil in Central Iran}, abstract ={The introduction of canola (oilseed rape; Brassica napus L.) as a new source of vegetable oil production in Iran prompts evaluation of the performance of this crop under different tillage systems. A field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of depth and intensity of tillage on soil physical properties, crop establishment and yield of irrigated winter canola in a loam soil (Typic Haplargids) near Isfahan in central Iran. In a split-plot design, three primary tillage treatments consisted of moldboard plowing to 20 cm (MP20), two passes of a cultivator first to 10 and then to 15 cm (2TC15), and one single pass of cultivator to 10 cm (TC10), were combined with two seedbed preparation treatments (four passes with a disk harrow as opposed to a single pass with a rotary tiller). Results showed that the soil bulk density in the 0-5 and 5-10 cm layers were not significantly affected by primary tillage treatments. Soil penetration resistance (PR) in the 0-10 cm layer was significantly higher in 2TC15 compared to moldboard plowed soil; however, no significant effect of primary tillage was detected on PR in the 10-20 cm depth. A single pass by a rotary tiller was as effective in seedbed preparation as four passes of a disk harrow, as assessed by bulk density, penetration resistance and the percentage of emergence. The number of plants per square meter at final emergence and at harvest was statistically similar for both the seedbed preparation methods. Mean canola total dry matter biomass was 10,020, 9,860 and 10,410, kg ha-1 and dry grain yield was 2,340, 2,410 and 2,880 kg ha-1 under MP20, 2TC15 and TC10, respectively. However, the effects on mean crop yield were non-significant (P 0.05). The mean oil content of the 2TC15 (40.1%) was significantly lower than the MP20 and TC10 treatments, 43.7 and 42.3%, respectively. Lack of yield response to tillage treatment may have been the result of achieving a good seedbed (aggregate mean diameter of less than 15 mm) under all tillage methods, which help to obtain sufficient plant establishment. These results indicate that the yield of irrigated winter canola is not sensitive to reduction in the depth of primary tillage or intensity of secondary tillage. With reduced tillage, an optimum plant per unit area can also be achieved. Overall, TC10 combined with a single pass of a rotary tiller was considered to be agronomically desirable, due to the absence of grain yield difference compared with both the MP20 or 2TC15 systems and reduced tilling depth.}, Keywords = {Non-inversion tillage,Oilseed rape,Rapeseed,Rotary tiller,Disk harrow,Grain yield}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {275-288}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9648-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9648-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Jokar, A. and Karbassi, A.}, title = {Determination of Proper Conditions for the Production of Crude Beta-galactosidase Using Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus}, abstract ={Proper conditions for producing crude beta-galactosidase from waste materials were de-termined. This enzyme is to be used in the production of lactose-hydrolyzed milk. Whey permeate was used as a basic medium. Twenty seven treatments were developed by 3 vary-ing factors of: yeast extract (1, 2, and 3 %), wheat steep liquor (1, 2, and 3 %), and whey powder (0.5, 1, and 1.5 %). Crude enzyme extract was obtained by sonication of the cells collected from cultivation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus in various media at 43oC. The beta-galactosidase activity was assessed using Ortho-Nitro-Phenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG). Yeast extract and whey powder had both significant effects (P< 0.01), while wheat steep liquor proved to be ineffective. Yeast extract had the most pro-nounced effect on the production of beta-galactosidase. The effect of the interactions of yeast extract-whey powder and wheat steep liquor-whey powder were significant at 5 % level (P< 0.05), while the effect of the interaction of yeast extract-wheat steep liquor was sig-nificant at 1% level (P< 0.01). Interaction effect of the 3 factors on the production of beta-galactosidae was significant (P< 0.01). The best combination for production of beta-galactosidase (4.924 U ml-1) was 3% yeast extract, 1.5% whey powder and 2% wheat steep liquor.}, Keywords = {Beta-galactosidase,Crude enzymatic extract,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactose hydrolysis,Wheat steep liquor,Whey permeate}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {301-308}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11175-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11175-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Rafiee, sh}, title = {Thin Layer Drying Properties of Soybean (Viliamz Cultivar)}, abstract ={This paper peresents a mathematical model for the thin layer drying of the Viliamz cultivar of soybean. The thin layer drying behaviour of soybean was experimentally investigated and the mathematical modelling performed by using thin layer drying models provided in the literature. Experiments were conducted at inlet drying air temperatures of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70ºC and at a fixed drying air velocity of 1 m s-1. Thirteen different thin layer mathematical drying models were compared according to their r values, RMSE, 2 and EF by non-linear regression analysis. The effect of drying air temperature on the model constants and coefficients was predicted using multiple regression analysis. According to the results, the Midilli et al. model was found to be the best mathematical equation for modelling thin layer drying of soybean.}, Keywords = {Drying kinetics,Effective diffusivity,Modeling,soybean,Thin Layer}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {301-308}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1698-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1698-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Razavi, S.A.M and Yeganehzad, S. and Sadeghi, A.}, title = {Moisture Dependent Physical Properties of Canola Seeds}, abstract ={Physical properties of four common Iranian varieties of canola seeds (Hyola, Okapi, Orient and SLM) were evaluated as a function of their moisture contents. The average seed length and thousand seed mass varied linearly from 1.925 to 2.262 mm and from 3.06 to 4.84 g, respectively. The average diameter, geometric mean diameter, and sphericity varied non-linearly from 1.475 to 1.911 mm, 1.625 to 2.02 mm and from 0.82 to 0.93, re-spectively in a moisture content range of 5.27 to 23.69% wet basis (w.b.). Among the va-rieties, Hyola had the highest values for length, diameter, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and thousand seed mass at all moisture levels. Maximum and minimum values of bulk density were obtained for SLM (738.8 kg m-3) and Hyola (666.06 kg m-3). The fill-ing and emptying angles of repose ranges were determined as 25.37-28.54o and 25.48-28.68o, respectively. At all moisture content levels, the static coefficient of friction was the greatest against rubber (0.372-0.460), followed by plywood (0.358–0.449), galvanized iron sheet (0.301–0.419) while fiberglass sheet (0.260-0.414) while the least for glass sheet (0.253–0.392). Among the four canola varieties, Orient and SLM showed respectively the least and the greatest static coefficients of friction at all moisture levels studied.}, Keywords = {Canola seed,Geometrical properties,Gravimetrical properties,Frictional properties}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {309-322}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3411-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3411-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {mostafaei, b and saleh, j}, title = {Decreasing the Intensity of Date Bunch Wilt and Dry Disorder (DBWD) by Using Balanced Proportions of Nutrient Elements}, abstract ={There are more than 37,000 hectares of land cultivated with date palm in Hormozgan Province producing around 145,000 tons of date annually. Therefore, increasing date yield and quality can ender positive effects, especially on farmers, income in the region. One of the most important agricultural practices is mineral nutrition nd soil fertility management that can improve yield and fruit quality of date palm. This research was conducted for a duration of three years to study the effect of essential nutrients application on Date Bunch Wilt and ry disordr (DBWD) which has caused large production reductions in recent years. Two palm groves of “Mordasang” cultivar were chosen as experimental sites. One was afflicted with DBWD and he other one healthy. Fertilizer treatments were applied on the basis of soil and leaf nalysis as follows: 1- Control (with no use of fertilizers) 2- Addition of balanced amounts of macro-nutrients and 3-Addition of balanced amounts of macro as well as micro-utrients. Theexperiment was arranged with a complete randomized block design of five replications. Maintenance operations consisted of pollination, weeding, disease and pest control. Such plant esponses as fruit yield, bunch number and percentage of bunches fflicted by DBWD were determined and compared among treatments. There was no significant difference observed between bunch numbers per tree in the fertilizer treatments. Application of ssential nutrient elements (treatments 2 and 3) resulted in a onsiderable increase in date yield and a decrease in dried bunches percentage.}, Keywords = {DBWD,IRAN,Macro nutrient,micro nutrient}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {323-329}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-708-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-708-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Javadi, S. and Kiapasha, M. S. and Mohammadi, K.}, title = {Object Oriented Simulation; Its Application in Water Reservoir Management and Operation}, abstract ={Reservoir dams are among the main storage systems employed in agriculture for the several past decades. Proper operation of these reservoirs is important for irrigation espe-cially in such arid and semi-arid areas like Iran, and particularly during dry years. A computational framework for reservoir simulation and flood routing is hereby presented. A key aspect of the reservoir simulation is the ease of use by managers and model users. In this paper, an object-oriented toolkit for building computer models for simulation of reservoir operation and flood routing in Boukan reservoir dam is used. The modeling ap-proach taken in this paper is significantly different from that typically employed in the development of water resources planning and management models. The medium in this kind of model provides a graphical object-oriented interface that allows the user(s) to model complex systems without even requiring a profound proficiency in computer pro-gramming. The Object Oriented Programming (OOP) environment chosen to develop the model of Boukan dam reservoir was STELLA Software. The probability of flood occur-enceis also taken into account for a prediction of more accurate results.}, Keywords = {Modeling,Flood routing,Object oriented,Reservoir operation,simulation}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {331-340}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3017-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3017-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Yazdani, M.R. and Saghafian, B. and Mahdian2, M. H. and Soltani, S.}, title = {Monthly Runoff Estimation Using Artificial Neural Networks}, abstract ={Runoff estimation is one of the main challenges encountered in water and watershed management. Spatial and temporal changes of factors which influence runoff due to het-erogeneity of the basins explain the complicacy of relations. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is one of the intelligence techniques which is flexible and doesn’t call for any much physically complex processes. These networks can recognize the relation between input and output. In this study ANN model was employed for runoff estimation in Plaszjan Riv-er basin in the central part of Iran. The models used are Multiple Perceptron (MLP) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Inputs include data obtained from 5 rain gauges as well as from 2 temperature recording gauges, the output of the model being the monthly flow in Eskandari Hydrometric Station. Preprocessing of the data as well as the sensitivity analysis of the model were carried out. Different topologies of Neural Networks were cre-ated with change in input layers, nodes as well as in the hidden layer. The best architec-ture was found as 7.4.1. Recurrent Neural Network led to better results than Multilayer Perceptron Network. Also results indicated that ANN is an appropriate technique for monthly runoff estimation in the selected basin with these networks being also of the ca-pability to show basin response to rainfall events.}, Keywords = {Artificial Neural Networks,Monthly rainfall–runoff models,Runoff estimation}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {335-362}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1879-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1879-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Dehghani, H. and Feyzian, E. and Rezai, A. M. and Jalali, M.}, title = {Correlation and Sequential Path Model for Some Yield-related Traits in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)}, abstract ={Investigation of the interrelationships between yield and its components will improve the efficiency of a breeding program with appropriate selection criteria. In this study, the relationship among yield components and their direct and indirect influences on the total yield of melon were investigated. The study was based on evaluation of 49 entries gener-ated from a 7×7 diallel involving Iranian melon landraces under two conditions of cultiva-tion, pruning and non-pruning. A sequential path model was used for ordering the vari-ous variables in first and second-order paths based on their maximum direct effect and minimal colinearity. Two first-order variables, namely the number of fruits per plant and average weight of fruits per plant accounted for 91% and 83% of total variation in total weight per plant under the pruning and non-pruning conditions, respectively. The direct effects of these two variables on total weight per plant under non-pruning conditions were nearly equal, but the direct effect of average weight of fruits per plant in the pruning data set was much higher than the number of fruits per plant (1.14 vs. 0.73). All direct effects were found to be significant as indicated by bootstrap analysis. The results indicated the utility of the sequential path model for determining the interrelationships between yield and related traits in melon.}, Keywords = {Colinearity,Correlation,Sequential path analysis,Cucumis melo L}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {341-353}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-551-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-551-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Khormali, F. and Nabiollahi, K.}, title = {Degradation of Mollisols in Western Iran as Affected by Land Use Change}, abstract ={The present study was carried out in Kharkeh Research Station, Kurdestan Province, western Iran to investigate the effects of the change in land use on the degradation of Mol-lisols, their organic carbon content, clay mineralogy and K+ status. The study area was partly under cultivation (for over 40 years) and partly preserved as rangelands. The re-sults revealed that Mollisols are the dominant soils in non-cultivated natural rangelands. The adjacent cultivated soils, however, lack enough organic carbon to meet the require-ments of Mollisols. Cultivation practices had exerted adverse effects on some such major soil properties as organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, as well as macro- and micro-structure. Clay minerals and different forms of potassium did not show significant differ-ences in the two land uses. Parent material rich in such potassium bearing minerals as feldspars and mica, as well as the dominance of illite in soils, were probably the main fac-tors responsible for adjustment of the soil K+, rendering the changes relatively non-significant.}, Keywords = {Clay mineralogy,Land use change,Mollisols,Potassium}, volume = {11}, Number = {3}, pages = {363-374}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7454-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7454-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Zomorodian, A. and Dadashzadeh, M.}, title = {Indirect and Mixed Mode Solar Drying Mathematical Models for Sultana Grape}, abstract ={Many research studies have been performed on forced convection (active) solar dryers for fruit and vegetables. A short survey of these showed that applying the forced convection solar dryer not only significantly reduced the drying time but also resulted in many improvements in the quality of the dried products. Active indirect and mixed-mode thin layer solar drying experiments were conducted on Sultana grapes. A combination of a solar air heater and a cabinet dryer was designed, constructed and tested for this product in the Agricultural Engineering Department at Shiraz University, Iran. Three air flow rates (0.085, 0.126 and 0.171 m3 s-1) and two types of drying systems (indirect and mixed-mode) were adopted. The south wall of the drying chamber was covered by a sheet of glass for mixed-mode and the glass sheet was covered with a thick sheet of cloth for an indirect solar drying system. Seven well-known thin layer drying models were used separately to fit the mixed-mode and indirect type experimental data for Sultana grapes. For experimental indirect data, the Modified Page model (r= 0.998, χ2= 0.000241) and for experimental mixed-mode data, the Page model (r= 0.999, χ2= 0.000169) showed the best curve fitting results with highest r (correlation coefficient) and lowest χ2 (reduced chi-square) values. The constants in these models explain the effects of drying parameters, air velocity and temperature. To take account of these effects, the best correlation equations between the constants and drying parameters were also introduced using multiple regression analysis.}, Keywords = {Cabinet solar dryer,Thin layer mathematical model}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {0-0}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10198-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10198-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Afzalinia, S. and Roberg, M.}, title = {An Extended Octagonal Ring Transducer for the Compression Chamber of a Large Square Baler}, abstract ={An extended octagonal ring (EOR) transducer was designed and developed to measure forces inside the compression chamber of a large square baler in different directions. The transducer was calibrated by applying forces in three directions simultaneously and independently. The sensor revealed excellent linearity along with small cross sensitivities. Horizontal and vertical primary sensitivities of the sensor were 1,479.7 and 1387.8 μVkN-1V-1, while horizontal and vertical cross sensitivities were 0.64 and 2.85% of the sensor primary sensitivities, respectively. The sensor was used to measure the forces inside the compression chamber of a large square baler in different directions.}, Keywords = {Calibration,Cross sensitivity,Extended octagonal ring,Force transducer,Large square baler}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {377-389}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {حسگر سنجش نیرو با استفاده از رینگ هشت وجهی بسط یافته برای محفظه تراکم بیلر مکعبی بزرگ}, abstract_fa ={حسگر اندازه گیری نیروهای داخل محفظه تراکم بیلر مکعبی بزرگ با استفاده از رینگ های هشت وجهی بسط یافته ساخته شد. این حسگر با اعمال نیرو در جهات مختلف به طور همزمان و مستقل از یکدیگر کالیبره گردید. نتایج کالیبراسیون نشان داد که رابطه بین ورودی وخروجی حسگر کاملا خطی است و حساسیت متقابل اندکی بین خروجی های افقی و عمودی حسگر وجود دارد. حساسیتهای اولیه افقی و عمودی به ترتیب 7/1479 و8/1387 میکرو ولت بر ولت-کیلونیوتن و حساسیتهای متقابل افقی و عمودی به ترتیب 64/0 و85/2 در صد حساسیت اولیه حسگر بودند. این حسگر جهت اندازه گیری نیروهای داخل محفظه تراکم یک دستگاه بیلر مکعبی بزرگ در جهات مختلف مورد استفاده قرار گرفت.}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11928-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11928-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {MajnounHosseini, N. and Siddique, K. and Palta, J. and Berger, J.}, title = {Effect of Soil Moisture Content on Seedling Emergence and Early Growth of Some Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes}, abstract ={At the crop level, the drought stress accounts for most variations in yield. A controlled glasshouse investigation at day/night temperatures of 22/15°C based at Perth City, Western Australia was performed (in 2006) to assess the influence of different soil moisture contents (field capacity percentage basis) on emergence as well as early plant growth in twenty chickpea genotypes. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with soil moisture con-tent as the main treatment and genotype as sub-treatment. Significant differences (P < 0.001) as regards plant emergence and early growth were observed among different soil moisture contents (from 100 to 50, then to 25% field capacity). This brought about a quad-ratic reduction in mean emergence percentage, delayed the first day to emergence and sup-pressed the early growth in all the chickpea genotypes. Highly significant differences were also noticed among the genotypes for mean emergence percentage, first day to emergence, plant height, leaf area, total above-ground biomass (plant size) as well as specific leaf area. Significant interaction effect of soil moisture contents and genotypes were observed only for some of the characteristics. Inverse relationship between first day to emergence with plant height (r= - 0.87**) and above-ground biomass (r= -0.84**) were observed, indicating that the chickpea genotypes which emerged sooner produced greater plant size. Seed size and density were found to have no relationship with plant size. Although the Kabuli types on av-erage germinated faster and produced larger plants as opposed to the Desi types under the limited soil moisture content, but there was no consistency observed among the chickpea genotypes. Susceptibility of the genotypes to limited soil moisture condition was shown through relatively longer delays in time to emergence (lower germination rate) and reduc-tion in seedling parameters as compared to the resistant genotypes. Final average above-ground biomass (plant size) and plant height under the limited soil moisture content, as op-posed to adequate moisture level (F. C. 25% vs. 100%), were reduced 79-85% in Kabuli and 77-79% in Desi types, respectively.}, Keywords = {Chickpea genotypes,Early seedling growth,Emergence percentage,First day to emergence,Soil moisture content}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {401-411}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10807-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10807-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {PasbanEslam, B.}, title = {Evaluation of Physiological Indices, Yield and its Components as Screening Techniques for Water Deficit Tolerance in Oilseed Rape Cultivars}, abstract ={Water deficit is an important factor limiting crop production worldwide. Drought stress can be managed by improving the availability of soil moisture conserved and selecting drought tolerant genotypes. Several physiological indices including stomatal conductance (Kl), relative water content (RWC), leaf temperature (Tl) and crop temperature stability (CTS) along with yield, its components and seed glucosinolate content were measured in five oilseed rape genotypes of Brassica napus L. (Talayeh, Fornax, Okapi, Regent Cobra and SLM046) under non-stress and water deficit conditions imposed from late flowering (80% flowering) to maturity in a loam soil at the Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources of East Azarbaijan, Iran (462E, 3758N) over two successive years (2001-2003). According to the significant decrease of Kl and RWC and significant increase of Tl caused by water deficit in both years, it seems that, these indices could reflect the drought effects occurring from late flowering in oilseed rape crops. Kl and Tl values also differed significantly among genotypes and therefore these indices could be used to screen oilseed rape genotypes for tolerance against late season drought. Water deficit significantly decreased the number of pods per plant and seed yield in Talayeh and Fornax. Significant positive correlation was observed between these traits during both years (r=0.88 and 0.89, respectively). It seems that when water deficit occurs from late flowering, decreased seed yield mainly via decreasing number of pods per plant is observed in oilseed rape. Okapi and SLM046 showed lower Tl value (30.6 and 29.7C, respectively), a higher Kl value (0.350 and 0.355 cm s-1 respectively) and seed yield (5,241 and 5,245 Kg ha-1, respectively) under the water deficit condition. Okapi and SLM046 are therefore more suitable for cultivating in areas with late season water deficit stress.}, Keywords = {Oilseed rape,Leaf temperature,Relative water content,Seed yield,Water deficit}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {413-422}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6670-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6670-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Karimi, S. and Khajali, F. and Rahmani, H. R.}, title = {Chemical and Non-chemical Molting Methods as Alternatives to Continuous Feed Withdrawal in Laying Hens}, abstract ={An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical and non-chemical molting methods as compared to conventional feed removal methods with respect to the physiological response and postmolt performance in Hy-line W36 laying hens. One hundred and eight 78-week-old hens were distributed among 27 groups of four birds and placed in cages so that the mean body weight of each cage was very similar. Three adjacent cages were considered as a replicate and 3 such replicates were assigned to each treatment. There were three treatments (molting procedures). Treatment 1 was continuous feed removal (CFR) and considered as the control. Hens on treatment 2 (T2) were fed finely ground delinted whole cottonseed as the sole feed ingredient and dietary vitamin and macro and microelement levels were maintained according to Hy-line W36 guideline specifications. Birds on treatment 3 (T3) received a layer diet containing 5,000 ppm Zn and fed at the rate of 50 g b-1 d-1. The results indicated that hens subjected to CFR, whole cotton seed and zinc supplemented diet went out of production on Day 6, Day 7 and Day 14, respectively. Continuous fasting and feeding whole cottonseed as molting programs resulted in significantly (P< 0.05) lower body weight and serum T3 concentrations but higher heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio and hematocrit, compared to the zinc method when measured on Day 7. Birds that received molt diet supplemented with zinc produced heavier eggs postmolt (P< 0.05) in comparison to other treatments but the egg production, egg mass and egg quality criteria were not different among the treatments.}, Keywords = {Cotton seed,Fasting,Laying hens,Molting,Zinc}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {423-429}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {ارزیابی روش های شیمیایی و غیرشیمیایی در تولک بری مرغ های تخمگذار تجارتی به عنوان روش های جایگزین محرومیت از خوراک}, abstract_fa ={در این آزمایش از 108 قطعه مرغ تخم گذار سویه هایلاین W36 استفاده شد. تعداد سه تیمار که هر کدام به عنوان یک روش تولک بری اجباری بود، به صورت زیر اعمال گردید: 1) روش مرسوم محرومیت از خوراک، 2) تغذیه جیره تخم گذاری که به میزان 35 درصد با تخم کامل پنبه رقیق گردید و 3) استفاده از جیره حاوی 5٫000 قسمت در میلیون روی به مدت 28 روز که به مقدار 50 گرم در روز به ازای هر پرنده تغذیه گردید. نتایج آزمایش نشان داد که تولید تخم مرغ در تیمار های 1 ،2 و 3 به ترتیب در روزهای 6، 7 و 14 تولک قطع گردید. محرومیت از خوراک باعث کاهش معنی دار (05/0 P<) در وزن بدن و غلظت هورمون T3 پلاسما، ولی افزایش معنی دار (05/0 P<) در نسبت هتروفیل به لنفوسیت و هماتوکریت را موجب گردید. وزن تخم مرغ در پرندگان تغذیه شده با جیره حاوی روی به طور معنی داری (05/0 P<) بیش از سایر تیمارها بود ولی از لحاظ مقدار تولید روزانه و توده ای تخم مرغ، ضریب تبدیل خوراک و خصوصیات کیفی تخم مرغ در دوره بعد از تولک اختلاف معنی داری بین تیمارهای مختلف وجود نداشت.}, keywords_fa = {ارزیابی روش های شیمیایی و غیرشیمیایی در تولک بری مرغ های تخمگذار}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5979-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5979-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Askari, F. and Sefidkon, F.}, title = {Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Pimpinella puberula (DC.) Boiss.}, abstract ={In this study, the aerial parts of Pimpinella puberula were collected from Ramhormoz and Mashhad (Khuzestan and Khorasan Provinces) at the vegetative, flowering and seeding stages. Essential oils from the whole aerial parts as well as stem/leaf, inflorescence, unripe and ripe seeds, were isolated by hydro-distillation. The yields of essential oil obtained from the Ramhormoz samples were 0.49%, 0.31%, 3.81%, 6.01% and 1.80% w/w, and from those from Mashhad were 0.96%, 0.87%, 3.59%, 6.94% and 4.96% w/w, respectively. The oils from different parts of plant were also analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Limonene was the major constituent in all the oils (21.7%-82.4%), followed by pregeijerene (14.6%-55.4%) and geijerene (7.2%- 11.7%). Methyl eugenol and elemicine, however were only found in the Ramhormoz oil samples. The antimicrobial activity of the oils was determined using the disk diffusion method against Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative bacteria (Yersinia entrocolitica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast (Candida albicans). Results showed a significant difference between Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria in their susceptibility to the oil, although Gram positive bacteria were more susceptible to the antimicrobial activity of P. puberula oil. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of samples collected from Ramhormoz were more than of those from Mashhad.}, Keywords = {Antimicrobial activity,Essential oils,Limonene,Pimpinella puberula,Pregeijerene}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {431-438}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7757-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7757-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Zeinali, H. and Tabaei-Aghdaei, S. and Arzani, A.}, title = {A Study of Morphological Variations and Their Relationship with Flower Yield and Yield Components in Rosa damascena}, abstract ={ABSTRACT Rosa damascena has attracted considerable attention in horticulture, biochemistry and in pharmacology because of the fragrance of the flowers and the high content of its bio-logically active substances. There is limited information available on factors controlling flower yield and its components. The present study reports an investigation on flower yield and the various factors affecting it, in Iranian Rosa damascena using sixteen geno-types collected from different regions in Iran. These genotypes were planted at Isfahan Agriculture Research Center, using a randomized complete block design with three repli-cations in 2005. Twelve yield determining characters including flower yield per plant, number of flowers per plant, fresh flower weight, plant height, canopy diameter, length and width of bud, number of petal per flower, length and width of receptacle, fresh weight of petal as well as flowering period were recorded. Rosa damascena genotypes sig-nificantly varied for all the traits except for the fresh weight of petals per flower. Pheno-typic and genotypic coefficients of variation for flower yield per plant (48.03%, 36.49%), number of flowers per plant (40.65%, 26.99%), number of petals per flower (37.56%, 32.31%) were higher than the coefficients for other tested traits. Cluster analysis revealed that Khuzestan and Shiraz 2 genotypes were the most related ones, while the most inde-pendent ones were the western and eastern Azerbaijan genotypes. Results of stepwise re-gression analysis showed that 90 percent of total variation of flower yield per plant could be explained by the number of flowers per plant. This suggested that number of flowers per plant is the most important component determining flower yield per plant. According to principle component analysis, parents with a high standing of the following traits: fresh weight of flower, number of petals per flower and bud width, may well be employed for hybridization in a breeding program. Regression and cluster analyses proved to be the appropriate multivariate analyses for an identification of Rosa damascena genotypes pos-sessing the desirable characters for hybridization to develop improved cultivars.}, Keywords = {Cluster analysis,Hybridization,Receptacle,Rosa damascena,Stepwise regression}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {439-448}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2169-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2169-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Arzani, K. and Sherafaty, A. H. and Koushesh-Saba, M.}, title = {Harvest Date and Post Harvest Alkaline Treatment Effects on Quantity and Quality of Kashmar, Iran, Green Raisin}, abstract ={The yield and quality features of raisin are affected by various factors especially har-vest date and dipping solutions. Combinations of different harvest date (four harvest dates) and post harvest alkaline emulsion (three alkaline solutions) were tested in Vitis vi-nifera L. cv ‘Paycamy’ green raisin production in Kashmar, Khorasan Province of Iran. Such raisin quantitative and qualitative characteristics as: yield, drying ratio (fresh: rai-sin yield), raisin wastes, sugar content, price, color, homogeneity of color, raisin size, alka-line solution residues and surface texture of raisin (shrinkage) were assessed. Harvest date results showed that grape °Brix and raisin sugar content increased from 15.5 to 21 and 53% to 62% respectively. In addition, fourth harvest yield increased raisin yield up to 30% as compared to the first harvest. The amount of wastes resulted from decayed berry in the fourth harvest was higher than those for the other harvest dates, but such qualita-tive traits as color, size and texture softness improved through further fruit ripening. In-teraction effect of alkaline solution and harvest date on price and raisin size (number of raisins per 100 g) were significant (P< 0.01). Alkaline solution affected raisin waste, the differences among post harvest treatments being significant. The color of raisin was not affected by alkaline solution but it was steadily improved with each succeeding harvest date.}, Keywords = {Grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Paycamy),Green raisin,Harvest time,Post harvest treatments,Raisin quality}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {449-456}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7121-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7121-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Ahmadi, M. M. and Ayyoubzadeh, S. A. and MontazeriNamin, M. and Samani, J. M. V.}, title = {A 2D Numerical Depth-averaged Model for Unsteady Flow in Open Channel Bends}, abstract ={The purpose of this paper is to present a 2D depth-averaged model for simulating and examining unsteady flow patterns in open channel bends. In particular, this paper proposes a 2D depth-averaged model that takes into account the influence of the secondary flow phenomenon through calculation of the dispersion stresses. The dispersion terms which arose from the integration of the product of the discrepancy between the mean and the actual vertical velocity distribution were included in the momentum equations in order to take into account the effect of the secondary current. This model used a time-splitting method for solving advection, diffusion and other momentum equation terms. The proposed model uses an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system efficiently and accurately to simulate the flow field with irregular boundaries; it also used a finite volume projection method approach for solving the governing equation in a staggered grid. Two sets of experimental data were used to demonstrate the model's capabilities. The comparison of the simulated water surface elevation with the measurements shows good agreement and indicates that inclusion of the dispersion terms improved the simulation results.}, Keywords = {Bend,Meander,Numerical models,Open channels,Two dimensional model,Unsteady flow}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {457-468}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9822-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9822-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Mousavi, S. F. and Mostafazadeh-Fard, B. and Farkhondeh, A. and Feizi, M.}, title = {Effects of Deficit Irrigation with Saline Water on Yield, Fruit Quality and Water Use Efficiency of Cantaloupe in an Arid Region}, abstract ={High groundwater salinity, a high water table and secondary soil salinization are dominant conditions in eastern Isfahan Province, Iran. This region has a low annual rainfall, high annual evaporation demand, saline soils and limited fresh water supplies. To investigate the effects of irrigation deficit and salinity on cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. cantalupensis) production, a field experiment was performed at the Salinity and Drainage Research Station of Rudasht, 65 km East of Isfahan. Irrigation treatments were T65, T80 and T95 (irrigation after 65, 80 and 95 percent of cumulative evaporation from Class A pan, respectively), each having three replicates. EC of irrigation water was 5.25 dS m-1; irrigation water depth for the whole growing period was 300, 342 and 384 mm, for T65, T80 and T95 treatments, respectively. The results showed that T65 and T80 irrigation treatments significantly reduced fresh yield, number of fruit, fruit weight per plant and water use efficiency. Fresh-fruit yield was 31.73, 38.48 and 54.34 ton ha-1, and water use efficiency was 10.58, 11.25 and 14.16 kg m-3 in T65, T80 and T95 irrigation treatments, respectively. A second order polynomial equation was fitted (R2= 0.99) for production function (yield vs. irrigation water depth). The relationship between water use efficiency and irrigation water depth was also a second order polynomial equation (R2= 0.97). Nitrogen and potassium content of fruits in T65 treatment was higher than T80 and T95 treatments. Effect of irrigation regimes was not significant on P and Na content of fruits, but was significant on Cl- content (P< 0.05). Overall results showed that cantaloupe is a crop sensitive to soil moisture stress.}, Keywords = {Muskmelon,Production function,Trickle irrigation}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {469-479}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6698-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6698-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Valizadeh, M. and KazemiTabar, S. K.}, title = {Investigation of Plant Growth Regulators Effects on Callus Induction and Shoot Regeneration of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch.}, abstract ={Parsi Zira, Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch., or Black Zira, a member of the Umbellifera family, is one of the most important medicinal species with high economic value. Generally, there is limited information about in vitro culture of Bunium persicum. In this study, the effect of various media (MS, B5) and combinations of plant growth regulators, NAA and 2,4-D alone or together with Kin, on callus induction and shoot regeneration from hypocotyl explant were investigated. This experiment has been carried out in a completely randomized design with 30 treatments and 10 replications per treatment. The results showed significant effects of treatments on regeneration and callus induction. All the measured traits for MS medium were superior. The highest callus frequency was observed on the medium containing 0.1 mg L-1 or 1 mg L-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as well as 2 mg L-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg L-1 kinetin. The best treatment for somatic embryogenesis was the medium containing 2 mg L-1 2,4-D. The best response for shoot regeneration was observed on the medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 2,4-D. The medium containing 1 mg L-1 2,4-D was the best for callus induction and shoot regeneration simultaneously. The regenerated shoots were rooted on basal medium.}, Keywords = {Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch,Hypocotyls explants,Shoot regeneration,Tissue culture}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {481-486}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11957-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11957-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Mohammadi, S. and Kalbasi, M. and Shariatmadari, H.}, title = {Cumulative and Residual Effects of Organic Fertilizer Application on Selected Soil Properties, Water Soluble P, Olsen-p and P Sorption Index}, abstract ={Long-term application of fertilizers containing P, especially organic fertilizers, usually increases the water soluble and available P of soil and at the same time may result in P accumulation in soil. Organic fertilizers may also increase movement of P in the soil profile that could result in surface and ground water pollution. An experiment was conducted on field plots that received three applications (25, 50 and 100 Mg ha-1) of solid dairy manure, sewage sludge, or urban solid waste compost, and one application of chemical fertilizers (250 kg ha-1 urea plus 250 kg ha-1 mono-ammonium phosphate) for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive years in order to investigate the residual and cumulative effects of organic and chemical fertilizers on selected soil properties, water soluble and bioavailable P as well as the P sorption index of the soil. Average organic matter content in the soil increased as a result of organic fertilizer applications. The increase was proportional to the rate of application and was highest for dairy manure and lowest for urban solid compost. Both the water extractable and bioavailable P contents of soil increased with the rate of application, the nature of organic fertilizer and the number (years) of applications, with the rate being the most effective and the nature of fertilizer the least effective. Dairy manure had the largest and solid waste compost the smallest positive impact on both the water soluble and available P content of soil. Effect of sewage sludge application on available P content of the soil was greater than its effect on the water extractable P. The phosphorus sorption index was independent of the source of P (organic or chemical), the nature and the rate of organic fertilizers and was only significantly dependent on the number (years) of fertilizer applications.}, Keywords = {Bioavailable P,Cumulative effect,Organic fertilizers,Soluble P,Sorption index}, volume = {11}, Number = {4}, pages = {487-497}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5588-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5588-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Rakhshani, H. and Ebadi, R. and Mohammadi, A. A.}, title = {Population Dynamics of Alfalfa Aphids and Their Natural Enemies, Isfahan, Iran}, abstract ={Population dynamics of three main alfalfa aphids, namely: pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis trifolii forma maculata (Buckton), black alfalfa aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, and their most abundant predators and parasitoids in three sites and in two subsequent years in Isfahan, Iran, were investigated. The results revealed that frequency and temporal occurrence of alfalfa aphids and their natural enemies in different regions were varied, but aphid natural enemy populations were more or less coincident with aphid populations. Populations of aphids were mainly affected by alfalfa harvesting, ambient temperature, and coccinellid predators. Hemipterous predators in contrast with coccinellids, had little effect on aphid populations. Parasitoids seem to be effective on low populations of alfalfa aphids. Air humidity and rainfall had no effect on populations of alfalfa aphids.}, Keywords = {Acyrthosiphon pisum,Alfalfa aphids,Aphis craccivora,Natural enemies,Population dynamics,Therioaphis trifolii}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {505-520}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-371-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-371-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {SadeghiNamaghi, H. and Husseini, M.}, title = {The Effects of Collection Methods on Species Diversity of Family Syrphidae (Diptera) in Neyshabur, Iran}, abstract ={A faunistic list of Syrphidae sampled in the agroecosystems of Neyshabur (Khorasan-Razavi Province) through Malaise, yellow water traps and hand net is hereby presented for the first time. A total of 22 species were collected, including 13 species through Malaise trap, 5 through yellow water trap as well as representatives of all species sampled through hand net. Among the species collected, 8 including phytophagous ones were exclusively sampled through hand net. In the case of Malaise trap the hover fly population was strongly dominated (73%) by 3 common species of: Sphaerophoria scripta, Episyrphus balteatus, and Eupeodes corollae while, in the yellow water trap, Episyrphus balteatus was the key species representing about 45% of all specimens. Shannon-Weiner index of biodiversity found out for Malaise trap (H= 1.86) was higher than that calculated for yellow water trap (H= 1.39). The relative efficiency of the three collection methods is discussed.}, Keywords = {Biodiversity,Hand net,Hover flies,Malaise trap,Yellow water trap}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {521-526}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8917-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8917-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Mehdizadeh, Z. and Zomorodian, A.}, title = {A Study of the Effect of Solar Drying System on Rice Quality}, abstract ={A thin layer solar drying method was compared with a traditional method (sun drying) of paddy drying, with their effects on quality characteristics of two varieties of Iranian rice (Kamphiroozi and Sazandegi) studied. Solar drying process was conducted in a passive, mixed mode type solar dryer at about 50ºC for 90 minutes. In sun drying method this process took 8-10 hours at a mean temperature of about 26ºC. Samples were milled and polished. Quality factors including trade quality (head rice yield percent and whiteness), cooking quality (amylose content, gelatinization temperature, gel consistency, aroma and flavor) as well as nutritional quality (thiamine and lysine contents) were evaluated. For a determination of head rice yield, the percentages of de-husked and broken kernels were determined by hand-sorting of broken kernels, the calculation being done through the pertaining formula. Gel consistency was determined according to the method of Cagampang et al. (the consistency of milled rice paste that has been gelatinized by being boiled in dilute alkali and then cooled to room temperature). Amylose content was determined through the simplified assay method of Juliano (setting standard curve by spectrophotometer and comparing the adsorption with the sample’s). Gelatinization temperature was estimated by the extent of alkali spreading and clearing of milled rice soaked in 1.7% KOH for 23 hours at room temperature. Organoleptic characteristics of cooked rice (iflavor, aroma) and apparent whiteness were judged by the taste panel using sensory evaluation method in triplicate. With respect to nutritional value, lysine amino acid was determined by using biological assay and applying Lactobacilllus delbrueckii while thiamine being measured through thiochrome fluorescence technique. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of solar drying process on the final quality of rice kernels and to compare the effects of this method with those in the traditional method of drying (natural sun drying). Results indicated that under the conditions prevailing in solar dryer, quality factors weren't affected except for whiteness of rice that too was better than that for sun dried samples. All other quality characteristics of the final product were acceptable in comparison with those in sun drying method.}, Keywords = {Natural sun drying,Rice quality,Solar drying}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {527-534}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10574-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10574-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Kafi, m.}, title = {The Effects of Salinity and Light on Photosynthesis, Respiration and Chlorophyll fluorescence in Salt-tolerant and Salt-sensitive Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars}, abstract ={Intra-specific variation in responses of diurnal and long-term photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and respiration in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to salinity was investigated using two tolerant cultivars (CR and Kharchia-65) and a sensitive one (Ghods). Plants were grown in sand culture in controlled environment at selected levels of salinity (5 as control, 100, 200, and 300 mol m-3 NaCl and CaCl2 in 5:1 molar ratios). Photosynthesis was markedly reduced in the saline conditions, but there were no significant differences observed amongst cultivars. Stomatal conductance of both upper and lower leaf surfaces was the main factor limiting photosynthesis in the presence of salinity. However, non-stomatal limitations as indicated by reduction in variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) showed that plants might experience some degree of photoinhibition at the highest level of salinity. Gas exchange in control and 100 mol m-3 did not change throughout the day in either the salt-sensitive or the salt tolerant cultivars but in the last hours of the day photosynthesis in the sensitive cultivar was markedly reduced. Respiration remained unchanged up to 200 mol m-3 salinity but at 300 mol m-3 it decreased as compared with the lower salinity levels. The most remarkable change in respiration rate was that at seven hours after light when CO2 production was much higher than at the other times of the day. The results indicated that although photosynthesis is well correlated with stomatal conductance, wheat genotypes show different responses as regards other such aspects of photosynthesis, in different salt concentrations, as growth stage, time of the day and duration of salt exposure.}, Keywords = {Chlorophyll content,Chlorophyll fluorescence,Ci/Ca,Diurnal photosynthesis,Respiration,Stomatal conductance}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {535-547}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7996-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7996-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Javadnia, E. and Mobasheri, M. R. and Kamali, Gh. A.}, title = {MODIS NDVI Quality Enhancement Using ASTER Images}, abstract ={Sensors onboard meteorological satellites such as MODIS and AVHRR are able to collect information adequate in frequency but with low spatial resolution. The problem can be overcome, if one finds a way to increase the quality of the vegetation indices through searching in each individual pixel of the images, employing concurrent higher spatial resolution images. The objective of this study was to investigate the enhancement of MODIS NDVI products by using NDVI from the ASTER sensor onboard the same platform, as MODIS. The ASTER averaged NDVI values computed using only vegetated pixels were compared to unadjusted MODIS NDVI. Two approaches for the comparison are introduced in this work. In the first one, vegetated ASTER NDVI compared with MODIS NDVI (AMII Model), and in the second one the difference between vegetated ASTER NDVI and MODIS NDVI was modeled against a code representing percentage of vegetation cover (AMDI Model). It is found that the MODIS NDVI index always reads lower as compared to the vegetated ASTER NDVI. It was also found that the difference between vegetated ASTER NDVI and MODIS NDVI for vegetation covers of less than 20% was greater than 0.1 and for vegetation covers of more than 80% as low as 0.01. This could produce erroneous results when introducing uncorrected NDVI values into the climatological models especially in the arid and semi-arid climates where the vegetation covers are sparse. Both AMII and AMDI models produce NDVI values higher than those calculated from MODIS. These models were tested using 10 samples where a RMSE of about 0.028 for AMII and 0.018 for AMDI was found out. It is revealed that AMII model increases the NDVI values up to 87% for pixels containing less than 10% vegetation while 5% for pixels with more than 80% vegetation covers. These increases for AMDI model were 84% and 6%, respectively.}, Keywords = {Image processing,Remote Sensing,Vegetation}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {549-558}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9686-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9686-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Mousavi, M. and Javan, S.}, title = {‌‌Modeling and Simulation of Apple Drying, Using Artificial Neural Network and Neuro -Taguchi’s Method}, abstract ={Important parameters on apple drying process are investigated experimentally and modeled employing artificial neural network and neuro-Taguchi's method. Experimental results show that the apple drying curve stands in the falling rate period of drying. Temperature is the most important parameter that has a more pronounced effect on drying rate than the other two parameters i.e. air velocity and the thickness of apple slices. In order to model the drying process, a software was developed which uses the error back propagation algorithm for training. At first, the software was used to simulate the time-dependent variations of moisture content using neural network. Then in order to model the time derivation of moisture ratio in break point, the software was utilized in two ways. First, it was used with no use of any optimization method for modeling the process. In the other approach, the software in a hybrid fashion with Taguchi's method as an optimization method is utilized to correct weight matrix entries. The results demonstrate that the use of neuro-Taguchi's method can give some improvements over neural network accuracy as compared with conventional neural networks approach. By using neuro- Taguchi's method, error is reduced by about 46.4%.}, Keywords = {Modeling,simulation,Apple drying,Artificial Neural Network,Neuro-Taguchi}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {559-571}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9859-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9859-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Samani, J. M. V. and Mazaheri, M.}, title = {An Analytical Model for Velocity Distribution in Transition Zone for Channel Flows over Inflexible Submerged Vegetation}, abstract ={The estimation of velocity distribution plays a major role in the hydrodynamics of vegetated streams or rivers of extensive natural floodplains. The velocity profile in vegetated channels can be divided into three zones: uniform zone which is close to bed with uniform velocity distribution, logarithmic zone which involves the main channel with no vegetive cover and the transition zone that is affected by the upper zone flow. In order to arrive at an analytical solution to the force balance that governs the flow specific turbulence, characteristics of the flow through the vegetation are required. A new analytical model for the velocity distribution in the transition zone of vegetated (inflexible submerged vegetation) channels is hereby developed. The model is based on a force equilibrium equation and on Prandtl Mixing Length concept. Vegetation is treated as a homogeneous field of identical cylindrical stems and the flow field considered as uniform and steady. The proposed procedure is straightforward; it follows principles of fluid mechanics and shows good agreement with laboratory flume experiments. The new model can be employed for an exact estimation of discharge through naturally vegetated rivers. The model has been calibrated and verified. The results imply a desirable correlation between calculated and observed data.}, Keywords = {analytical model,Prandtl Mixing Length,Transition zone,Vegetative channels,Velocity distribution}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {573-584}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6634-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6634-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Naghavi, M. R. and Malaki, M. and Alizadeh, H. and Pirseiedi, M. and Mardi, M.}, title = {An Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Wild Diploid Wheat Triticum boeoticum from West of Iran Using RAPD, AFLP and SSR Markers}, abstract ={The applicability of RAPDs, AFLPs, and SSRs to examine genetic relationships in 36 populations of Triticum boeoticum from West of Iran was investigated. A total of 224 (135 polymorphic), 979 (429 polymorphic) and 246 (145 polymorphic) bands/alleles were detected using 14 RAPD primers, 17 AFLP primer combinations and 17 well distributed, mapped SSR markers, respectively. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value was high for SSRs (0.81) but low for RAPDs (0.45) and AFLPs (0.56) reflecting the hypervariability of the first system. AFLPs carried the highest Marker Index (MI) value (14.19), reflecting the high multiplexity ratio of this system. The correlation coefficients of similarity were statistically significant for all the three marker systems employed. UPGMA cluster plots separated the 36 populations into three major groups based on their RAPD fragment similarities, and into two major groups based on their AFLP, SSR and RAPD+AFLP+SSR genotypic similarities. These different marker systems should provide different levels of information, important in the management of germplasm resources. A good level of genetic diversity observed in the populations of Kermanshah and Lorestan Provinces shows that T. boeoticum invades a wide range of agroecosystems in the West of Iran.}, Keywords = {AFLPs,Genetic diversity,RAPDs,SSRs,Triticum boeoticum}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {585-598}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10194-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10194-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Dhawan, A. K. and Singh, S. and Kumar, S.}, title = {Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Helps Reduce Pesticide Load in Cotton}, abstract ={The adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy by farmers of Bathinda cotton belt of Punjab, India resulted in reduction of insecticidal applications. There was 3-4 times reduction in insecticidal applications in IPM villages (4.86-5.33) over the non-IPM villages (15.16-18.12). A general trend of reduced insecticidal applications of both conventional as well as new insecticides, in IPM villages as compared to non-IPM ones, was observed. However, the use of endosulfan was significantly more in IPM villages (1.07 and 0.85 applications) over non-IPM ones (0.49 and 0.32 applications) in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The use of the remaining insecticides was significantly less in IPM than in non-IPM villages. There was no application of non-recommended insecticides and mixtures in IPM villages while it was observed in non-IPM ones only. Further, farmers in IPM villages showed increased preference for relatively new insecticides (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, indoxacarb and spinosad) over the conventional group of chemicals. The adoption of IPM strategies resulted in significantly reduced pest incidence (32-75%), reduced plant protection and total input costs (17-34 and 15-21%, respectively) and an increase in net profit (54-88%) in addition to conservation of natural enemies (0.8-1.0 natural enemies/ plant in IPM over 0.4-0.7/ plant in non-IPM villages).}, Keywords = {Natural enemies,Bollworms,Cotton,IPM,Sucking pests}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {599-611}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11490-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11490-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Hashemimajd, K. and Golchin, A.}, title = {The Effect of Iron-Enriched Vermicompost on Growth and Nutrition of Tomato}, abstract ={Iron deficiency or lime induced chlorosis is a common problem in calcareous soils. Application of mineral iron fertilizer in these soils is not usually fully effective in curing iron deficiency as compared to organic chelates. Cow manure and iron refuse (oxides), a by-product of iron melting factories were mixed in different properties of: 0, 5, 10, and 20 % V/V to make mixtures which of after four months incubation were converted into iron-enriched vermicompost through the action of earthworms. In a greenhouse study, growth and nutrient uptake by tomato grown in pot soils treated with normal vermicompost and Fe-EDDHA (synthetic iron chelate) and compared with those in plants grown in soils receiving iron-enriched vermicompost. The study design was a randomized complete block one with three replications. Total and available forms of iron in iron-enriched vermicomposts as well as in tomato tissues increased by an increase in the proportion of iron refuse in vermicompost. Shoot dry matter of plants produced in soil treated with iron-enriched vermicompost (15-20% V/V), was significantly higher than that of plants produced in the other treatments. Iron uptake by tomatoes grown in Fe-EDDHA treated soil was higher than that in plants grown in vermicompost amended soil and that in control, but it was lower than the uptake by plants grown in iron-enriched growth media.}, Keywords = {Iron-enriched,Nutrition,Tomato,Vermicompost}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {613-621}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10697-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10697-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Rashidi, M. and Gholami, M. and Abbassi, S.}, title = {Cantaloupe Volume Determination through Image Processing}, abstract ={Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) volume was measured using water displacement and image processing methods. The volume determined from image processing method was compared to the volume determined by the water displacement method using the paired samples t-test and the Bland-Altman approach. The paired samples t-test results showed that the volume determined by image processing method was not significantly (P> 0.05) different from the volume measured through water displacement method. The mean and standard deviation of the volume difference between the two methods were -81.1 cm3 and 237.4 cm3, respectively (95% confidence interval: -212.5 and 50.4 cm3, P= 0.207). The average percentage difference between the two methods was 7.60%. The Bland-Altman approach was also indicated to be a satisfactory, image processing method suitable for volume estimation of almost all size cantaloupe. Accordingly, image processing provides an accurate, simple, rapid and non-invasive method to estimate fruit volume and can be easily implemented in monitoring fruit growth as well as in sorting of fruits during postharvest processing.}, Keywords = {Cantaloupe,Fruit sorting}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {623-631}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8446-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8446-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Sadeghi, N. and Jannat, B. and Oveisi, M. R. and Hajimahmoodi, M. and Photovat, M.}, title = {Antioxidant Activity of Iranian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Seed Extracts}, abstract ={Pomegranate, a small tree with potential human health benefits, is grown mainly in Iran, India and USA as well as in most Near and Far East countries. It has been used extensively in folk medicine for a number of therapeutic purposes. In the present study, the ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP) was employed and the FRAP value of the seed fraction of six different cultivars of pomegranate in Iran was determined in an attempt to compare their differing antioxidant acitivity. The antioxidant activity of seed fraction of six different cultivars of pomegranate in water extracts showed that the Sour white peel cultivar has the highest FRAP value (3.450.85 M) and the Agha Mohamad Ali cultivar has the lowest value (2.760.76 M); ethanolic extract of the seeds showed that Sour white peel and Black peel cultivars have the highest (3.881.31 M) and lowest (1.620.47 M) antioxidant activity, respectively. Results indicated that the extracts obtained from pomegranate seeds using various solvents exhibited various degrees of antioxidant activity. Further, it was cleared that Sour white peel had the highest potent antioxidant activity among different pomegranate seed cultivars and, so might be useful for its health benefits.}, Keywords = {Antioxidant activity,FRAP,Pomegranate seeds}, volume = {11}, Number = {5}, pages = {633-638}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8558-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8558-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Hosseini, S. S. and Spriggs, J.}, title = {A Methodological Aggregation-consistent Individual Level Supply Response Model}, abstract ={Government interventions in agricultural markets in order to stabilize commodity prices and producer incomes have had a long tradition. Intervention has been at both the state and country levels and has been for the most part in the form of commodity-based schemes. This study represents an attempt to develop an appropriate methodology for analyzing the aggre-gate effects of a particular type of policy rule. This type of policy rule is one for which the unit of observation is the individual farm unit rather than the individual unit of commodity. The methodology developed in this paper represents an initial attempt to provide the necessary mi-cro-macro modeling with supply response which is required for analyzing the aggregate effects of whole-farm income support programs. The methodology will be illustrated by an empirical application of the aggregate impacts of the whole-farm program in Saskatchewan, Canada.}, Keywords = {Aggregation,Methodology,Micro-macro Modeling,Policy rule,Supply response}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {101-114}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7102-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7102-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Gholizadeh, A. and Kamali, K. and Fathipour, Y. and Abbasipour, H.}, title = {Life Table of the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on Five Cultivated Brassicaceous Host Plants}, abstract ={The development, survival, and reproduction of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), were studied in laboratory at 25±1°C, 65±5% RH and a 14L: 10D hours photoperiodism on five host plants of: cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis), two varieties of cabbage (B. oleracea L. var. capitata) namely ‘Globe Master’ and ‘Scarlet Ohara’, kohlrabi (B. oleracea L. var. gongylodes), and canola (B. napus L.). DBM larvae successfully survived on all host plants, although survival rate was lowest on canola (70.56%). The developmental time of immature stages ranged from 13.76±0.15 d on kohlrabi to 15.06±0.22 d on canola. The reproduction period and adult longevity were longest on cauliflower and common cabbage cultivar ‘Globe Master’ without any supplemental food while the highest fecundity of P. xylostella being also observed on these two host plants. The highest and lowest net reproductive rates were detected on cabbage cultivars, ‘Globe Master’ and 'Scarlet Ohara', respectively. Mean generation time was the longest on cabbage cultivar ‘Globe Master’. The respective descending order of intrinsic rates of population increase was on cauliflower, cabbage cultivar ‘Globe Master’, kohlrabi, cabbage cultivar ‘Scarlet Ohara’ and canola. Cauliflower and cabbage cultivar ‘Globe Master’ were recognized as the most suitable host plants for DBM.}, Keywords = {Brassica,Crucifers,Demography,Plant resistance}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {115-124}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9848-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9848-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Bakhtiari, M. R. and Loghavi, M.}, title = {Development and Evaluation of an Innovative Garlic Clove Precision Planter}, abstract ={In this study an innovatively designed tractor-mounted, ground-wheel driven, triple unit, row crop precision planter capable of planting three rows of garlic (Allium sativum L.) cloves on each raised bed was designed, fabricated and tested. The major components of this planter include; chassis and transport wheels, lister-bedder unit, seed hopper, seed metering drum, sweeper, knocker, seed tube, furrow openers and seed coverers. The me-tering drums and sweepers are driven by two ground wheels through a chain drive sys-tem. Laboratory evaluation of the planter components, especially the seed metering mechanism revealed a satisfactory performance of the planter components, except a few modifications which were needed before conducting field tests. The performance parame-ters measured/calculated during the field tests included: seeding mass rate, seeding depth, seed spacing, miss index, multiple index and seed damage. The results showed that the new machine is capable of planting 220,000 plants ha-1 at the seeding depth and spacing of 12.3 and 22.7 cm, respectively. Also, miss index, multiple index and seed damage were measured as 12.23, 2.43 and 1.41 percent, respectively.}, Keywords = {Garlic,Metering drum,Planter,Seed hopper}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {125-136}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1533-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1533-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Rafiee, Sh. and Kashaninejad, M. and Keyhani, A. R. and Jafari, A.}, title = {Pistachio Nut (Ohadi Variety) Mass Transfer Simulation during Process of Drying Using Finite Element Method}, abstract ={Drying is an important operational step in pistachio processing. There is a decrease in moisture content of pistachio nuts from 56-57% (d.b.) to 5-6% during the drying process. Drying conditions affect the quality of dried pistachio nuts, therefore, this calls for an accurate description of the drying trend in the process. In this study finite element formulation and solution of diffusive moisture transfer equation was presented to improve the drying simulation of nut as an axisymmetric body. The Fick’s diffusive model was solved with effective moisture diffusivity of 5.24×10-10 m2 s-1 for 55C and 7.01×10-10 m2 s-1 for 70C. For experimentation, thin layers of pistachio nut, ‘Ohadi’ variety, were dried at high drying air temperatures (55 and 70°C), three replications for each treatment, along with drying air velocity and relative humidity of 0.5 m s-1 and 20%, respectively. Good agreement was observed when the output of model was compared with the experimental data. Mean Relative Deviation (MRD) calculated for the model and the experimental data for the air temperatures 55 and 70C, were found to be 6.2% and 8.1%, respectively.}, Keywords = {Drying simulation,Finite Element Method,Moisture diffusivity,Pistachio nut}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {137-146}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5523-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5523-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Hassan-Beygi, S. R. and Ghobadian, B. and AmiriChayjan, R. and Kianmehr, M. H.}, title = {Prediction of Power Tiller Noise Levels Using a Back Propagation Algorithm}, abstract ={The use of neural networks methodology is not as common in the investigation and pre-diction noise as statistical analysis. The application of artificial neural networks for pre-diction of power tiller noise is set out in the present paper. The sound pressure signals for noise analysis were obtained in a field experiment using a 13-hp power tiller. During measurement and recording of the sound pressure signals of the power tiller, the engine speeds and gear ratios were varied to cover the most normal range of the power tiller op-eration in transportation conditions for the asphalt, dirt rural roads, and grassland. Sig-nals recorded in the time domain were converted to the frequency domain with the help of a specially developed Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) program. The narrow band signals were further processed to obtain overall sound pressure levels in A-weighting. Altogether, 48 patterns were generated for training and evaluation of artificial neural networks. Arti-ficial neural networks were designed based on three neurons in the input layer and one neuron in the output layer. The results showed that multi layer perceptron networks with a training algorithm of back propagation were best for accurate prediction of power tiller overall noise. The minimum RMSE and R2 for the four-layer perceptron network with a sigmoid activation function, Extended Delta-Bar-Delta (Ext. DBD) learning rule with three neurons in the first hidden layer and two neurons in the second hidden layer, were 0.0198 and 0.992, respectively.}, Keywords = {Back propagation,Noise,Power tiller,Prediction}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {147-160}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10771-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10771-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Barzegar, M. and Jalali, B.}, title = {Crustacean Parasites of Fresh and Brackish (Caspian Sea) Water Fishes of Iran}, abstract ={This paper presents a total of 11 known crustacean parasite species from 51 host species belonging to 7 families, with 17 genera reported from cultured and wild fishes in three faunal regions of Iran. Among them, one belonging to Branchiura order, namely Argulus foliaceus, was found on Capoeta capoeta in Makoo Reservoir as well as on Cyprinus carpio, Chalcalburnus sp., Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Mastacembelus mastacembelus in Zarivar Lake. The other 10 species belonging to Copepoda order include 1) Ergasilus sie-boldi, found on the gills of 2) Barbus sharpeyi, B. luteus, Aspius vorax and Cyprinus carpio; 3) E. peregrinus on Ctenopharyngodon idella and Leuciscus cephalus in Khandaqloo Res-ervoir; 4) Lamproglena compacta and 5) L. polchella on the gills of infected fish species in-habiting Tigris, Caspian and Oriental Regions of Iran. 6) Tracheliastes longicollis on the fins of Capoeta capoeta and Leuciscus cephalus; 7) T. polycolpus on the fins of Capoeta trutta, C. capoeta and Leuciscus cephalus in water bodies situated in Azerbaijan Province (Caspian Region) and Kurdistan Province (Tigris Region), 8) Achtheres percarum on the skin and fins of Sander lucioperca and Perca fluviatilis in Anzali Lagoon and Sefid-rud River in North of Iran (Caspian Region); 9) Pseudotracheliastes stellatus on the skin of acipenserids in Caspian Sea and finally 10) the most economically significant parasite, Lernaea cyprinacea, which is commonly found on cultured cyprinids in ponds and natural water bodies. Furthermore, several unknown crustacean species belong to both orders identified to genus level, which need further study for a detailed description. Geographi-cal distribution as well as host ranges of the mentioned parasites are presented and dis-cussed.}, Keywords = {IRAN,Crustacean,Freshwater fishes,Parasite}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {161-171}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11140-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11140-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Farhoosh, R. and Moosavi, S. M. R.}, title = {Evaluating the Performance of Peroxide and Conjugated Diene Values in Monitoring Quality of Used Frying Oils}, abstract ={Frying oils showed an increase in Peroxide Value (PV) at the initial stages of the frying process followed by a decrease, and there was no correlation between PV and Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in the same set of frying oils. All the frying oils had PVs lower than 4.42 meq O2 kg-1 oil during the frying process and, consequently, none of them was above the limit of 10 meq O2 kg-1 oil for edible oils. The variations of Conjugated Diene Value (CDV) presented a pattern different from that of PV. CDV had a good linear relationship with TPC during initial stages of the frying process and then reached a plateau (R2= 0.9838). The plateau occurred beyond the TPC of 24-27% for the frying oils, and there was an obvious increasing trend before the range mentioned. The contents found for con-jugated dienes of the frying oils during the frying process ranged from 5 to 42 mmol L-1. Assuming that the limit of acceptance for TPC is 24%, this roughly corresponded to 29 mmol L-1 for CDV.}, Keywords = {Carbonyl value,Conjugated diene value,Deterioration,Frying oil,Peroxide value,Total polar compounds}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {173-179}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6246-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6246-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Mohammadi, H. and Alizadeh, M. and Bari, M. R. and Khosrowshahi, A. and Tajik, H.}, title = {Optimization of the Process Variables for Minimizing of the Aflatoxin M1 Content in Iranian White Brine Cheese}, abstract ={A model capable of predicting the minimum content of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in Iranian while brine cheese has been developed using a chemometric approach to determine the optimum processing conditions. Renneting temperature, cut size, stirring time, press time, curd size and saturated brine pH were all regarded as process variables. Three-dimensional response surface and contour plots were drawn. The minimum content of AFM1 (116.9 ng kg -1 dry matter) was predicted when the processing variables were: Ren-neting temperature= 40°C, Cut size= 0.5 cm, Stirring time= 10 minutes, Press time= 20 minutes, Curd size= 64 cm3, Saturated brine pH= 4.6. These values predicted for opti-mum process conditions were in good agreement with experimental data.}, Keywords = {Aflatoxin M1,Chemometrics,Minimization,White brine cheese}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {181-190}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4805-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4805-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Altaf, N. and Khan, A. R.}, title = {Growth and Development of Low Seeded Kinnow Mandarin Fruits in Dense Plantation}, abstract ={The work described here is unique since the low seeded (0-6 seeds per fruit) Kinnow (Citrus reticulata) germplasm was grown in dense plantation (P P: 1foot and L L: 2 feet) in the NIAB (Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, Faisalabad, Pakistan) field. Growth and development patterns of the fruits were studied. The low seeded germ-plasm contains 3,500 plants developed through natural and induced variability in Kinnow mandarin. The area is surrounded by other cross compatible Citrus varieties. The germ-plasm flower was hermaphrodite, off-white, the color of the anthers yellow, and the num-ber of petals was five and all other flower characteristics were variable. In 2005 the fruit-ing was in 596 plants and the maximum fruit range was 21-40 in 99 plants followed by 41 to 75 in 98 plants. In 2006, 322 plants bore fruit and 1-5 fruits per plant were found in 93 plants followed by 6-10 fruits per plant in 61 plants. In 2007, 551 plants had first time bearing and the maximum fruit range per plant was 11-20 in 116 plants followed by 21-30 in 99 plants. It was found that the Kinnow fruit gains maximum weight during August-October whilst the volume of the fruit increases during August-November. Initially the height and diameter were identical in May giving the fruit a round shape and then the gradual increase in height slowed down, resulting in an oblate to subglobose shape of the fruit. In mid-January the average fruit weight was 192 grams and the average peel weight was 45 grams. Peel thickness was more at stalk end as compared to stylar end. All low seeded fruits had their navel at the stylar opening point. The maximum number of fruits had 11 segments but the segment range was 9-14 per fruit. In mid-January the juice pH, juice acidity and TSS had variable values in plants indicating variation in the fruit physiological maturity time within the germplasm. The growth of fruits was similar to that reported in low density orchards.}, Keywords = {Carpel polymorphism,Fruit shape,Growth of fruit,Kinnow germplasm,Low seeded}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {191-198}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6381-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6381-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Samani, J. M. V. and Fathi, P.}, title = {Estimation of Unsaturated Soil Hydrodynamic Parameters Using Inverse Problem Technique}, abstract ={Mathematical simulation of flow toward drains is an important and indispensable stage in drainage design and management. Many related models have been developed, but most of them simulate the saturated flow toward drains without a due consideration of the unsaturated zone. In this study, the two dimensional differential equation governing saturated and unsaturated flow in porous media is numerically solved and water table variations between drains predicted. By introducing and linking a proper optimization model to the numerical one, saturated and unsaturated soil hydrodynamic parameters were estimated within the inverse problem technique context. Data for calibration and verification were provided through a conduction of laboratory experimentation. Other laboratory data were also employed for the proposed model evaluation. The results indicated that in addition to a prediction of the water table variations between drains, the inverse problem model can be employed to estimate the unsaturated soil hydrodynamic parameters with a high degree of precision.}, Keywords = {Numerical model,Inverse problem technique,Saturated flow,Unsaturated flow}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {199-210}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5718-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5718-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Anand, T. and Chandrasekaran, A. and Kuttalam, S. and Raguchander, T. and Samiyappan, R.}, title = {Management of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Mildews through Azoxystrobin-Tolerant Pseudomonas fluorescens}, abstract ={The compatibility studies of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf1) with azoxystrobin at differ-ent concentrations viz., 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm revealed that it was compatible with all the concentrations of azoxystrobin tested and the growth of the bacterium was unaffected even at the maximum concentration of 300 ppm. The field experiment revealed a foliar application of Pf1 (2.5 kg ha-1) and azoxystrobin (250 ml ha-1) combined, reduced downy mildew as well as powdery mildew disease severities more than azoxystrobin (250 and 500 ml ha-1) alone. An application of Pf1+azoxystrobin treatment recorded only 2.22 and 1.00 Percent Disease Index (PDI) of downy mildew and 1.85 and 0.50 PDI of powdery mildew during the first and second seasons, respectively. The treatment also recorded a maximum fruit yield of 14.30 and 15.65 tonnes ha-1 for the first and second seasons, re-spectively. Application of Pf1 along with azoxystrobin significantly increased the survival of Pf1 in the phylloplane of cucumber crop. In addition, there was multifold increase in peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, ß-1, 3 glucanase, chitinase and phenolics in plants treated with Pf1+azoxystrobin.}, Keywords = {Cucumber,Erysiphe cichoracearum,Integrated disease management,Pseudoperonospora cubensis}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {211-226}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2292-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2292-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Ryan, J. and AbdelMonem, M. and Amri, A.}, title = {Nitrogen Fertilizer Response of Some Barley Varieties in Semi-Arid Conditions in Morocco}, abstract ={The West Asia-North Africa region, which is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate, is the center of origin of cereals, notably wheat (Triticum spp.) and barley (Hordeum spp). However, cereal production, which is primarily rainfed, is mainly constrained by drought due to the low rainfall accompanied by high temperatures. Cereals have been tradi-tionally grown following a fallow period in order to achieve acceptable yields on stored soil moisture, but they are increasingly grown either continuously or in rotation with legumes, either food or forage. Barley is grown throughout the Mediterranean region, generally in the drier zones and often on shallow soils and with application of minimum or no fertilizers. The medium-rainfall zone of central Morocco (200-500 mm yr-1) is typical of the region as a whole. In order to provide a rational basis for barley fertilization, especially as regards ni-trogen (N), a field trial was established near Settat, involving five barley varieties (ACSAD-60, Tessaout, Asni, Arig-8, and ACSAD-176), along with four N application at four levels (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha-1), grown on a shallow soil (Petrocalcic Palexeroll) for two growing seasons that varied in terms of total rainfall (Year 1, 261mm and Year 2, 302 mm) as well as within-season distribution. There were considerable differences between crop years, with significantly higher yields in the second growing season when rainfall was heavy at the criti-cal tillering and stem-elongation growth stages. Nitrogen consistently increased dry matter and grain yields in either year, generally being significant up to 80 kg ha-1. There were sig-nificant differences observed among varieties, as well as interactions of varieties with years. The six-row variety Arig-8 was consistently the best while the two-row Asni, the lowest yielding variety. Where an economic analysis was done on yield data (Year 1), N fertilization up to at least 80 kg ha-1 was considered as profitable. Crop N uptake varied with varieties and increased with increasing fertilizer. N Recovery was variable and generally less than 50%. In contrast to many other fertilizer trials with barley in the region, this trial from cen-tral Morocco showed highly significant yield increases in response to applied N for barley varieties, most of which performed similarly. Therefore, N fertilization of barley in Mo-rocco’s semi-arid cereal-producing zone on shallow soils, where root growth and moisture-holding capacity are limited, should be promoted.}, Keywords = {Dryland barley,Moroccan agriculture,Nitrogen fertilization}, volume = {11}, Number = {2}, pages = {227-236}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8971-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8971-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Peykani, Gh. R. and KavoosiKelashemi, M. and SadatBarikani, S. H. and Arzani, A.}, title = {Determining the Best Variety of Rice for Cultivation Using Kataoka\'s and Telser\'s Risky-linear Programming Methods-Case Study of Gilan Province 2000-2006}, abstract ={Gilan Province is among the most important regions of Iran for rice production. The general aim of this research is to determine the best variety of rice for planting, so that the minimum level for farmer's expected living gross margin can be provided. On the other hand, determining the best variety with regard to the risk in price is another aim of this research. To this end two risk models based on Telser and Kataoka linear programming were used. Data needed for seven understudy varieties in this research during 2000-2006 were connected from 7 representative farms at the Gilan Province level. Taking the related risk-rows to gross margin per hectare of the 7 varieties under study during the aforesaid years, and using the Kataoka model, the highest amount of living gross margin per hectare at different probability levels was calculated. On the other hand, through the Telser model the area under planting of optimized varieties over different probability levels, showing that the probability of the gross margin per hectare of rice farming is less than the highest amount of living gross margin, was calculated. The results showed that at different levels the gross margin of the aim, considering the probability constraints, the two items Hashemi and Ali Kazemi were the best ones for achieving the aforesaid goals.}, Keywords = {Rice,Gilan province,Kataoka model,Safety-First conditions,Telser model}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {1-8}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2808-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2808-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Hosseini, S. S. and Tahmasebi, M. and Peykani, Gh. R.}, title = {Economic Factors Influencing the Decision to Plant Almonds on Sloping Land in Saman, Iran}, abstract ={This study investigated the factors influencing the decision to plant almonds in the Saman region of Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari Province in central Iran through conducting an economic survey in 2005. Using portfolio investment theory and econometric model esti-mation (Shively, 1998), this paper identifies the most important factors influencing the in-dividual farmer’s decision concerning the number of almond trees planted during 1995-2004. Results of this study show that farm size, permission for water use, a one-year fore-cast of almond price changes, and the upcoming year’s expected change in the guaranteed price of wheat as a competitor crop in the use of land and water had a significant impact on the number of trees planted. This study indicates that policymakers should take notice of the adverse impact of the increasing wheat price trends on tree planting and indirectly promote more research on the environmental impact of almond plantations, particularly as it relates to soil erosion and environmental issues.}, Keywords = {IRAN,Almond planting,Government water policy,Prices}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {9-16}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5262-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5262-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Kumar, S. and Saini, R. K. and Ram, P.}, title = {Natural Mortality of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) Eggs in the Cotton Ecosystem}, abstract ={Field studies were conducted during the cotton crop seasons in 2003 and 2004 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, to identify mortality factors in the egg stage of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the insecticide-free cotton fields to gain an insight into the role of these factors in causing egg specific mortality. Eggs were collected from cotton fields on different dates during September-November and brought to the laboratory for determining egg viability and level of parasitism. Similarly, plant parts bearing eggs in the field were tagged on different dates and observed daily to assess egg loss. The correlation of egg loss with various abiotic factors was determined. The mean viability of field collected eggs was 75% and 89% during 2003 and 2004, respectively (pooled mean egg viability of 82%). It was 51.34-66.55 (Mean: 59.72) % in the case of eggs deposited in the field by the laboratory-reared females. Eggs were parasitized by Trichogramma chilonis Ishii during September-October and mean parasitization was 25 and only 1-2% during 2003 and 2004, respectively. There was a positive correlation of % egg loss with wind velocity and rainfall as evident for multiple correlation coefficient values, i.e. 0.92 and 0.60 for 2003 and 2004, respectively. A partial ecological life table constructed for egg stage indicated that 23-44% mortality occurs at this stage. Important factors responsible for egg mortality/loss were identified as T. chilonis, inviability, rain, wind and unexplained mortality.}, Keywords = {Cotton,Egg mortality,Helicoverpa armigera,Lepidoptera,Noctuidae,Parasitization,Trichogramma chilonis}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {17-25}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6820-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6820-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Afshari, A. and Soleiman-Negadian, E. and Shishebor, P.}, title = {Population Density and Spatial Distribution of Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Cotton in Gorgan, Iran}, abstract ={The seasonal abundance patterns of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, in cotton fields at Gorgan in northern Iran were studied during two growing seasons of 2002 and 2003. The spatial distribution of different developmental stages and morphs of the aphid was described by fitting data to Poisson (random) and negative binomial (aggregated) dis-tributions, and calculating the dispersion indices. A sequential sampling plan was also de-veloped using the fixed-precision method of Green for estimating the density of the adult, nymph and total population. The first aphid colonies appeared on plants during late June and early July and peaked in early September when cotton plants were at the boll matu-ration and opening stages. Aphid populations, especially nymphs and apterous females, were aggregated during most of the growing season and negative binomial models fit data sets better than the Poisson series. The percentage fit for alate morphs showed a slight tendency to the Poisson distribution. With respect to sampling cost or required sample size, the developed fixed-precision sequential sampling plans showed an acceptable per-formance for estimating aphid density at the precision level of D= 0.25. The optimum sample size was flexible and depended upon the aphid density and desired level of preci-sion, and generally ranged from 10 to 513 and 62 to 3,206 at the precision levels of 0.25 and 0.10, respectively. The sequential sampling plans developed could be recommended to estimate the aphid density in integrated pest management programs.}, Keywords = {Aphis gossypii,Northern Iran,seasonal fluctuation,Sequential sampling,Spatial distribution}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {27-38}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10461-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10461-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Rasouli, F. and Sadighi, H. and Minaei, S.}, title = {Factors Affecting Agricultural Mechanization: A Case Study on Sunflower Seed Farms in Iran}, abstract ={The primary purpose of this research study was to determine the major factors affect-ing the implementation of national agricultural mechanization programs in Iran. The sec-ondary purpose of this study was to assess the agricultural mechanization level practiced by farmers. This project consisted of two phases. In the first phase of the study, a Delphi technique was used to gather experts' points of view on variables affecting agricultural mechanization implementation programs in Iran. The second phase of the study was de-signed to assess the agricultural mechanization level practiced by farmers growing sun-flower seeds. The Delphi technique investigation showed that the main constraints on farm mechanization were “small farm size” and “fragmentation of holdings”. The find-ings of the second phase of this research indicated that the mean agricultural mechaniza-tion level practiced on the sunflower producing farms was about 0.5 kW per ha of culti-vated land. However the amount of energy input varied between 0.0149 to 3.4973 kW. Multivariate linear regression of the study indicated that 46.9% (R2= 0.469) of the vari-ance in the level of agricultural mechanization practiced could be explained by variables such as income, total farming land, and land holdings under sunflower seed cultivation.}, Keywords = {Agricultural used land,Delphi technique,Exemplary farmer,Mechanization strategy,sunflower}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {39-48}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8735-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8735-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {PezeshkiRad, Gh. and GolshiriEsfahani, Z. and Chizari, M.}, title = {Learner Satisfaction with Pomegranate Production Extension-Education Courses in Yazd Province, Iran}, abstract ={Nowadays, more attention is being paid to customers’ satisfaction as funding decisions are made. Extension organization, which plays an important role in educating farmers, must know how far the learners are satisfied with its educational program. Accordingly, this study was conducted in Yazd Province (Iran) with the main objective of investigating the pomegranate growers’ satisfaction with their extension-education courses. A survey method was adopted for the study and 150 people were selected as sample out of 478 learners participating in the courses from 2003-2004 throughout the province. A ques-tionnaire was developed as the tool of study. The questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable (Cronbachs' alpha was 0.93). The results showed that the courses did not achieve many of their teaching objectives and were assessed as achieving their goals to a moderate extent. The contents of the courses were assessed as being comprehensive, applied, and new to a high, moderate, and low extent, respectively. The respondents are very satisfied with teachers’ characteristics and with the locality and facilities of courses, but were satis-fied with teaching methods to a low extent. They generally had a positive and favorable attitude towards the pomegranate extension-education courses. According to the study there were significant relationships between learners’ satisfaction with courses and their annual income, pomegranate yield, pomegranate production, times of participation in courses, and attitude toward the courses. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that three variables, attitude toward the courses, pomegranate yield and pomegranate production totally accounted for 77.8 percent of variations in learners’ satisfaction with the pome-granate extension-education courses.}, Keywords = {Attitude,Extension-Education courses,Individual characteristics,Learners,Satisfaction}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {49-55}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8559-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8559-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Zaghari, M.}, title = {Evaluation of Using Phytase Nutrient Equivalency Values for Layer Hens and Broiler Chickens}, abstract ={Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of phytase supplementation on layer hens and broiler chickens performance and compare the use of phytase nutrient equivalency values in feed formulation with those fed conventional diet. In the first ex-periment, 640 commercial broiler chicks were used from 11 to 49 days of age. The ex-perimental units were allocated at random to 4 dietary treatments two sexes with 4 rep-licates per treatment. The first dietary treatment was formulated with no addition of phy-tase (C), the second diet contained 500 FTU kg-1 phytase over the top (C+P), and the third diet contained 500 FTU kg-1 phytase which was calculated as half of the nutrient equiva-lency values for phyatse (50E). The fourth dietary treatment contained 500 FTU kg-1 phyatse which was calculated as the total nutrient equivalency values for phytase (100E). In the second experiment 288 Hy-line W-36 hens were used from 60 to 72 weeks of age. The treatments consisted of a control diet (C) with no addition of phytase, a control diet supplemented with 300 FTU kg-1 phytase over the top (C+P), and a third diet containing 300 FTU kg-1 phytase which was calculated as the total nutrient equivalency values for phyatse (100E). No significant difference was observed among the four dietary treatments for broiler final body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass characteristics (P> 0.05). The toe ash, and toe ash Ca and P percentage of broiler chickens increased with the addition of phytase (P< 0.05). Hen day egg production for the C, C+P and 100E group were 75.25, 77.25 and 66.0%, respectively; as egg production declined, FCR increased significantly (P< 0.05). There were no significant differences in egg specific gravity, egg shell thickness, shell breaking strength and egg and toe mineralization among the dietary treatments. The results of the present study indicated that using phytase nutrient equiva-lency in feed formulation has a beneficial effect on broiler performance, but did not have any beneficial effect on the performance of old layer hens. In conclusion, using the same AME and protein equivalency values of phytase for broiler and old layers is not a valid approach.}, Keywords = {Broiler,Layer hens,Nutrient Equivalency,Performance,Phytase}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {57-66}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7849-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7849-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {NaderiKhorasgani, M. and DeDapper, M.}, title = {Evaluation of the Capability of Landsat MSS Data for Mapping Landforms in Arid Regions: A Case Study in the Centre of Iran}, abstract ={This research was performed to evaluate the potentials of Landsat MSS data for map-ping land features in arid zones of southeastern Esfahan, Iran. Databases of the area were formed using all available relevant maps and reports which were supported by fieldwork. A supervised image classification approach was used and thirty-two training areas were applied. Separability of the spectral classes was examined using feature space plots of im-agery data and self-classification of training areas. The accuracy of the classification was examined by using test and random pixels. The results show the potential of Landsat data for the discrimination of landforms and zones of the playas. Sand deposits (deflated sands and Barchans) expressed different spectral reflectance which could be due to mineralogy of these features. Soil classes differing in moisture content and salinity located on the soil line and limestone classes located along the soil line. The applied imagery data disable to discriminate Barchans from Bare soil I and Andesitic fans from Grey limestone. After image classification the spectral classes were merged to form landforms. The main land-forms were mountains, piedmonts, sand dunes, valleys and playas. The results indicate that integration of field observation and supervised classification can compensate for the lack of detailed topographic maps in some areas.}, Keywords = {Barchan,Landform,Landsat MSS,Piedmont,Playa,Soil line,Supervised classification}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {67-80}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-356-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-356-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Golzari, A. and Khodabandeh, S. and Seyfabadi, J.}, title = {Some Biological Characteristics of Tadpole Shrimp, Triops cancriformis, from Seasonal Pools of West Azarbaijan (Iran)}, abstract ={The tadpole shrimp of genus Triops is a well-known living fossil whose fundamental morphology has been unchanged for 220 million years. We collected specimens of Triops cancriformis in temporary water bodies near the southern part of Urmia Lake (in the Fall of 2005). Some biological characteristics of this Triops were investigated. The feeding re-gime of T. cancriformis was found to be related to the fauna and flora of the temporary pools. Invertebrates and animal detritus were found to constitute major part of the feed-ing regime. The existence of Triops cysts and particles in the gut also showed certain de-gree of cannibalism. Morphological and histological investigations showed that the popu-lation of T. cancriformis was female and there was only one male among 400 samples col-lected. Observation of sperm among follicle ducts of a few samples indicated some degree of hermaphrodity, but the animal seemed to reproduce mainly through parthenogenesis. Fecundity, varying from 100 to 2500 cysts, was with a few exceptions related to the body size. The average cyst diameter was 40085 m.}, Keywords = {Crustacean,Feeding Regime,Notostraca,reproduction,Shrimp,Tadpole Triops cancriformis}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {81-90}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-99-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-99-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} } @article{ author = {Ahangaran, A. and Mohammadi, Gh. M. and KoohiHabibi, M. and Khezri, S. and Shahraeen, N.}, title = {Use of Rapid Serological and Nucleic Acid- based Methods for Detecting the Soybean mosaic virus}, abstract ={Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) which belongs to the virus family Potyviridae, causes a disease in soybean that is present in soybean-growing areas of the world, and is widely distributed in northern Iran. Detection of SMV is very important for disease management. In the present study several serological and molecular (nucleic acid- based) methods of rapid virus detection were compared. Serological studies including DAS- ELISA, DAC-ELISA, TPIA and DIBA were optimized and compared to identify the virus by using a polyclonal antibody. Among the serological methods, TPIA and DIBA are simple and TPIA is rapidly and easily applicable in the field. However, TPIA was found to be preferable. TPIA is time-saving, not requiring conventional sap extraction and also nitrocellulose membranes used for printing can be used in the field and stored for a long time or transported to other laboratory to be processed. RT-PCR and Immunocapture RT-PCR (IC-RT-PCR) were performed as molecular methods for detecting SMV using a pair of primers designed to amplify a fragment in the coding region of the SMV coat protein. To extract total RNA for RT-PCR, two methods including RNAWIZ and phenol-chloroform were used. A part of the coat protein genome of SMV was converted to cDNA using a reverse transcription (RT) reaction. For IC-RT-PCR method, virus partial purification was carried out by solid-phase (0.2 ml microfuge tube) adsorbed polyclonal antibody, and then the RT reaction was carried out in the tube. In both methods cDNAs were amplified by PCR. Both methods amplified the expected fragment in virus-infected plants. Whereas RT-PCR requires total RNA extraction, ICRT- PCR do not have total RNA extraction problems. Our findings suggest that TPIA and IC- RT- PCR can be routinely used for SMV detection, with high efficiency.}, Keywords = {soybean,DIBA,IC-RT-PCR,RT-PCR,SMV,TPIA}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {91-97}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, title_fa = {}, abstract_fa ={}, keywords_fa = {}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4000-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4000-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2009} }