@article{ author = {Mugunieri, G. L. and Omamo, S. W. and Obare, G. A.}, title = {Agricultural Science and Technology Policy System Institutions and Their Impact on Efficiency and Technical Progress in Kenya and Uganda}, abstract ={Results of an evaluation of the impact of agricultural science and technology (AS and T) policy system institutions on efficiency and technical change in Kenyan and Ugandan agriculture are presented here. Data envelopment analysis was used to derive efficiency and technical change and logistic regression applied to delineate AS and T institutions that induced efficiency and technical progress. Technical progress was positively influenced by transboundary technology transfer, decentralization of extension services, thematic agricultural research and the literacy rate of the agricultural labour force. The intellectual property rights regulatory system negatively impacted on technical progress. On the other hand, efficiency progress was supported by the enactment of a regulatory framework for intellectual property rights system, but negatively influenced by transboundary technology transfer and decentralization of extension services.}, Keywords = {Agricultural science and technology policy,Kenya,Uganda}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {1-15}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2301-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2301-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Naseri, B. and Fathipour, Y. and Moharramipour, S. and Hosseininaveh, V.}, title = {Comparative Reproductive Performance of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reared on Thirteen Soybean Varieties}, abstract ={Reproduction parameters for Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were determined and compared on 13 soybean varieties (DPX, L17, BP, Clark, JK, 356, M4, M7, M9, Gorgan3, Sahar, Zane and Williams) at 25±1ºC, 65±5% RH over a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. Reproduction parameters were estimated for individual newly emerged moths, which had spent their immature stages on different soybean varieties. The highest rate of gross fecundity was on M4 (2,238 eggs female-1), whereas the lowest value of this parameter was on Gorgan3 (467 eggs female-1). The gross fertility rate was the highest on M7 (782 eggs female-1) and lowest on Gorgan3 (149 eggs female-1). The net fecundity rate varied from 192 (BP) to 1,275 eggs (M7). The net fertility rate was the highest on M7 (586 eggs female-1) and lowest on Sahar (56 eggs female-1). The daily number of eggs laid per female ranged from 50 to 282 eggs, the minimum on Gorgan3 and the maximum on M4. Our results demonstrated that M9, Williams, Clark, L17, M7, M4 and Zane varieties were more suitable host plants for reproduction of the studied population of H. armigera. The other varieties examined showed less suitability as host plants for H. armigera reproduction.}, Keywords = {Helicoverpa armigera,Resistance,reproduction parameters,Soybean varieties}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {17-26}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3505-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3505-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {HoshyarFard, M. and DarvishMojeni, T.}, title = {Effects of Two Systemic Insecticides on Damping-off Pathogens of Cotton}, abstract ={In vitro and greenhouse studies were conducted to investigate the possibility of an interaction between two systemic insecticides of: Thiodicarb (Larvin DF 80) and Imidacloprid (Guacho SW 70), and seedling disease organisms of: Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme and Pythium ultimum. When in vitro concentrations of Imidacloprid and Thiodicarb were applied, a fungistatic activity occurred. These insecticides inhibited mycelial growth of R. solani and F. moniliforme by 6.6-14.1 % and 15.2-70.8 %, respectively. F. moniliforme was more seriously affected by the insecticides while no significant effect was observed on P. ultimum. The pot experiments confirmed in vitro results so that, Thiodicarb provided excellent protection against pre- and post-emergence damping-off of the plant by 54.2% and 90.6 %, respectively.}, Keywords = {Antifungal activity,Fusarium moniliforme,Imidacloprid,Pythium ultimum,Rhizoctonia solani,Thiodicarb}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {27-33}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-753-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-753-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Khashaveh, A. and Gusta, Y. and Safaralizadeh, M. H. and Ziaee, M.}, title = {The Use of Entomopathogenic Fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. in Assays with Storage Grain Beetles}, abstract ={Chemical insecticides have been widely employed for the control of storage grain pests. This has caused such problems as insecticide resistance along with contamination of foodstuffs with chemical residues. Thus, there is a growing interest in using pathogenic control agents as alternative. In this study, the potential of Beauveria bassiana (BbWeevil™, a commercial product containing 2×109 conidia g-1) was evaluated against adults of Tribolium castaneum, Sitophilus granarius and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. The experiments were carried out at the rates of 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 mg kg-1 and exposure intervals of 5, 10 and 15 days, in 24±2°C and 50±5% r.h. Fifteen 1 kg lots of grain (one lot for each exposure time-rate) were prepared and treated with the appropriate predetermined doses. Four 50 g samples of each were taken as replications and placed in glass vials. Thirty 1-7 day old adults were introduced into each glass vial. Following mortality count in each exposure time, the adults (dead and alive) were removed and the vials left in the same conditions for a further 45 days to have the progeny production assessed. Means were separated by employing Tukey´s Test (P= 0.05). All main effects (dose, exposure time and insect species) as well as associated interactions were significant (P< 0.01), with the exception of exposure time×insect, which was not significant. In all the experiments, mortality increased with increase in dose rates and exposure time with the highest mortality being observed after 15 days of exposure to 1,000 mg kg-1 concentration. These amounts were recorded 88.33±3.96, 78.31±2.15 and 64.99±4.4% for S. granarius, O. surinamensis and T. castaneum, respectively. S. granarius was more susceptible than the others, because the highest mortalities in each of the three exposure times and for all dose rates were observed in this species. The lowest LC50 value within the exposure times was determined 452.855 mg kg-1 after 15 days for S. granarius. Results achieved from progeny indicate significant differences only between rates and insect species. For all species, the highest progeny production was observed in rate 0 mg kg-1. The results obtained in this research recommend that BbWeevil™ could be used to control different grain storage pests but to find longer exposure intervals and higher rates are subject to further future research.}, Keywords = {Beauveria bassiana,Oryzaephilus surinamensis,Sitophilus granarius,Tribolium castaneum}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {35-43}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3818-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3818-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Naderi, R. and Ghadiri, H.}, title = {Competition of Wild Mustard (Sinapis arvense L.) Densities with Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer}, abstract ={A two year field experiment was carried out to evaluate the competitive effects of wild mustard densities growing with rapeseed (cultivar Talaye) under different nitrogen rates. Treatments were wild mustard densities (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 plant m-2) and nitrogen (N) rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha-1). The factorial set of treatments was arranged into a randomized complete block design with four replications. Rapeseed yield and the yield components decreased as wild mustard density increased. At 0 and 10 wild mustard plants m-2, grain yield increased with increasing N fertilizer up to 150 kg ha-1. At higher wild mustard densities, grain yield decreased above 100 kg N ha-1. These results indicate that increases in nitrogen application only increased the competitiveness of the weed versus the crop.}, Keywords = {Nitrogen rate,Weed density,Interference,Wild mustard}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {45-51}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9639-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9639-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Moeini, M. M. and Kiani, A. and Karami, H. and Mikaeili, E.}, title = {The Effect of Selenium Administration on the Selenium, Copper, Iron and Zinc Status of Pregnant Heifers and Their Newborn Calves}, abstract ={This study was performed to determine the effect of injecting selenium into pregnant heifers at the last stage of gestation on the serum Se, Cu, Zn and Fe status of the heifers and their calves. Fifty Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to one of five treatments. Four and two weeks before the expected time of calving, the heifers were injected intramuscularly 10 ml (T1), 20 ml (T2), 30 ml (T3), 40 ml (T4) of selenium and vitamin E, respectively. The control (C) group received no supplement. Each ml of the supplement© (Vet. Anim. Health BV) contained 0.5 mg Se as sodium selenite and 40 IU of D-L alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Blood samples were collected from heifers two weeks before the expected time of calving and on calving day. Blood samples of newborn calves also were taken from the jugular vein at birth and 7 days of age to measure the Se, Cu, Zn and Fe concentrations. The results indicated that the serum concentrations of Se increased in treated heifers compared with the controls. The selenium concentrations were significantly increased in the colostrum of treated heifers (P< 0.05). Zn concentration of both serum and colostrum decreased in the treated group compared with controls but it was not significantly different. Serum Se, Cu concentrations of calves of treated heifers increased during the first week of age but the serum concentration of Zn decreased in newborn calves at 7 days of age (P< 0.05). It seems that a high Se injection (T4) in pregnant heifers could increase the Cu and decrease the Zn concentrations and, thus, might disturb the Zn:Cu ratio which, in turn, leads to zinc reduction in heifers and their newborn calves. It can be concluded that a higher amount of Zn should be supplemented when more than 40 ml Se supplements are administered to pregnant heifers.}, Keywords = {Zn,Calves,Cu,Heifers,Interaction,Se}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {53-59}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6918-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6918-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Rafiee, Gh. R. and Hajirezaee, S.}, title = {Changes in Total Calcium of Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus Follicles during Different Stages of Germinal Vesicle Migration}, abstract ={The changes of total calcium content of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus follicles were investigated during different stages of germinal vesicle migration. Total calcium content increased during maturation and ripening of the oocytes i.e. migration of nucleus toward the animal pole. According to data, the total calcium of follicles with Polarization Index (PI: the ratio of the distance of the germinal vesicle from the animal pole over the animal-vegetal oocyte diameter×100) less than 5.2 (group I) were significantly higher than those in groups with 5.7< PI< 8.1 (group II) and PI> 9.4 (group III). Also, there were no significant differences observed in total calcium content of follicles with PI> 9.4 (group III) and follicles retained for 20 days in body cavity with PI> 10.5 (group IV). As well, there was a significant negative relationship observed between PI values and total calcium content of follicles. It is concluded that calcium is accumulated during the final oocyte maturation in Persian sturgeon.}, Keywords = {Calcium,Germinal vesicle migration,Persian sturgeon}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {61-66}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4549-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4549-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Dalvi, M. and Hamdami, N.}, title = {Characterization of Thermophysical Properties of Iranian Ultrafiltrated White Cheese: Measurement and Modeling}, abstract ={Information on the thermophysical properties of the Iranian ultrafiltrated (UF) white cheese is very limited. In this research, those thermal properties determined experimentally were thermal conductivity, specific heat, density and water activity. The thermal conductivity and specific heat of Iranian ultrafiltrated white cheese (IUFWC) ranged from 0.447 to 0.480 W m-1 °C-1 and from 3.871 to 4.005 kJ kg-1 °C-1 for temperatures varying from 1°C to 23°C and from 1°C to 40°C, respectively. Both thermal conductivity and specific heat increased with moisture content and temperature. A three-step model predicting thermal conductivity as a function of cheese composition and temperature was developed based on the parallel and Maxwell models. The effective thermal conductivity predicted by the model developed was in good agreement with the experimental data. The modeling of density and water activity using non-linear regression concepts showed that density was highly affected by salt concentration and temperature; water activity was also strongly dependent on salt concentration and moisture content.}, Keywords = {Modeling,Salting,thermophysical properties,UF cheese}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {67-78}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6914-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6914-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Ayoughi, F. and Marzegar, M and Sahari, M. A. and Naghdibadi, H.}, title = {Chemical Compositions of Essential Oils of Artemisia dracunculus L. and Endemic Matricaria chamomilla L. and an Evaluation of their Antioxidative Effects}, abstract ={The present study explores the chemical constitution and antioxidant activity of the essential oils of the aerial parts of Artemisia dracunculus L. and the flower heads of Matricaria chamomilla L. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of (Z)-anethole (51.72%), (Z)-β-ocimene (8.32%), methyleugenol (8.06%), limonene (4.94%) and linalool (4.41%) in Artemisia dracunculus and (E)-β-farnesene (24.19%), guaiazulene (10.57%), α-bisabolol oxide A (10.21%), α-farnesene (8.7%) and α-bisabolol (7.27%) in M. chamomilla L.. The antioxidant activity (AOA) of the essential oils was investigated using DPPH• (2, 2′-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods. The essential oil EC50 values were determined as 3.19±0.13 and 5.63±0.20 mg ml-1 for A. dracunculus and M. chamomilla, respectively. Further, the A. dracunculus L. essential oil (ADEO) and M. chamomilla L. essential oil (MCEO) were able to reduce the oxidation rate of soybean oil under accelerated conditions at 60 °C (oven test).}, Keywords = {Antioxidant activity,Essential oil,Artemisia dracunculus L,β-carotene bleaching,DPPH•,Matricaria chamomilla L}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {79-88}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11810-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11810-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Kashiri, H. and Haghparast, S. and Shabanpour, B.}, title = {Effects of Sodium Salt Solutions (Sodium Acetate, Lactate and Citrate) on Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) Fillets under Refrigerated Storage}, abstract ={Effects of sodium salt solutions on physicochemical and sensory characteristics of refrigerated Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) fillets during 12 days of storage were investigated. Fillets were dipped in solutions (2.5% w/v) of sodium acetate (SA), sodium lactate (SL), sodium citrate (SC) and distilled water (as control) for 10 minutes and then packaged. An assessment of TBARS, FFA, pH, heme iron and sensory attributes (flavor, color and odor) was carried out on 0,3,6,9 and 12 days past the storage time. Results indicated that TBARS values of each sample increased with the storage time (P< 0.05). Control showed the highest values of TBARS while sodium acetate sample had the significantly (P< 0.05) lowest figures among the treatments (1.04 for SA versus 2.34 for control). Lipid hydrolysis assessment revealed that the sodium salt treated samples, especially sodium acetate, acquired the lower FFA amounts (P< 0.05) as compared with control. No significant differences (P> 0.05) were observed among the pH values of the treatments. Heme iron assessment showed that the samples treated with sodium acetate contained more heme iron as compared with control. Sensory assessment revealed more desirable scores for the sodium acetate treated group as compared with others samples. The order for the sodium salt treated effects was: SA> SC> SL. As a consequence, sodium salts, in particular sodium acetate, might be considered as effective tools in preventing the quality degradation of the fillets, resulting in an extension of their shelf life.}, Keywords = {Antioxidant,Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus),Sodium salts}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {89-98}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4293-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4293-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Yousefi, B. and Tabaie-Aghdaie, S. R. and Assareh, M. H. and Darvish, F.}, title = {Evaluation of Stability Parameters for Discrimination of Stable, Adaptable and High Flower Yielding Landraces of Rosa damascena}, abstract ={In order to determinate appropriate stability parameters, six statistics were studied for flower yield stability of 35 Rosa damascena landraces in 8 locations over two years (2007-8) in Iran, using a randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications. A positive correlation between environmental variance (S2) and flower yield suggested that only low yield landraces develop a similar phenotype over a range of environments. The stable and adaptable landraces using the environmental coefficient of variation (CV) produced a flower yield about average for landraces or higher. Although all of the stable landraces by S2 produced very low yield, some of adaptable ones by CV (e.g. YZ2) showed high flower yield and stability simultaneously. A negative correlation was observed between CV and flower yield. The regression coefficient of yield over environments (b) was positively correlated with flower yield; the regression coefficients of all studied landraces were statistically different from zero therefore were not stable with static stability concept (b equal to zero). The stable and adaptable landraces according to dynamic stability concept (b equal to unity and Sd2 or variance due to deviation from regression equal to zero) produced a flower yield higher than average for landraces or near it. The superiority index (P) determined some of the highest flower yield as adaptable landraces. The stable landraces with the least variance of years within places (MSY/P) produced the least flower yield; because of a mixing of effects (year with plant age), MSY/P isn’t a favourable parameter for flower yield in perennial plants. Some high flower yield landraces were found (e.g. YZ2 and IS5) showing stability and adaptability with varying statistics such as CV, b, Sd2 and P. It could be concluded that a genotype can demonstrate both static and dynamic stability with high flower yield. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV), dynamic view statistics (b equal to unity and Sd2 equal to zero) and superiority index (P) are proposed as desirable parameters for evaluation of flower yield stability with different concepts in Damask rose genotypes.}, Keywords = {adaptation,Flower yield,Rosa damascena Mill,Stability parameter}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {99-110}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5724-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5724-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Khodarahmpour, Z. and Choukan, R. and Bihamta, M. R. and MajidiHervan, E.}, title = {Determination of the Best Heat Stress Tolerance Indices in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines and Hybrids under Khuzestan Province Conditions}, abstract ={Maize improvement for high temperature tolerance requires the reliable assessment of parental inbred lines and their combinations. Fifteen maize inbred lines were evaluated during 2007 and 2008 in Shushtar city (Khuzestan Province). The inbred lines were planted at two dates: 6 July, to coincide heat stress with pollination time; and 27 July, as normal planting to avoid high temperature during pollination and grain filling period. In addition, 28 hybrids from a combination of eight selected lines, were evaluated under the same conditions in 2008. Five stress tolerance indices, including mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance (TOL), stress susceptibility (SSI), stress tolerance index (STI) and geometric mean productivity (GMP) were used in this study. Data analysis revealed that the SSI, STI and GMP indices were the more accurate criteria for selection of heat tolerant and high yielding genotypes. The positive and significant correlation of GMP and grain yield under both conditions revealed that this index is more applicable and efficient for selection of parental inbred lines in producing hybrids to be tolerant to high temperatures and high yielding under both conditions. Based on two years’ data and using the STI, GMP and MP indices, K166B, K166A and K18×K166B proved to be the most heat tolerant lines and hybrid. Biplot analysis allowed us to distinguish groups of tolerant and sensitive inbred lines and hybrids. Based on the results of this study, the hybrid K18×K166B can be recommended for the Khuzestan region.}, Keywords = {Correlation,maize,Biplot,Heat stress,Tolerance index}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {111-121}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6969-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6969-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Samadi, A.}, title = {Effect of Particle Size Distribution of Perlite and its Mixture with Organic Substrates on Cucumber in Hydroponics System}, abstract ={The selection of a growing medium is one of the most important decisions in the culture of hydroponic crops. In order to select a suitable medium for hydroponic cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Negin), an experiment was carried out on growing media containing different particle sizes of perlite and organic substrates in a run-to-waste system in a greenhouse experiment. The growing media tested were: very course perlite (VC-P, 70% by volume in the range of 2-3 mm), course perlite (C-P, 70% by volume in the range of 1-2 mm), medium perlite (M-P, 70% by volume in the range of 1 mm), fine perlite (F-P, 70% by volume in the range of 0.5-1 mm), very fine perlite (VF-P, 70% by volume < 0.5 mm), sawdust (Sd) (100%), one mixture of VC-P and Sd (50:50, v/v), one mixture of VC-P and poplar chip (Ch) (50:50, v/v) and one mixture of VC-P and wheat straw (St) (50:50, v/v). The eight treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The results showed that there were significantly differences in the mean fruit weight, plant height, and leaf area of cucumber with respect to media containing very course (VC)-grade perlite (horticulture-grade perlite) and its incorporation with organic substrates, and media containing different grades of perlite (from very course to very fine-grade perlite). The incorporation of wheat straw (50:50) into VC-grade perlite brought decreases of about 35% in the mean fruit weight of cucumber, respectively. Media containing fine grade-perlite led to a significant increase in mean fruit weight (50%), plant height (25%), and leaf area (70%) of cucumber as compared with media consisting of very course-grade perlite. It was concluded that the medium containing fine-grade perlite had the best performance for cucumber plant growth.}, Keywords = {Cucumber,Growing media,Hydroponics,Organic substrate,Particle size,Perlite}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {121-129}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12072-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12072-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Prabu, P. C. and Wondimu, L. and Tesso, M.}, title = {Assessment of Water Quality of Huluka and Alaltu Rivers of Ambo, Ethiopia}, abstract ={The physico-chemical parameters, nutrient status and heavy metal ions of Huluka and Alaltu Rivers of Ambo, Ethiopia were studied. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, CO2 content, total dissolved solids, hardness, dissolved oxygen, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, nitrate, phosphate and sulphate have been determined along with selected heavy metals to assess the various water quality profiles along the rivers due to addition of various waste materials through anthropogenic activities. The majority of the parameters show an increasing trend progressing downstream and the declining quality of the rivers. The downstream samples have shown almost a three times increase in most of the measured physico-chemical parameters but fell within the recommended limits for drinking water except for dissolved oxygen and phosphate. Along the river course, most of the heavy metals fulfill the maximum permissible limit for drinking water according to the international standards except Cd and Mn.}, Keywords = {Ethiopia,Water quality,Heavy metals,Huluka and Alatu Rivers,physico-chemical parameters}, volume = {13}, Number = {1}, pages = {131-138}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1909-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1909-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Darbemamieh, M. and Fathipour, Y. and Kamali, K.}, title = {Population Abundance and Seasonal Activity of Zetzellia pourmirzai (Acari: Stigmaeidae) and Its Preys Cenopalpus irani and Bryobia rubrioculus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Sprayed Apple Orchards of Kermanshah, Iran}, abstract ={The population densities and spatial distribution patterns of Zetzellia pourmirzai Khanjani and Ueckermann and its preys Cenopalpus irani Dosse and Bryobia rubrioculus (Scheuten) were studied in a sprayed orchard in Kermanshah, a western province of Iran, from 31 May till 7 November, 2007. The interaction (density dependence) between the plant feeding mites and their predator was determined as well. Population density of the phytophagous mites and their predator were counted on 130 leaves (sampling unit) every 10 days. The mean population density of C. irani per leaf was significantly higher than that of the other mites. The population densities of C. irani, B. rubrioculus, and Z. pourmirzai were highest on 9 August (11.092 per leaf), 20 July (0.554 per leaf) and 30 July (1.385 per leaf), respectively. The index of dispersion, regression models (Taylor and Iwao), and Lloyd’s mean crowding to mean showed an aggregated distribution for all species. Some changes in the distribution from aggregated to random was indicated by Morisita’s index during different sampling dates. These changes showed that the spatial distribution of these mites can vary during the season. The smallest optimum sample sizes, calculated with Taylors' coefficients, were 20.806, 192.912, and 128.117 for C. irani, B. rubrioculus and Z. pourmirzai, respectively. Linear regression of predator to prey population densities showed a density-dependant predation by Z. pourmirzai on C. irani and on B. rubrioculus. In addition, a significant linear regression was obtained between temperature and the population fluctuations of these mites. The spatial distribution parameters of the tetranychoid mites and their predator could be used to improve sampling programs and to estimate the population densities of these mites and the efficacy of the predator being used in orchards IPM.}, Keywords = {Bryobia rubrioculus,Cenopalpus irani,Zetzellia pourmirzai,Population density,Spatial distribution}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {143-154}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11370-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11370-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Tahmasebi, M. and TavakkoliHashjin, T. and Khoshtaghaza, M. H. and Nikbakht, A.}, title = {Evaluation of Thin-Layer Drying Models for Simulation of Drying Kinetics of Quercus (Quercus persica and Quercus libani)}, abstract ={Drying characteristics of Quercus were determined experimentally as a function of temperature, air velocity, and variety (Quercus Persica and Quercus Libani). In order to estimate and select a suitable drying curve, five different thin layer drying models were fitted to the experimental data. Experiments were performed at the air temperatures of 50, 60 and 70°C. At each temperature level, two air velocities were adjusted: 0.5 and 1m/s. The effect of air temperature was found to be significant in comparison to air velocity for drying of fresh Quercus fruits. Increasing air velocity at constant air temperature resulted in the decrease of drying time. Among all the selected drying models, the Page model was found as the best mathematical model for describing the drying kinetics of Quercus fruits. Based on the results, drying temperature of 70 oC and air velocity of 1 m/s are the optimum values for drying Quercus fruit. Drying time and Page model constants were found to be dependent significantly on the variables studied.}, Keywords = {Drying kinetics,Drying temperature,Page model,Quercus,Thin-Layer drying model}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {155-163}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-279-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-279-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Salarmoini, M. and Fooladi, M. H.}, title = {Efficacy of Lactobacillus acidophilus as Probiotic to Improve Broiler Chicks Performance}, abstract ={This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, and intestinal microflora of broiler chicks. The dietary treatments were: basal diet as control 1; basal diet plus 1g. kg-1 of a commercial probiotic Bioplus2; basal diet plus 10 and 20 g kg-1 fermented milk that contained 2×108 cfu g-1 Lactobacillus acidophilus. To evaluate the effect of water alone on chick performance, equal volume of water in 20 g fermented milk was added to each kg of the basal diet (control 2). A total of 280 one-day old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 experimental groups of 4 replicates of 14 chicks each. The chicks were grown to 42 d of age. The result of the experiment indicated that feed intake in chicks fed diet supplemented with commercial probiotic was significantly higher than L. acidophilus probiotic. Weight gain for the chicks fed with the diet that contained 20 g kg-1 fermented milk was higher than the control chicks, in the first 3 weeks. There was no significant difference in feed conversion and weight of organs. The number of Lactobacilli in ileum and colon were higher in L. acidophilus treated birds than the control group and also the number of Coliforms was lower, but the effects were not statistically significant. The levels of blood cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotrasferase and alkaline phosphatase were the highest in the control group, but the effect was statistically significant only for ALT measured at 21 d of age.}, Keywords = {probiotic,Broiler chicken,Lactobacillus acidophilus}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {165-172}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9084-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9084-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {AbedElmdoust, A. R. and Farahmand, H. and Rafiee, Gh. and MajaziAmiri, B. and Mirvaghefi, A. R.}, title = {Masculinization of Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis ahli) Treated with 17α-methyltestosterone}, abstract ={The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of two procedures i.e. feeding and immersion followed by feeding, for masculinizing Blue Hap. Two experiments (experiments I and II) were conducted. In experiment I, feeding hormonal treatment was applied on post-yolk sac stage fry (10 days after fertilization at 27ºC). Dosages of 30mg (group A) and 60mg (group B) of 17α-methyltestosterone per kg of food were used during 60-day periods (40 fry per treatment). The control group i.e. group C, received no hormone. In experiment II, one day post hatching larvae were exposed to an immersion treatment in 17α-methyltestosterone at 1000 μg/l up to 2 h (16 larvae per treatment). Later, at the first day of post-yolk sac stage, the treatment was followed by oral procedure which was divided in 2 groups: group D and group E. In group D, 30 mg 17α-Methyltestosterone per kg of food was used during a 60-day period. In group E, fry received 60 mg of hormone per kg of food during the same period. The control group i.e. group F, did not receive any hormone. Change in sex proportion within each experiment as well as between experiments was analyzed by chi-square test (p<0.05). In experiment I, 60 mg feeding treatment significantly (p<0.05) increased the proportion of the males (85.7%) in comparison to the control group (46.67%). Lower male proportion (60%), but still significant (p<0.05), was evaluated in 30 mg feeding treatment. In experiment II, in both groups (D and E), although sex ratio was different from the theoretical 1:1 sex ratio, fish skewed toward sterility rather than masculinization because of high hormonal dozes. In conclusion, this study confirms that it is possible to achieve high rates of hormonal masculinization in Blue hap.}, Keywords = {Masculinization,Blue hap,17α-methyltestosterone}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {173-180}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9636-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9636-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Saremnezhad, S. and Azizi, M. H. and Barzegar, M. and Abbasi, S. and Ahmadi, E.}, title = {Properties of a New Edible Film Made of Faba Bean Protein Isolate}, abstract ={There has been a renewed interest in edible films made of renewable and natural polymers such as protein, polysaccharide and lipids. Natural polymers derived from natural sources like food protein, offer the greatest opportunities because of their biodegradability and their ability to supplement nutritional value of foods. Faba bean is a valuable source of protein and is cultivated in large quantities in Iran. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the potential of faba bean protein isolate (FPI) as a new protein source for preparation of an edible film and determined the effects of film forming solution pH and plasticizer concentration on the film properties. Results showed that increasing the pH improved mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation) and solubility of the films, but, caused the water vapor permeability (WVP) and lightness of the films to decrease. Plasticizer concentration did not affect WVP over the studied range. Elongation and solubility of the films increased and the tensile strength decreased by increasing plasticizer content of the film forming solutions. The lowest WVP and the highest tensile strength were observed at pH 12 and 40% (w/w of FPI) glycerol concentration.}, Keywords = {pH,Faba bean,Edible film,Plasticizer,Protein isolate}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {181-192}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10976-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10976-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Majzoobi, M. and Radi, M. and Farahnaky, A. and Jamalian, J. and Tongtang, T. and Mesbahi, Gh.}, title = {Physicochemical Properties of Pre-gelatinized Wheat Starch Produced by a Twin Drum Drier}, abstract ={Wheat starch is the most common type of starch in Iran as well as many other parts of the world with enormous applications in food and non-food products. To improve its physicochemical properties or create new functionalities, starch can be modified by changing its molecular structure. Amongst different methods for starch modification, physical methods have received more attention recently. Pre-gelatinization of starch is a physical method to modify the properties of native starch. The main aim of this research was to study the physicochemical properties of pre-gelatinized wheat starch produced using a small scale industrial twin drum drier. The results indicated that drum drying destroyed native starch granules, degraded molecular structure and reduced the degree of crystallinity of starch. Pre-gelatinized starch (PGS) showed cold water viscosity at 25 ºC, while native wheat starch was not able to increase the viscosity under this condition. It also increased water absorption and swelling of the starch compared to its native counterpart. Pre-gelatinized wheat starch can be used as a thickening agent in instant food products to eliminate heating stage in their production or in manufacturing of the products sensitive to high temperature.}, Keywords = {Wheat starch,Pre-gelatinized wheat starch,Physical modification,Physicochemical properties}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {193-202}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6978-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6978-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Goudarzi, Gh. R. and Saharkhiz, M. J. and Sattari, M. and Zomorodian, K.}, title = {Antibacterial Activity and Chemical Composition of Ajowan (Carum copticum Benth. & Hook) Essential Oil}, abstract ={Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to determine the chemical composition of essential oil obtained from dry fruits of Carum copticum. Thymol (36.7%), -terpinene (36.5%) and -cymene (21.1%) were found to be the major constituents of the oil. The anti-bacterial activities of the oil were mainly investigated against food poisoning bacteria (Salmonella thyphimorium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Entero-pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) by broth microdilution and agar diffusion methods. The oil exhibited significant anti-bacterial activities against all the examined bacteria. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the oil of Ajowan is rich in monoterpenes and it may be used as a natural anti-bacterial agent in drug and food industries.}, Keywords = {Essential oil,Carum copticum,Anti-bacterial activity,Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {203-208}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2622-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2622-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Er-Raki, S. and Chehbouni, A. and Ezzahar, J. and Khabba, S. and Lakhal, E. K. and Duchemin, B.}, title = {Derived Crop Coefficients for Winter Wheat Using Different Reference Evpotranspiration Estimates Methods}, abstract ={This paper reports the results of using three empirical methods (Makkink, Priestley-Taylor and Hargreaves) for estimating the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in the semi-arid region of Tensift Al Haouz, Marrakech (center of Morocco). The Penman-Monteith equation, standardized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-PM), is used to evaluate the three empirical methods. The obtained ET0 data were used to estimate crop water requirement (ET) of winter wheat using the crop coefficient (Kc) approach and results were compared with ET measured by the Eddy Covariance technique. The result showed that using the original empirical coefficients a,  and Cm in Hargreaves, Priestley-Taylor and Makkink equations, respectively, the Hargreaves method agreed fairly well with FAO-PM method at the test site. Conversely, the Priestley-Taylor and Makkink methods underestimate the ET by about 20 and 18 %. After adjustment of the original values of two parameters  and Cm coefficients in Priestley-Taylor and Makkink equations, the underestimation of ET was reduced to 9% and 4% for the Priestley Taylor and Makkink methods, respectively, which led to an improvement of 55% and 76% of the obtained values compared with the original values.}, Keywords = {Crop water requirement,Eddy covariance,Empirical method,Semi-arid Environment}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {209-221}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10114-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10114-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Bakhtiari, B. and Ghahraman, N. and Liaghat, A. M. and Hoogenboom, G.}, title = {Evaluation of Reference Evapotranspiration Models for a Semiarid Environment Using Lysimeter Measurements}, abstract ={An accurate determination of evapotranspiration is required for many studies that involve estimation of the water balance. One methodology is the use of lysimeters. Considering the semiarid climate of Kerman Province, in southeastern parts of Iran, the only operating electronic weighing lysimeter in the country was used for calculating daily ETo from April 2004 to March 2005 in three different periods, i.e. the entire year, and high and low evaporative demands periods. The measured error was equal to 1 kg mass, which is equivalent to 0.14 mm of water in the field. An automated weather station was used that provided 10-min recordings of the weather data to be used for predicting daily ETo with models. The lysimeter was installed in proximity of the automated weather station and both were located in a field with grass cover. The lysimeteric data were used for the evaluation of six grass evapotranspiration models, including FAO-56 Penman–Monteith, Penman-Kimberly 1996, FAO-24 Blaney-Criddle, FAO-24 Radiation, Makkink, and Hargreaves-Samani. The root mean square error (RMSE) and index of agreement (d) were used for assessing prediction accuracy of different models. Results indicated that for the entire year period, the FAO-24 Radiation equation was the most precise method for calculating ETo, with a RMSE of 1.63 mm day-1 and a d- index of 0.78. During the high evaporative demand period (April to September 2004) the FAO-24 radiation equation was superior compared to the other methods for calculating ETo with a low RMSE value of 1.86 mm day-1 and a d-index of 0.45. During the low evaporative demand period, again, FAO-24 radiation equation was superior compared to the other methods with RMSE of 1.30 mm day-1 and d-index of 0.46. In all of the three periods, the Makkink method showed poor performance and can not be recommended for the region.}, Keywords = {Evapotranspiration,FAO-56 Penman–Monteith,FAO-24 Radiation,Hargreaves-Samani,Lysimeter}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {223-237}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7524-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7524-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Javadi, S. and Kavehkar, N. and Mousavizadeh, M. H. and Mohammadi, K.}, title = {Modification of DRASTIC Model to Map Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution Using Nitrate Measurements in Agricultural Areas}, abstract ={DRASTIC model has been used to map groundwater vulnerability to pollution in many areas. Since this method is used in different places without any changes, it cannot consider the effects of pollution type and characteristics. Therefore, the method needs to be calibrated and corrected for a specific aquifer and pollution. In the present research, the rates of DRASTIC parameters have been corrected so that the vulnerability potential to pollution can be assessed more accurately. The new rates were computed using the relationships between each parameter and the nitrate concentration in the groundwater. The proposed methodology was applied to Astaneh aquifer located in north of Iran. Samples from groundwater wells were analyzed for nitrate content in thirteen locations. The measured nitrate concentration values were used to correlate the pollution potential in the aquifer to DRASTIC index. Pearson correlation was used to find the relationship between the index and the measured pollution in each point and, therefore, to modify the rates. The results showed that the modified DRASTIC is better than the original method for nonpoint source pollutions in agricultural areas. For the modified model, the correlation coefficient between vulnerability index and nitrate concentration was 68 percent that was substantially higher than 23 percent obtained for the original model}, Keywords = {Vulnerability,Modified DRASTIC,hydrogeology,Astaneh Aquifer,Nitrate pollution}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {239-249}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10411-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10411-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Heidari, M. M. and Kouchakzadeh, S. and Bayat, E.}, title = {Unsteady Free Surface Flow in Corrugated Drainage Pipes: Finite Volume Solution and Experimental Verification}, abstract ={A subsurface drainage network mainly carries unsteady flow and data are not usually available for model parameters calibration in such networks. In the present research, the finite volume method using the time splitting scheme was employed to develop a computer code for solving the one dimensional unsteady flow equations. Using corrugated sub drainage pipes, an experimental prototype setup was constructed to examine the numerical model response in predicting the observed unsteady data in such circumstances. The experimental setup components and the model parameters were calibrated in place based on steady state flow condition. The results revealed satisfactory performance by the abovementioned method and the scheme employed and justified its validity for field application.}, Keywords = {Unsteady flow,Corrugated drainage pipe,Finite Volume Method,Time splitting scheme}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {251-263}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4888-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4888-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Reyhanitabar, A. and Ardalan, M. M. and Karimian, N. and Savaghebi, Gh. R. and Gilkes, R. J.}, title = {Kinetics of Zinc Sorption by Some Calcareous Soils of Iran}, abstract ={The kinetics of Zn sorption by ten calcareous soils of Iran were measured and fitted to several equations (zero-, first-, second-, third-order, parabolic diffusion, simple Elovich, and exponential equations). Two initial concentrations of zinc i.e. 20 and 80 mg Zn l-1 were used and observations were carried out for 100 hours. The time required to reach the near equilibrium state was about 24 hours, by which time most of the Zn in solution had been sorbed. Zero-order, first-, second-, and third-order equations did not adequately describe zinc sorption kinetics. Both simple Elovich and exponential equations did adequately describe the data. Regression analysis indicated that the total CaCO3, active CaCO3, clay content, and specific surface area were closely related to the coefficients of these two equations. The magnitude coefficients of the equations were positively related to these soil properties. Thus, Zn sorption kinetics can be predicted from data collected during routine soil evaluation.}, Keywords = {Aridisols,Soils of Iran,Carbonate,Entisols,Kinetic models,Zinc sorption}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {263-272}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-579-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-579-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Hashemi, S. S. and Baghernejad, M. and Khademi, H.}, title = {Micromorphology of Gypsum Crystals in Southern Iranian Soils under Different Moisture Regimes}, abstract ={Gypsiferous soils occur in xeric, ustic, and aridic moisture regimes. Environmental conditions affect the mode of gypsum formation. Gypsiferous soils in Fars Province, southern Iran, are found in piedmont plains, flood plains, and alluvial plains. The objective of this work was to investigate the micromorphology of gypsum crystals formed under different soil moisture regimes. The results indicate that lenticular crystals of gypsum have been frequently found in more developed soils, whereas under aridic soil moisture regime such form is rare and they are frequently found in the subsurface horizons. Columnar, prismatic, and blade forms of gypsum are found in areas with aridic moisture regime, where soils are highly leached. Formation of gypsum pendant under gravels is dominant in piedmont plains with limited moisture in the profile. Complex gypsum crystals were found in low rainfall regions. It seems that surface runoff, as well as hydrological system of the region, transfers gypsum from geological sediments in higher elevations to coarse-textured soils of flood plains. In landscapes with xeric and xeric-aridic soil moisture regimes, lenticular, euhedral and subhedral crystals of gypsum were abundant. The results of this study indicate that, in addition to soil moisture, texture and landscape position play a significant role in the formation of pedogenic gypsum. Well crystallized gypsum was observed in soils with silt loam, sandy loam, and loamy texture. Observation of gypsic horizons suggests that the accumulation of gypsum took place under per descendum process in the soils studied.}, Keywords = {Gypsiferous soil,Gypsum crystal forms,SEM analysis,Soils of Iran}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {273-288}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1152-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1152-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Al-Mohammadi, F. and Al-Zu'bi, Y.}, title = {Soil Chemical Properties and Yield of Tomato as Influenced by Different Levels of Irrigation Water and Fertilizer}, abstract ={This research was conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the optimum combination of irrigation and fertilizer levels to attain the best yield and quality of tomato crop. The experiment was conducted by using a split-plot design with three replicates. Irrigation levels were applied to the main plots and fertilizer levels to the sub-plots. For each experimental unit, the irrigation levels were W1=8mm/day, W2=7mm/day, W3=6mm/day , and W4=5mm/day. Fertilizers treatments varied during the growing season. For the period after transplanting till flowering, the treatments consisted of weekly applications of F1= (N1, P1, K1, respectively, 9.8, 6.13, 7.35 g /plot), F2= (N2, P1, K1, respectively,14.7, 6.13 , 7.35g/plot), F3= (N2, P2, K1, respectively,14.7, 9.19, 7.35 g/plot), and F4=(N2, P2, K2, respectively, 14.7, 9.19, 11.0 g/plot). Fertilizer levels were increased as the plants developed during the growing season. Plant height and the number of flowers per tomato plant were measured during the growing season and at harvesting time. Random samples of tomato leaves and fruits were taken from each experimental plot to determine the percentage of dry matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents of fruits and leaves. Total yield during harvesting period and average fruit weight were also measured. Results indicated that irrigation and fertilizer levels had significant effects on the number of flowers per plant and W1F2 combination was significantly the most effective treatment compared to the other treatments. Plant height was not affected significantly by any treatment. The total yield significantly increased in W3F1 treatment. Average fruit weight was significantly higher in W2F3 as compared to the other treatments .The percentage of dry matter was significantly affected by the treatment W3F3 in both leaves and fruits. Total leaf contests of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium significantly increased in W2F4 treatment. Total nitrogen content in tomato fruits did not show any significant difference among different treatments, whereas fruit phosphorus and potassium contents significantly increased in W2F3 and W4F4 treatments.}, Keywords = {Tomato,Fertilization,Greenhouse,Irrigation levels}, volume = {13}, Number = {2}, pages = {289-299}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5824-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5824-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Gorjian, Sh. and TavakkoliHashjin, T. and Khoshtaghaza, M. H. and Nikbakht, A.}, title = {Drying Kinetics and Quality of Barberry in a Thin Layer Dryer}, abstract ={The objective of this study was to investigate dehydration kinetics of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) at different drying temperatures (60 ºC, 70 ºC, 80 ºC), air velocities (0.3 m s-1, 0.5 m s-1, 1 m s-1) with two types of pretreatment. Drying time and colour quality during dehydration were experimentally determined. Barberries were dried from the initial moisture content of 73.44% (w.b.) to the required moisture content of 18% (w.b.). Dehydration kinetics was monitored by measuring barberries weights at regular intervals. Convective drying curves were obtained for the treated and untreated barberries. The effect of two dipping pretreatments on drying kinetics of barberries was also studied. The two pretreatments were thermal shocking by immersing barberries in hot water, followed by cold water cooling, and dipping in olive oil and food grade K2CO3. Colour of the dried product was altered significantly during drying. The results indicated that the use of low temperatures is adequate for preserving this property. The air temperature significantly affected drying time and hunter colour indices of barberries (P< 0.05). With heat shocking and treatment with olive oil and K2CO3, drying time was reduced to about 40% and 60%, respectively. The total colour change (ΔE) and hue angle (H) increased with temperature. Moisture transfer from the test samples was described by applying the Fick’s diffusion model for calculating the effective diffusivity. The effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of barberry increased as the drying air temperature increased. The Deff values were higher for the treated samples than the untreated ones. These values were also higher for the samples treated with olive oil and K2 CO3 emulsion than those treated with hot water. The effective diffusivity of the untreated and the pre-treated varied between 2.57×10-13 and 9.67×10-12 m2 s-1, respectively. Higher colour change was observed in barberries treated with olive oil and K2CO3 emulsion. Statistical analysis showed that temperature and pretreatment had the most significant effect on drying time at p<0.01.}, Keywords = {Effective diffusivity,Barberry,Colour change,Dehydration kinetics,Pretreatment}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {303-314}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6666-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6666-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Maleki-Farahani, S. and Chaichi, M. R. and Mazaheri, D. and TavakkolAfshari, R. and Savaghebi, Gh.}, title = {Barley Grain Mineral Analysis as Affected by Different Fertilizing Systems and by Drought Stress}, abstract ={The effect of different fertilizing systems and drought stress during grain development on grain minerals of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was studied in field experiments on a clay-loamy soil during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. The treatments consisted of three irrigation regimes (main plots) of: Non-stressed (NS, normal irrigation continued until the end of plant physiological maturity), Moderate Stress (MS, irrigation ceased from the beginning of flowering to the beginning of grain filling stage and Severe Stress (SS, irrigation ceased from the beginning of flowering stage up to the end of physiological maturity) along with six fertilizing regimes consisting of no fertilizer application (control) (NF), phosphorous and nitrogen Biofertilizers (BF), 100% Chemical fertilizer (NPK) (CF), Vermicompost (VC) 5 t ha-1, 50% Chemical fertilizer (NPK)+50% Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1) (CV), and 50% Chemical fertilizer (NPK)+ Biofertilizer (CB), assigned to the sub plots. Drought stress significantly increased grain minerals of N, Zn and Mn by 12, 27, and 7% as compared with control (NS), respectively. Average grain nitrogen concentration in chemical fertilizer (CF) treatment was significantly more than those in the other treatments followed by integrated fertilizing systems (CB and CV). Phosphorous concentration in grains produced in BF fertilizer medium was significantly higher than those in other treatments. Grain Fe and Zn concentrations increased through vermicompost application. However, Mn concentration was higher in grains fertilized with chemical fertilizer. It can be concluded that in barley production under water deficit conditions, grain mineral quality could be improved through integrated fertilizer application.}, Keywords = {Drought Stress,Barley,Fertilizer,Grain mineral}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {315-326}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3841-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3841-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {PasbanEslam, B.}, title = {Evaluation of Physiological Indices for Improving Water Deficit Tolerance in Spring Safflower}, abstract ={In order to evaluate the physiological indices in relation to the screening of spring safflower genotypes for drought tolerance and productivity, seed and oil yields and yield components were measured for five genotypes including Local Arak, Local Esfahan, Sina, KH23 – 57 and Goldasht. The study was conducted in a loam soil in East Azarbaijan, Iran, during three successive years (2005-2007). Water treatments consisted of non-stressed and water deficit imposed from flowering (80% flowering) to maturity. Several physiological indices including relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance (Kl), leaf temperature, osmotic adjustment, and specific leaf weight (SLW) were measured. Considering the significant decrease of seeds in capitulum, 1000 seeds weight, harvest index (HI), seed and oil yields due to water deficit, it seems that drought decreased seed and oil yields mainly via declining these components of yield. Since RWC and Kl decreased and leaf temperature, osmotic adjustment, and SLW were increased significantly by water deficit, therefore these indices could reflect the stress effects during seed filling period. Among RWC, Kl, leaf temperature and osmotic adjustment, significant correlations were seen. Also significant positive correlations were found among Kl, RWC and SLW with seed and oil yield. Screening spring safflower genotypes by the abovementioned characteristics may lead to economically acceptable yields under water deficit condition. Among the genotypes, Goldasht, with 1,412 and 358 kg ha-1 seed and oil yields, respectively, had the lowest yield, associated with lower values of RWC, Kl and osmotic adjustment. Other genotypes had similar seed and oil yields, while Local Arak had the higher amounts of seed and oil yields, associated with higher values of RWC, Kl and osmotic adjustment. It is concluded that Local Esfahan, Sina, KH23-57, and especially Local Arak genotypes, can be used for cultivation in Khosro Shahr and areas with similar climate (cold and semi-arid in Koppen climate classification) under normal and late season drought conditions.}, Keywords = {Water deficit,Safflower,Physiological indices,Seed and oil yields}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {327-338}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4856-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4856-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Miranzadeh, H. and Emam, Y. and Seyyed, H. and Zare, S.}, title = {Productivity and Radiation Use Efficiency of Four Dryland Wheat Cultivars under Different Levels of Nitrogen and Chlormequat Chloride}, abstract ={The impact of climate change in the next few decades will increase risks of wheat production under dryland conditions. Therefore, it is important to find cultivars that are tolerant to these conditions and can provide reasonable yield under future climates. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) is the key factor determining the crop yield and is related to crop biomass and leaf area index (LAI). To obtain a high yield from a given cultivar under dryland conditions, it is necessary to achieve optimum RUE. In this study, the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (N) and plant growth retardant (chlormequat chloride= CCC) on LAI, dry matter accumulation, biomass yield, and RUE of four dryland wheat cultivars were examined. The field experiment was carried out during 2006-07 and 2007-08 growing seasons at the experimental agriculture research station of Shiraz University, Iran. The results suggested that different cultivars varied significantly in LAI, biomass and RUE under similar conditions and demonstrated the dependency of RUE on LAI and biomass yield. During 2006-07, the highest biomass production (431.2 g m-2) and RUE (0.99 g MJ-1 m-2) were obtained from Nicknejad cultivar, CCC application, and using 80kgN.ha-1. During 2007-08, the highest biomass production (333.5 g m-2) and RUE (0.76 g MJ-1 m-2) were obtained from Azar-2 cultivar, CCC application, and 80 kg N ha-1. Based on the results of this study, application of N and selecting cultivars resistant to late season drought stress could be considered for improving RUE in dryland farming.}, Keywords = {Nitrogen,LAI,Biomass,Chlormequat chloride,Dryland wheat cultivars,RUE}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {339-351}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6921-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6921-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Rahimi, S. and KamranAzad, S. and KarimiTorshizi, M. A.}, title = {Omega-3 Enrichment of Broiler Meat by Using Two Oil Seeds}, abstract ={A 42-d study was conducted to evaluate the influence of full-fat flaxseed (FS) and canola seed (CS) on broiler performance, fatty acid (FA) profile of meat, and the oxidative stability of meat during frozen storage. A total of 324 one-day old broiler chicks were randomly attributed to 6 experimental groups and fed iso-energetic and isonitrogenous diets as follows, C: control (soybean-corn); CS1: 7.5% CS; CS2: 15% CS; CS-FS: 10% FS+10% CS; FS1: 7.5% FS; FS2: 15% FS. Negative effect on performance parameters were found by diets containing FS and CS i.e. feeding oil seeds resulted in significantly (P< 0.01) lower body weight gain and higher feed conversion ratio, compared to the control. However, no significant differences of feed consumption were shown (P> 0.05) among treatments. Inclusion of FS and CS significantly increased (P< 0.01) the concentration of omega-3 fatty acid (α-Linolenic acid= ALA) and decreased the content of the arachidonic acid (AA). Total omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio was significantly lower for all FS and CS fed groups compared with the control (P< 0.01). Inclusion of FS and CS decreased the oxidative stability of raw meat (breast and thigh) during frozen storage period based on thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values (P< 0.01). In conclusion, by adding vegetable sources of omega-3 to the broiler chicken diets, the omega-3 fatty acid content of broiler meat can be increased, which may have beneficial effects on human health.}, Keywords = {Broiler,Performance,Oxidative stability,Fatty acid,Omega-3}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {353-365}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7930-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7930-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Fazaeli, H. and Golmohammadi, H. A. and Shoayee, A. A. and Montajebi, N. and Masharaf, Sh.}, title = {Performance of Feedlot Calves Fed Hydroponics Fodder Barley}, abstract ={This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of barley green fodder produced by hydroponics system on the performance of feedlot calves. In a completely block randomized experiment, 24 cross bred (Holstein×Local) male calves were assigned randomly to one of the two treatments (diets) that were either control (grain barley) or hydroponic barley green fodder (BGF) that was included to provide 22.8 percent of the total diet on dry matter basis. Seed grade barley was grown in a hydroponics chamber system where the growth period was adjusted for 6 days. Body weigh gain was not significantly different between the treatments, but the animals that had received the control diet had higher (P< 0.05) dry matter intake than those fed BGF diet. There was a tendency (P= 0.199) toward differences in feed efficiency due to dietary treatments. From economical point of view, feed cost increased up to 24 percent when the calves were offered BGF, because of the costly production of hydroponics green forage. Although the mass production of fresh fodder was about 4.5 times per kg of barley grain, this was due to water absorption during germination and growth period. Nevertheless, the dry matter obtained was less than the initial barley grain and further dry matter losses were found in the green fodder. These findings suggest that green fodder had no advantage over barley grain in feedlot calves, while it increased the cost of feed.}, Keywords = {Barley,Feedlot calves,Hydroponics green forage}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {367-375}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1471-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1471-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Deng, Y. and Song, X. and Li, Y.}, title = {Impact of Pressure Reduction Rate on the Quality of Steamed Stuffed Bun}, abstract ={Effects of three pressure reduction rates (PRR) of 103 Pa s-1, 197 Pa s-1, and 347 Pa s-1 on temperature distribution and variation, moisture content, and sensory quality of steamed stuffed buns were investigated after vacuum cooling. The distributions and variations of surface temperatures were determined by the thermal infrared imaging method. The temperature profiles presented significant differences in the average cooling rates of the different parts, depending on the PRR. Results showed that the greatest mass loss of 8.1% and the shortest cooling time of 288 seconds were found with the quickest PRR of 347 Pa s-1, while the least mass loss of 5.96% and the longest cooling time of 955 seconds were observed in the case of the slowest PRR of 103 Pa s-1. The pressure reduction rates had little influence on the changes of moisture contents in the crumb and stuffing. The sensory quality scores of vacuum-cooled buns at 103 and 197 Pa s-1 were higher than those at 347 Pa s-1.}, Keywords = {Moisture content,Sensory quality,Steamed stuffed bun,Thermal infrared imaging,Vacuum cooling}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {377-386}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5409-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5409-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Emadi, B. and Saiedirad, M. H.}, title = {Moisture-Dependent Physical Properties of Saffron Flower}, abstract ={In order to provide the data needed for the design of saffron processing equipment, physical properties of its flower were investigated. These properties included dimensions, mass, true and bulk densities, porosity, static and dynamic coefficients of friction, and terminal velocity as a function of moisture content. The average range of these properties for the three different parts of saffron flower was about 0.03 to 0.16 gcm-3 for bulk density, 0.55 to 1.56 gcm-3 for true density, and 85.2 to 95.5% for porosity. Also, the coefficients of friction were measured for three flower parts by using three surface materials including plywood, iron, and galvanized steel sheets. The minimum and the maximum values of static coefficients of friction were found on galvanized steel sheet. They were 0.8 and 2.14 for anther and stigma, respectively. The dynamic coefficient of friction ranged from 0.45 for anther on iron to 1.14 for petal on galvanized steel sheet. The variation range of terminal velocity for three different parts of the flower was recorded between 0.9 and 2.38 ms-1. The results of friction coefficients and terminal velocity measurements suggest that, based on these properties, design of a separator for saffron flower parts is feasible.}, Keywords = {Physical properties,Terminal velocity,Saffron flower}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {387-398}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6484-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6484-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Esmailzadeh, O. and Hosseini, S. M. and Tabari, M.}, title = {Relationship Between Soil Seed Bank and Above-ground Vegetation of a Mixed-deciduous Temperate Forest in Northern Iran}, abstract ={We assessed the size and composition of the soil seed bank and above-ground vegetation in 52 relevés representing a range of habitats within an old- growth, temperate deciduous forest at Hyrcanian region, northern Iran. We identified 63 taxa in the seed bank, with an average density of 4202 seeds/spores per m2 by seedling emergence method. Hypericum androsaemum, Cardamine impatiens, and Rubus hyrcanus, with Athyrium flix- femina and Pteris cretica as two ferns, were the most abundant species in the seed bank and spore bank that made up to 92 % of the seeds/spores recorded in the soil seed bank. Totally, 107 species were recorded in the vegetation and soil seed bank of the study site, of which 33 % were common in both seed bank and vegetation and 26 % and 41 % were found only in the seed bank or in the vegetation, respectively. The dominant tree species with many woody understory species found in the above- ground vegetation were absent from the persistent soil seed bank. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient revealed that the correspondence between the species in the vegetation and the same species in the seed bank were consistently low (average of 24.3%) based on presence/absence data. Yates- corrected c 2 test showed that sites present significant differences (P<0.001) in seed bank and vegetation species composition. DCA ordination of the above-ground vegetation and soil seed bank flora displays a clear pattern, with two distinct groups on the basis of the above-ground vegetation and soil seed bank floristic data. Our results explain the low similarity between soil seed bank and vegetation of the Darkola oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forest only to a limited extent, but confirm that most of the species of the above-ground vegetation do not depend on the persistent soil seed bank. Therefore, it may be concluded that the persistent soil seed bank is not capable of restoring the extant vegetation of the studied site.}, Keywords = {Antinutrients,Fermentation,Minerals,Protein,Sorghum lines}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {399-409}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9196-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9196-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Abdelseed, B. H. and Abdalla, A. H. and A.Yagoub, A. El-Gasim and MohamedAhmed, I. A. and Babiker, E. E.}, title = {Some Nutritional Attributes of Selected Newly Developed Lines of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) after Fermentation}, abstract ={Total energy, protein content and digestibility, antinutritional factors, and total and extractable minerals of normal sorghum (Type II) and four newly developed lines of sorghum (Eri-1, SHK-ABA-4, SHK-ABA-6 and SHK-ABA-10.) were studied before and after fermentation. Phytic acid and Tanin contents of raw flour of the normal sorghum were, respectively, 41.73 mg 100 g-1 and 170.54 mg 100 g-1, while the same values for the four lines ranged from 16.07 to 38.64 mg 100 g-1 and from 31.90 to 184.25 mg 100 g-1, respectively. Polyphenols content of raw flour of the normal sorghum was 604.56 mg 100 g-1, exceeding the values found for the four lines in the range of 476.46 to 544.44 mg 100 g- 1. According to our results, fermentation of normal sorghum flour and that of the new lines significantly (P 0.05) decreased the antinutritional factors i.e. phytate, tannins, and polyphenols. The total energy of raw flour of the normal sorghum was 369.87 Kcal 100 g-1 while it ranged from 367.23 to 372.57 Kcal 100 g-1 for the new lines. In all cases, this energy slightly decreased after fermentation. Protein digestibility of normal sorghum was 22.60% and, for the new lines, it ranged from 37.00 to 57.19%. After fermentation, protein digestibility and the total and extractable Ca, P, and Fe increased significantly (P 0.05) for all genotypes studied.}, Keywords = {Antinutrients,Fermentation,Minerals,Protein,Sorghum lines}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {399-409}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7737-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7737-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Valizadeh, M. and Mohayeji, M. and Yasinzadeh, N. and Nasrullazadeh, S. and Moghadam, M.}, title = {Genetic Diversity of Synthetic Alfalfa Generations and Cultivars Using Tetrasomic Inherited Allozyme Markers}, abstract ={Enzyme electrophoresis was used to measure genetic variation within, and divergence among, three generations of recently bred synthetic alfalfa generations (Syn1, Syn2, and Syn3) originating from a polycross of 12 selected parents and several cultivars. Three isozyme loci, exhibiting tetrasomic inheritance in 10-day seedlings, were detected from five enzymatic systems analyzed by polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis for about 100 individuals of each alfalfa population. Very high levels of heterozygosity (ranging from 0.521 to 0.699) were observed within alfalfa populations, using polymorphic loci. The reduction in heterozygosity was about 5% from Syn1 to Syn2 and from Syn2 to Syn3. The last open pollinated generation was found to be in W-H equilibrium as well as Gharayonja, a native ecotype under examination, using c2-test. Application of Wright's Fstatistics revealed that the estimated overall inbreeding coefficient, (FIT), of 9.4% was mainly related to inbreeding or double reduction in alfalfa (FIS= 8.61%) rather than random genetic drift or population differentiation (FST= 1.6%). Therefore, due to very large intra-population diversity, the breeding program of the synthetic alfalfa did not generate a large variety differentiation. However, the use of seedling allozymic loci can be applied successfully for estimation of the population genetic parameters.}, Keywords = {Genetic diversity,Alfalfa,Allozymes,Tetrasomic inheritance}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {425-430}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10596-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10596-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {NajafiPour, G. and Taghavi, S. M.}, title = {Comparison of P. syringae pv. syringae from Different Hosts Based on Pathogenicity and BOX-PCR in Iran}, abstract ={During 2007-2008, 58 strains of P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss) were isolated from various Prunus species and other hosts such as sugar beet, pear, quince, oat, millet, wheat, barley, and rice in Fars, Isfahan, Kohgiloye and Boyer Ahmad, Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiari provinces of Iran. The strains were tested for pathogenicity, the presence of the syrB gene and BOX PCR (BOX A1R primer). All tested Pss strains were pathogenic on peach seedlings regardless of their original hosts. A total of 58 isolates of the Pss and Pss IVIA 773-1 amplified a 752-bp fragment with the syrB primers. The results of analysis of the BOX fingerprints from P. syringae pv. syringae strains showed that the strains isolated from stone fruits, graminous hosts and pome fruits formed a relatively distinct cluster, which were separable from the strains isolated from the other hosts. Results of this study indicate the existence of a relative degree of host specialization within the heterogeneous pathovar Pss.}, Keywords = {BOX-PCR,Pathogenicity,P. syringae pv. syringae,Stone fruit,syrB gene}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {431-442}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3527-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3527-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Bayati, Sh. and Shams-bakhsh, M. and Moini, A.}, title = {Elimination of Grapevine Virus A (GVA) by Cryotherapy and Electrotherapy}, abstract ={The incidence of grapevine virus A (GVA) is reported from almost all of the major grapevine growing regions in Iran. Grapevine is vegetatively propagated by rooting of cuttings or grafting. In such plants, viral diseases are transmitted from stock plants to the progeny. Therefore, the control of grapevine viruses can be achieved primarily through production of healthy stock plants. In the present research, cryotherapy and electrotherapy were employed for elimination of GVA from naturally infected vine (Vitis vinifera L. cv Black) and their efficiency was compared. In cryotherapy, 59% of the shoot tips survived and regenerated into whole plants, of which 42% were free of GVA detected by RT-PCR. In the electrotherapy, the effects of electric current value and treatment duration were investigated on plant survival and virus elimination. The best results were obtained by using 30 milliamps (mA) for 15 minutes. With this treatment, survival and virus-free frequencies were about 62% and 40%, respectively. This is the first report of electrotherapy of grapevine shoot tips as a potential tool for GVA elimination. The results showed that cryotherapy was a more efficient and convenient protocol than electrotherapy for elimination of GVA from infected grapevine.}, Keywords = {RT-PCR,Cryotherapy,Electrotherapy,Shoot tips,Vitis}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {442-450}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1553-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1553-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Sadeghi, S. H. R. and Moatamednia, M. and Behzadfar, M.}, title = {Spatial and Temporal Variations in the Rainfall Erosivity Factor in Iran}, abstract ={Accelerated soil erosion is an undesirable process that adversely affects water and soil resources. Rainfall erosivity is an important factor in water erosion models. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to estimate the rainfall erosivity throughout Iran based on the latest available detailed rainfall data while considering its temporal and spatial variations. To accomplish this, the data from 18 synoptic stations of the Iranian Meteorological Organization, known to have reliable data and hyetographs with a 23 year common period, were accordingly analyzed. The kinetic energy of rain for each storm event was calculated based on Wischmeier and Smith’s original model, i.e. the USLE, and many of its modifications. Later, the rainfall erosivity factor was calculated on a monthly, seasonal, and annual basis using the calculated kinetic energy. The results revealed that the greatest risk of erosivity occurred in March, December, and November, as indicated by R factors of 0.228, 0.201, and 0.147 MJ mm ha-1 h-1, respectively, while June and August had the lowest erosivity factors, as indicated by R factors of 0.017 and 0.027 MJ mm ha-1 h-1, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of the spatial variations in R verified that the Anzali and Babolsar Stations, located in northern Iran, had the maximum erosivity values, with R factors of 11.518 and 4.260 MJ mm ha-1 h-1, respectively. Conversely, the Bam and Semnan Stations, located in the central and eastern Iran, had the minimum erosivity values, as indicated by R values of 0.201 and 0.212 MJ mm ha-1 h-1, respectively. The long term mean annual rainfall erosivity factor of Iran was ultimately found to be 1.226 MJ mm ha-1 h-1.}, Keywords = {IRAN,USLE,Rainfall Erosivity,Smith Method,Soil erosion,Wischmeier}, volume = {13}, Number = {3}, pages = {451-464}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2903-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2903-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Karkacıer, O. and GokalpGoktolga, Z.}, title = {A Case Study Investigating Farmers’ View Regarding Soil Analysis: Estimates Using a Logit Model}, abstract ={The objective of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of the Turkish farmers with regard to fertilizer usage. Farmers in the Kazova district of Turkey's Tokat Province were interviewed regarding their soil maintenance practices. The interview was based on a standardized questionnaire the answers being recorded at the time of interview. Simple random sampling method was used to determine the sample size of the research. According to the results, sample size was determined as 61 farmers. The fundamental question (dependent variable) was to determine if farmers have the soil in their fields analysed. The independent variables were: education level of farmers (EDU); whether the farmer shares information regarding fertilization (EI); whether the farmer sows according to the results of the soil analysis (SA); whether the farmer uses pesticides (UPI); and the level of concern the farmer has for production rate (PQ). With the exception of farmers' concern over production rate (PQ), all the independent variables had a positive effect on weather or not farmers have the soil in their fields analysed. The econometric model selected for the analysis is a binomial logit model in which the dependent variables take only two values: either 1 or 0. Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.7358.}, Keywords = {Farmer behaviours,Logit Model,Soil protection}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {467-476}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5461-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5461-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Keramatzadeh, A. and Chizari, A. H. and Moore, R.}, title = {Economic Optimal Allocation of Agriculture Water: Mathematical Programming Approach}, abstract ={Due to increasing demand for the scarce available water throughout the world it is an extremely important matter, in water management, to make serious attempts in determining its true economic value. This paper discusses the optimal allocation of water to agriculture, the relatively true economic value of water as well as the cropping patterns for the Shirvan Barzo (SB) dam area in North Khorasan Province of Iran. The analysis is based on linear programming (LP) and on multi goal linear programming (MGLP) models for determining solutions that can maximize net return to farmers. In the study, the priority of goals is developmental, social, economical, and environmental respectively. The results indicated that optimizing the cropping patterns along with proper the allocation of irrigation water has yet substantial potential to increase the net return from agriculture. It has already decreased the applied water as much as 19 percent. The results show that the economic value of each unit of agricultural water is estimated to be between 107 to 1296 IRR×104 per cubic meter. This suggests managing the allocation of water based on optimal models and bring water prices close to its true economic value to motivate the farmers to economize in the applied water.}, Keywords = {Economic value of water,Cropping pattern,Mathematical Programming Optimal Allocation,Sustainable irrigation}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {477-490}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8507-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8507-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {PezeshkiRad, Gh. and Alizadeh, N. and ZamaniMiandashti, N. and ShabanaliFami, H.}, title = {Factors Influencing Knowledge Sharing among Personnel of Agricultural Extension and Education Organization in Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture}, abstract ={The main purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing knowledge sharing among the personnel of Agricultural Extension and Education Organization in the Iranian Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture. A survey method was employed for the study, and 110 personnel randomly selected as a sample out of 140 who were busy working in the organization. Data was collected through a questionnaire employed as the tool of the study. The reliability of the questionnaire was determined as 0.93. The personnel were of the belief that knowledge sharing happened in their organization to a large extent. According to the study, there existed significant relationships between the factors of social trust, relational social capital and attitude toward knowledge sharing, and the dependent variable of knowledge sharing. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that relational social capital and attitude towards knowledge sharing could explain about 37 percent in the variations of knowledge sharing.}, Keywords = {Attitude,Knowledge Sharing,Relational social capital,Social trust}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {491-501}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11060-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11060-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Bagheri, N. and Keyhani, A. and Mohtasebi, S. and Alimardani, A. R. and Rafee, Sh. and Mansoori, G. H.}, title = {Design, Construction and Evaluation of a Fan Speed Controller in a Forced Convection Solar Dryer to Optimize the Overall Energy Efficiency}, abstract ={To increase agricultural crops’ quality and to minimize losses in the final product and used energy during the drying process, major drying system parameters should be continuously controlled. Precise control of such parameters is attained by using automatic control systems. To optimize the overall dryer efficiency in a forced convective solar dryer, a controller was designed, constructed and evaluated. The dryer fan speed was chosen to be the controlled variable. Based upon the mathematical relations and a monitoring of the air inlet temperature to the collector, the air outlet temperature from the collector and the air outlet temperature from the drying chamber, the dryer efficiency was determined. Using the dryer control program the current and the optimized dryer efficiencies were calculated, compared and the fan speed changed accordingly to maintain the optimized efficiency. Experiments were carried out in three replications (in three days) with the results showing that the system was capable of controlling the fan speed to obtain the optimum efficiency. The dryer equipped with the designed control system worked with its highest efficiency throughout the day. Statistical analysis showed that the control system highly improved the dryer efficiency throughout its operation at a 1% probability level.}, Keywords = {Automatic control system,Fan speed,Forced-convection,Optimum efficiency,Solar dryer}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {503-515}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8686-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8686-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Nikbakht, A. and TavakkoliHashjin, T. and Malekfar, R. and Ghobadian, B.}, title = {Nondestructive Determination of Tomato Fruit Quality Parameters Using Raman Spectroscopy}, abstract ={Tomato is a major fruit, as well as a major food science product. There is a need of determining the quality attributes of this fruit (nondestructively) due to the increasing demand of the in agro-industrially controlled areas. Most of the commonly employed techniques are time consuming and involve a considerable degree of manual work. Sample preparation, juice making, and laboratory tests are among the limitations. Raman spectroscopy was applied in this study to measure such important quality parameters of tomato as SSC, pH and color. A dispersive Raman instrument was employed and reference analyses were carried out to make calibration models regarding the spectral features and target attributes. Analysis of the spectra revealed that all the three characteristic bands of cartenoids, lycopene, and carotene, were significantly recognizable. Also there were several strong to medium bands recognized as related to carbohydrates. Principal Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Square (PLS) were selected as the multivariate calibration models. The prediction models proved to be robust resulting in a desirable mapping between the spectra and output attributes. The Root Mean Square Error of Predictions (RMSEP) through PLS and PCR for modeling the color index using the whole spectrum was obtained as 0.33 and 0.38, respectively. RMSEP for mapping the SSC using PLS and PCR models was resulted in respective figures of 0.30 and 0.38. PCA interpretation depicted that Raman spectra could make a favorable distinction among the samples based on their maturity stages. As a result, there is a great potential to use Raman spectroscopy in industrial approach and in line control.}, Keywords = {Tomato,Nondestructive,Quality attributes,Raman spectroscopy}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {517-526}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4685-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4685-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Rahimi, S. and TeymoriZadeh, Z. and KarimiTorshizi, M. A. and Omidbaigi, R. and Rokni, H.}, title = {Effect of the Three Herbal Extracts on Growth Performance, Immune System, Blood Factors and Intestinal Selected Bacterial Population in Broiler Chickens}, abstract ={A research study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three herbal extracts and an antibiotic –virginiamycin- on growth performance, immune system, blood factors and selected intestinal bacterial populations in broiler chickens. A total of four hundred and eighty 1-day old male broiler chicks were assigned to the basal diet (control) , basal diet supplemented with 15 ppm of virginiamycin, basal diets with a 0.1% dose of either thyme (Thymus vulgaris), coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), garlic (Allium sativum) or a blend of the three extracts in the drinking water. The highest and the lowest body weight and weight gain were related to virginiamycin and coneflower, (P< 0.05) respectively. The lowest and the highest feed conversion rates were respectively related to virginiamycin and coneflower (P< 0.05). Relative weight of bursa Fabricius in the garlic group showed a significantly more increase as compared with other groups, while the relative weight of spleen was unaffected by treatments. Cutaneous basophils hypersensitivity response (to phytohemaglutinin injection) and antibody response to Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) was higher in coneflower group (P< 0.05). Antibody responses to Newcastle Disease vaccine (LaSota) was unaffected by treatments but coneflower improved antibody levels (P> 0.05). Garlic (Allium sativum) significantly reduced the serum levels of cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride as well as significantly increasing the level of HDL. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) improved hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin concentration, but not significantly. The colony forming units of Escherichia coli in digesta of ileo-cecum in the blend group showed a significantly lower number compared with control. However, there was no difference observed in E. coli counts between blend group and others, except for control. The lactic acid bacteria counts in the thyme group increased as compared to other groups, except for coneflower (P< 0.05).}, Keywords = {Garlic,Performance,Blood factors,Coneflower,immune system,Thyme}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {527-539}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5732-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5732-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Zaghari, M. and Zaefarian, F. and Shivazad, M.}, title = {Standardized Ileal Digestible Threonine Requirements and Its Effects on Performance and Gut Morphology of Broiler Chicks Fed Two Levels of Protein}, abstract ={The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 8 levels of threonine (0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0 and 1.1%) and 2 levels of protein (17.5 and 20.5%) on growth performance, gut sizes and morphology as well as to estimate Standardized Ileal Digestible (SID) Thr requirements in Ross 308 males at 0 to 21 days of age. Chicks were randomized into 64 battery cages (5 chicks per replicate). FI was lower for broiler given the high CP diets as compared to those fed on low CP diets. BWG and FCR improved up to 0.7% Thr in both CP levels. Fitted broken lines indicated break points at 0.62 and 0.66% SID Thr for weight gain at 17.5 and 20.5% crude protein, respectively. Significant interaction was found between CP and Thr on relative weight and length of duodenum and jejunum (P< 0.05). Thr supplementation significantly affected villus height, epithelial thickness, goblet cell number and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum and ileum (P< 0.01). Low CP diets adequate in Lys, Total Sulfur Amino Acid (TSAA) supplemented with Thr may result in optimal BWG and FCR as well as in growth of intestinal length. Such parameters of gut functionality as microvilli height, crypt depth and epithelial thickness seemed to be improved with even higher levels of dietary SID Thr levels.}, Keywords = {Broiler Chicks,Gut Functionality,Standardized Ileal Digestibility (SID),Threonine}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {541-552}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7840-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7840-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Nazemroaya, S. and Sahari, M. A. and Rezaei, M.}, title = {Identification of Fatty Acid in Mackerel (Scomberomorus commersoni) and Shark (Carcharhinus dussumieri) Fillets and Their Changes during Six Month of Frozen Storage at -18°C}, abstract ={Changes in the fatty acid composition and biochemical indices of mackerel (which has a substantial lipid content) and shark (which has negligible lipid content) fillets stored at - 18°C for up to six months were measured. Lipid content was measured (6.35% and 1.38%) in mackerel and shark, respectively; however it decreased during frozen storage in both fish species. In analysis of fatty acids the amount of PUFA, especially -3 ones, was more predominant in mackerel than shark, nevertheless, fatty acid composition has changed in both species during frozen storage. The amount of saturated fatty acids in contrast with unsaturated fatty acids increased due to oxidation of PUFA. The decrease in PUFA compounds (40.1% and 23.94%) was as follows: -3 (48% and 42.83%), -3/ -6 ratio (41.36% and 50%), PUFA/SFA ratio (56% and 42.23%) and EPA+DHA/C16 ratio (55.55% and 46.66%) in mackerel and shark, respectively. For both species, tiobarbituric acid (TBA), peroxide (PV), free fatty acids (FFA) and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) values were significantly (P< 0.05) increased with storage time. The results showed that, among these indices, changes in the PV and TBA in mackerel were significantly (P< 0.05) larger than in shark; but changes of FFA and TVB-N in shark were significantly (P< 0.05) higher than in mackerel. It means that oxidative and hydrolytic deterioration are promoter factors of biochemical changes in mackerel and shark, respectively.}, Keywords = {Frozen storage,Biochemical changes,Carcharhinus dussumieri,Fish fillet,Scomberomorus commersoni}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {553-566}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2380-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2380-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Pezeshki, A. and Hesari, J. and AhmadiZonoz, A. and Ghambarzadeh, B.}, title = {Influence of Withania coagulans Protease as a Vegetable Rennet on Proteolysis of Iranian UF White Cheese}, abstract ={Extraction of protease from Withania coagulans’ fruits and the effect on proteolysis of Iranian UF white cheese in comparison with pure chymosin and fungi rennet (fromase) were investigated during ripening. The results indicated that, except for pH which was significantly (P< 0.05) lower in cheeses made with Withania coagulans, there was no significant difference observed among the cheeses produced with different rennet preparations as in moisture, fat and salt contents during ripening. The values of pH 4.6- SN and the Urea-polyacrylamide gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) pattern revealed severe proteolysis in cheeses produced with Withania coagulans’ enzyme as compared with animal and fungi rennets. The caseins s1- and disappeared in cheeses made with Withania coagulans enzyme preparations. Furthermore, a noticeable increase of soluble nitrogen in 12% trichloroacetic acid (SNTCA) was observed during ripening of cheeses made with vegetable rennet, probably due to an unspecific proteolitic activity of Withania coagulans enzymes as compared to other rennets.}, Keywords = {Proteolysis,UF white cheese,Vegetable rennet,Withania coagulans}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {567-576}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6432-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6432-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Jokar, A. and Karbassi, A.}, title = {In-house Production of Lactose-hydrolysed Milk by Beta-galactosidase from Lactobacillus bulgaricus}, abstract ={Crude Enzyme (beta-galactosidase) Extract (CEE) was produced by Lactobacillus ssp. bulgaricus CHR Hansen Lb-12 and was applied in sterile milk which had been processed through Ultra High Temperature method (UHT milk), for hydrolyzing lactose. Lactosehydrolyzed milk was also produced by a pure and commercially available betagalactosidase (Maxilact). Optimum quantities of CEE and Maxilact enzyme, for producing lactose-hydrolyzed milk, during 6 hours of processing, were 0.418 and 0.512 U ml-1, respectively. Using more than 0.418 U ml-1 CEE resulted in unacceptable acidity. Acidity of lactose-hydrolyzed milk produced through 0.418 U ml-1 of CEE was significantly increased from 15 to 17 ºD, while enhancement of acidity in lactosehydrolyzed milk produced through Maxilact enzyme was not significant. Total count of lactose-hydrolyzed milk by 0.418 U ml-1 CEE, after 6 hours of processing was significantly increased from 5 to 30 CFU (Colony Forming Unit). Sensory evaluation of lactosehydrolyzed milk and ordinary UHT milk (as control) did not show any significant differences with respect to acceptability of sweetness, taste, aftertaste and color.}, Keywords = {Beta-galactosidase,Crude enzymatic extract,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactose hydrolysis}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {577-584}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7080-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7080-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mangia, N. P. and Murgia, M. A. and Garau, G. and Deiana, P.}, title = {Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Pecorino Romano Cheese Produced Using a Selected Starter Culture}, abstract ={The effect of a selected autochthonous starter culture made up by Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis and Lactobacillus helveticus on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of Pecorino Romano cheese during ripening was investigated. The suitability of the experimental starter culture was tested at industrial scales in cheese-making trials of Pecorino Romano. Pecorino Romano cheese manufactured by use of scotta-fermento served as control. The lactic microflora increased significantly in experimental cheeses as compared to the control and this was also accompanied by a substantial decrease of spoilage microorganisms in experimental cheeses. Free amino acids (FAAs) were more abundant in experimental cheeses, arginine+g-aminobutyric acid and leucine in particular. These differences could be likely due to a different enzymatic activity of the selected starter culture as compared to the scotta-fermento used in the control trials. Oleic (C18:1), palmitic (C16:0), butyric (C4), stearic (C18:0) and myristic (C14:0) acids were the most abundant Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) detected in both brand of cheeses at the end of ripening. Overall, the level of FFAs in experimental and control cheeses did not show significant differences, even if the average values in experimental cheeses were always slightly higher than those recorded for the control. Moreover, the average content of FFAs of Pecorino Romano was found the lowest when compared with the other Sardinian PDO cheeses; most likely the high content of sodium chloride and the low aW of Pecorino Romano influenced all the lipase activities, even those present in the rennet paste. Despite this, the employment of the selected starter culture revealed useful to improve the physico-chemical features of Pecorino Romano while preserving its tipicity.}, Keywords = {Autochthonous starter culture,Free amino acids,Free fatty acids,Pecorino Romano cheese,Thermophilic microflora}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {585-600}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9309-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9309-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Ghaderi, N. and Talaie, A. R. and Ebadi, A. and Lessani, H.}, title = {The Physiological Response of Three Iranian Grape Cultivars to Progressive Drought Stress}, abstract ={Investigating the role of drought stress conditions on physiological characteristics of plant may provide means to understand basic drought resistance. Differences in leaf emergence rate, leaf relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), leaf mass area (LMA), net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), water use efficiency (Anet/gs) and recovery of gas exchange were investigated in two-year-old grapes of three Vitis vinifera L. cultivars ("Khoshnave", "Bidane-Sefid" and "Askari"), subjected to progressive drought stress (soil water potential: -0.2, -0.6, -1, and -1.5 MPa). The results showed temporary reduction in RWC, MSI, leaf emergence rate, LMA, Anet, gs and E. Ci decreased with increasing drought stress. "Khoshnave" grape showed a higher photosynthesis rate than "Bidane-Sefid" and "Askari". Higher LMA of "Khoshnave" may be attributed to the potential for carbon absorbance and higher Anet as compared to the other two cultivars. Complete recovery of Anet for all cultivars occurred one day after rewatering at -0.6 MPa and four days after rewatering at -1 MPa treatments. Complete recovery of gs was not observed in either one or four days after rewatering except for "Askari". The results showed that Anet of "Khoshnave" recovered quickly as compared to those in the other two cultivars. Water use efficiency was maximum in all cultivars under -1 MPa treatment. Similar patterns of Anet/gs were observed for the three cultivars. "Khoshnave" had higher Anet/gs as compared to "Askari" and "Bidane-Sefid" under severe drought stress conditions. "Khoshnave" cultivar, with a higher Anet, higher leaf emergence rate, higher LMA, rapid recovery of Anet, higher Anet/gs was found to be promising for cultivation in rain-fed areas across the west of Iran in comparison with the other cultivars.}, Keywords = {Drought Stress,Grapevine,Gas exchange,LMA,Water use efficiency}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {601-609}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5382-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5382-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Arzani, K. and Khoshghalb, H. and Malakouti, M. J. and Barzegar, M.}, title = {Total Oxalate-Soluble Pectin Concentration in Asian Pear (Pyrus serotina Rehd) Fruit in Relation to Ripening, Storage and Internal Browning Disorder}, abstract ={Oxalate Soluble Pectin (OSP) is related to fruit firmness with respect to the chelation of calcium ions with carboxyl groups of adjacent polyuronide chains. This study was carried out to explore the effect of time of fruit harvest, foliar spray with CaCl2 during growing season on OSP, Polygalacturonase Activity (PGA), fruit firmness and the effects on fruit shelf life, quality and Internal Browning (IB) disorder. Fruit samples were collected from Asian pear (Pyrus serotina Rehd.) trees ‘KS’9 and ‘KS’13 on European pear (Pyrus communis L.) seedling rootstocks. Fruits were picked on the 1st and 15th August, 2006 and stored at 1ºC and 80-85% relative humidity (RH). Five stages of extraction were performed on fruit samples including one pre-harvest, one at the time of harvest, and three following fruit harvest. Results indicated that OSP increased slightly during fruit ripening as well as during storage. In both the studied cultivars, the level of OSP in fruit harvested fifteen days after Optimum Time for Harvest (OTH) was higher than that harvested at OTH. The level of OSP in fruit softened after harvest significantly increased starting from the time of harvest. The relationship between flesh firmness, IB and OSP concentration showed the highest correlations in the both of the studied cultivars among PGA. In conclusion, flesh firmness and IB were correlated with the extent of OSP concentration. In addition, fruit, sprayed with CaCl2 and harvested early, contained less OSP, PGA and IB following long-term storage.}, Keywords = {Firmness,Polygalacturonase activity,Softening,Soluble solid concentration,storage,Titratable acids}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {613-628}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1069-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1069-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Khashei-Siuki, A. and Kouchkzadeh, M. and Ghahraman, B.}, title = {Predicting Dryland Wheat Yield from Meteorological Data Using Expert System, Khorasan Province, Iran}, abstract ={Khorasan Province is one of the most important provinces of Iran, especially as regards agricultural products. The prediction of crop yield with available data has important effects on socio-economic and political decisions at the regional scale. This study shows the ability of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technology and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) for the prediction of dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield, based on the available daily weather and yearly agricultural data. The study area is located in Khorasan Province, north-east of Iran which has different climate zones. Evapotranspiration, temperature (max, min, and dew temperature), precipitation, net radiation, and daily average relative humidity for twenty-two years at nine synoptic stations were the weather data used. The potential of ANN and Multi-Layered Preceptron (MLP) methods were examined to predict wheat yield. ANFIS and MLP models were compared by statistical test indices. Based on these results, ANFIS model consistently produced more accurate statistical indices (R2= 0.67, RMSE= 151.9 kg ha-1, MAE= 130.7 kg ha-1), when temperature (max, min, and dew temperature) data were used as independent variables for prediction of dryland wheat yield.}, Keywords = {Artificial Neural Network,Prediction,ANFIS,Dryland wheat yield,Khorasan,Multi-layered preceptron}, volume = {13}, Number = {4}, pages = {627-640}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5737-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5737-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Özpınar, S. and Ozpinar, A.}, title = {Influence of Tillage and Crop Rotation Systems on Economy and Weed Density in a Semi-arid Region}, abstract ={A long-term rotation experiment was established in 2001 to compare conservation or reduced tillage systems (shallow rototiller and chisel tillage) with conventional tillage system using mouldboard plough in a semi-arid region with Mediterranean climate. Field experiments were conducted to determine weed density and profitability of cropping systems in a crop rotation of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-winter vetch (Vicia sativa L.) from 2001 to 2004 and winter wheat-winter vetch/summer maize (Zea mays L.) from 2004 to 2009. Results indicated that, rototiller markedly increased total weed density, as compared with mouldboard plough, by 72% and 58% in maize and vetch, respectively, while total weed density was statistically similar for the three tillage systems in wheat. Maize yield was significantly higher for rototiller and the lowest for chisel compared to mouldboard plough, but, there were no significant differences in wheat yield between the two tillage systems. Chisel and mouldboard plough resulted in a high yield of vetch in the last five years of the vetch growing season, but there were no significant differences in yield between tillage systems in the first three growing seasons of the crop. Based on market returns, gross margin over production costs were significantly higher for rototiller in wheat and maize when compared with mouldboard plough by 20.7% and 15.3%, respectively. Chisel production costs were similar to rototiller and lower than plough; but, chisel had a gross margin similar to mouldboard plough and higher than rototiller, in both vetch growing seasons. Time savings were 43% and 47% for rototiller and chisel, respectively, as compared with plough in wheat. The corresponding values in vetch and maize were, for rototiller, 46% and 50%, and, for chisel, 28% and 32%, respectively.}, Keywords = {Crop rotation,Tillage systems,Weed density,Mediterranean,Production costs}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {0-0}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5381-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5381-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Jafari, M. and Hemmat, A. and Sadeghi, M.}, title = {Comparison of Coefficient of Variation with Non-uniformity Coefficient in Evaluation of Grain Drills}, abstract ={External fluted feed rolls are commonly used in grain drills. The fluted feed roll meters a volume of seeds and does not singulate the seeds as do the precision planters; therefore, there will be inherent variation in the number of seeds delivered per unit of time. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of seed meter drive shaft and ground speeds and outlet positions in a grain drill on the variation in wheat seeding rate and seed flow evenness from various outlets in short time intervals using the coefficient of variation (CV) and the non-uniformity coefficient (NUC). In this study, a grain drill with straight fluted metering mechanisms was evaluated on a test rig. Two rotational speeds of 16 and 23 rpm and two speeds of 2.5 and 3.6 km h-1were selected for the seed meter drive shaft and the movement of the test rig, respectively. The results showed that, for a given test rig speed, the seeding rate changed proportional to the seed meter drive shaft speed, whereas for a constant speed of seed meter drive shaft, the seeding rate decreased as the speed of the test rig increased. Also, the seeding rates from all outlets were not the same. Outputs of some of the outlets were autocorrelated, for which selecting 12 or 24 seed samples randomly out of 36 consecutive samples were not essentially non-autocorrelated. Increasing rotational speed of seed meter drive shaft significantly increased the coefficient of uniformity of all outlets. The seed breakage was significantly increased with the speed of seed meter drive shaft. The CV and NUC exhibited similar trends. It can, therefore, be concluded that in grain drill evaluation, either CV or NUC could be used as an index of seed flow non-uniformity.}, Keywords = {Autocorrelation,Coefficient of variation,Grain drill,Non-uniformity coefficient}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {643-654}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-98-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-98-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Tulek, Y.}, title = {Drying Kinetics of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in a Convective Hot Air Dryer}, abstract ={The objective of this study was to investigate the drying kinetics of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus Mushrooms were dried using a cabinet-type convective dryer. Air temperatures of 50, 60 and 70 oC were used for the drying experiments. The experimental drying data were fitted to different theoretical models to predict the drying kinetics. Nonlinear regression analysis was performed to relate the parameters of the model with the drying conditions. The performance of these models was evaluated by comparing the correlation coefficient (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and the chi-square (χ2) between the observed and the predicted moisture ratios. Among all the models, the model of Midilli et al. was found to have the best fit in this study. Effective moisture diffusivities (Deff), diffusivity constant (D0) and activation energy (Ea) were calculated. The Deff varied from 9. 619x10-10 to 1.556x10-9 m2s-1 over the temperature range studied and Ea was 22.228 kJ mol -1.}, Keywords = {Drying kinetics,Effective diffusivity,Activation Energy,Oyster mushroom,Thin-layer drying models}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {655-664}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9402-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9402-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Shahbazi, F.}, title = {Resistance of Bulk Chickpea Seeds to Airflow}, abstract ={Knowledge of resistance to airflow through agricultural products is an important consideration in the design of drying, cooling, or aeration systems and proper fan selection for these systems. Resistance to airflow of bulk chickpea seeds was studied at moisture contents in the range of 9.21 to 21.36 % (wet basis) for airflow rate range from 0.02 to 0.50 m3 s-1 m-2, using an experimental test column. The effects of airflow rate, bed depth (0.25 to 1 m) fill method (loose and dense) and moisture content on airflow resistance of chickpea samples were investigated. Results indicated that the airflow resistance of chickpea seeds increased with increase in airflow rate, bed depth, and decreased moisture content. One percent increase in moisture content decreased the pressure drop about 2.94%. The dense fill method resulted in an increase in resistance to airflow by about 33.17% more than that of the loose fill. Three models (Shedd’s, Hukill and Ives’s, and Ergun’s models) were fitted to the experimental data at each moisture level and were examined with two parameters. Shedd’s model that gave a higher value for the coefficient of determination and a lower value for the mean relative percentage error of pressure drop predication was found to be the best model to describe airflow resistance of chickpea seeds.}, Keywords = {Airflow resistance,Moisture content,Airflow rate,Chickpea seeds,Fill method}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {665-676}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8834-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8834-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Amanlou, Y. and Zomorodian, A.}, title = {Resistance to Air Flow across a Thin Green Fig Bed}, abstract ={Green fig, which is usually consumed as dry fruit, is one of the important non-oil export agricultural commodities of Iran. In this study, some important physical properties of green figs including geometric mean diamter, sphericity, porosity, particle and bulk density and pressure drop across a thin bed were measured at constant moisture content of 6% (dry basis). Air flow ranges used in this study were 0.4-1.0 m3 s-1 m-2 at three temperatures. The fig kernels were put together in thin layers in four different arrangements. The effect of filling methods and air flow rates on pressure drop were highly significant, while the air temperature did not show any appreciable effect on air flow resistance. Three applicable and most versatile models (Shedd, Hukill and Ives, and Ergun) were used to evaluate the pressure drop data. The Ergun model, with higher values of coefficient of determination (R2= 0.989) and lower value of root mean square error (RMSE= 21.84) and mean relative deviation modulus (P%= 6.69), was selected to be the best model for predicting pressure drop across green figs thin layer bed for the conditions studied.}, Keywords = {Physical properties,Pressure drop,Filling arrangement,Ergun model}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {677-685}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6785-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6785-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Deng, Ch. and Zhang, G. and Pan, X.}, title = {Photosynthetic Responses in Reed (Phragmites australis (CAV.) TRIN. ex Steud.) Seedlings Induced by Different Salinity-Alkalinity and Nitrogen levels}, abstract ={Many Phragmites-dominated wetlands have been markedly salinized and alkalinized in the Songnen Plain, northeastern China. Agricultural wastewater with high nitrogen content has been discharged into these alkalinized-salinized wetlands. To understand the effect of salinity-alkalinity on reed (Phragmites australis) seedlings at various nitrogen levels, we examined photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, and chlorophyll content of reed seedlings using gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence tests. The greatest decreases (by 82%, 15%, 82% and 98%) of net photosynthesis rate (Pn), maximal efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (FV/FM), comprehensive photosynthesis performance index (PIABS) and plant height growth rate were observed at high salinity-alkalinity (mixed with 150 mM NaCl and 100 mM NaHCO3). Stomatal limitation was the main reason for decreased photosynthesis rate at low salinity-alkalinity (mixed with 50 mM NaCl and 25 mM NaHCO3). The activity of PSII was significantly inhibited at high salinity-alkalinity. Both donor and acceptor sides of PSII are the target sites of high salinity-alkalinity. High N (30 mM) at low salinity-alkalinity and moderate N (15 mM) at high salinity-alkalinity mitigated the toxicity of salinity-alkalinity on reeds and promoted plant height growth, chlorophyll synthesis, and PSII activity. Proper levels of N partly reduced the toxicity of salinity-alkalinity on the donor and acceptor sides of PSII. This suggests that agricultural wastewater containing high level of nitrogen may be helpful in restoration of Phragmites-dominated salinized wetland, though the N level needed for salinity-alkalinity stressed reed varies with the salinity-alkalinity level.}, Keywords = {Chlorophyll fluorescence,Nitrogen,Gas exchange,Alkalinized-salinized wetlands,Phragmites australis}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {687-699}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1590-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1590-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Esmailizadeh, A. and MiraeiAshtiani, S. R. and S.Mokhtari, M. and AsadiFozi, M.}, title = {Growth Performance of Crossbred Lambs and Productivity of Kurdi Ewes as Affected by the Sire Breed under Extensive Production System}, abstract ={A crossbreeding experiment involving four Iranian fat-tailed sheep breeds, namely Kurdi (K), Chaal (C), Afshari (A) and Sanjabi (S) was carried out to determine the ram breed effects on productivity of Kurdi fat-tailed ewes (K) under extensive production system. A total of 475 Kurdi ewes were mated to 24 rams from four breeds producing 454 lambs including pure Kurdi, KK, (116 lambs), Afshari × Kurdi, AK, (113 lambs), Chaal × Kurdi, CK, (115 lambs) and Sanjabi × Kurdi crossbreds, SK, (110 lambs). Ram breed had a significant influence on early growth traits of the lambs (P < 0.01). The lambs sired by C rams were significantly heavier at birth and weaning than the other lambs (P < 0.05). Weight at 180 days of age (W180) in crossbred lambs was significantly higher than that of the purebred lambs (P < 0.05) while there was no significant difference among crossbred lambs for W180. Greasy fleece weight of lambs at first shearing (GFW) was significantly affected by ram breed (P < 0.05). Ram breed significantly influenced the fat-tail measurements of the lambs (P < 0.01). Number of lambs born and number of lambs weaned per ewe lambed or per ewe joined were not significantly influenced by ram breed effect, but the effect of ram breed on litter weight at birth and weaning per ewe lambed or per ewe joined was significant (P < 0.05). In general, ewes mated to Chaal ram had higher productivity than those mated to other ram genetic groups.}, Keywords = {Crossbreeding,Early growth traits,Fat-tail measurements,Productivity of ewe}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {701-708}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4909-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4909-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Abarghoei, M. and Rouzbehan, Y. and Alipour, D.}, title = {Nutritive Value and Silage Characteristics of Whole and Partly Stoned Olive Cakes Treated with Molasses}, abstract ={This study was conducted to determine the nutritive value of fresh and ensiled whole and partly stoned olive cake (OC) with or without molasses i.e., 0 and 50 gkg-1 on fresh basis. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin (sa), ether extract (EE), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and total phenols (TPH) of all treatments were determined by laboratory analysis. Additionally, pH and the concentration of ammonia-N, lactic acid, and volatile fatty acids were measured in the ensiled treatments. An in vitro gas production for 24 h was used to estimate organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy content. Ensiling OC decreased (P<0.05) DM, pH, EE, WSC, TPH and OMD, and increased (P<0.05) NDF, ADF and lignin (sa) contents. Addition of molasses decreased (P<0.05) OM, NDF, ADF, lignin (sa) and pH, but increased (P<0.05) DM, WSC, OMD and lactic acid. In conclusion, based on these results, the potential to use of OC as a feed in diets of ruminants is limited.}, Keywords = {Ensiling,molasses,Nutritive value,Olive cake}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {709-716}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-512-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-512-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Vafakhah, M. and MohseniSaravi, M.}, title = {Optimizing Management of Soil Erosion in Orazan Sub-basin, Iran}, abstract ={Land use optimization is one of the appropriate methods for soil conservation programs that allow watershed managers and decision makers to choose the best land use practices. With the objective of optimizing land use to minimize soil erosion, the present research was conducted in one of the Taleghan sub-basins in Iran, namely, Orazan sub-basin, with an area of 2,706 ha. To achieve the objective, the area, the erosion rate, and the net income value of each land use was assessed according to the pertinent standards. Then, limitations and objective functions were determined and the optimization problem was solved by using Steuer method (1995) and ADBASE software. The results revealed that optimizing land use while taking into consideration the legal restrictions (Article 56 of The Forest and Rangeland Nationalization Law) leads to a decrease of 10.29 percent in erosion rate (from 18253.39 t y-1 to 16373.51 t y-1) and 17.71 percent lower net income(from 2,382.12 to 1,960.28 million Rials). In contrast, optimization without consideration to legal restrictions would result in 22.24 percent increase in the net income and 6.93 percent decrease in erosion rate.}, Keywords = {Erosion,Land use,ADBASE software,optimization,Orazan sub-basin,Steuer method}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {717-726}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6309-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6309-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Ayoubi, S. and Khormali, F. and Sahrawat, K. L. and RodriguesdeLima, A. C.}, title = {Assessing Impacts of Land Use Change on Soil Quality Indicators in a Loessial Soil in Golestan Province, Iran}, abstract ={A study was conducted to determine suitable soil properties as soil quality indicators, using factor analysis in order to evaluate the effects of land use change on loessial hillslope soils of the Shastkola District in Golestan Province, northern Iran. To this end, forty surface soil (0-30 cm) samples were collected from four adjacent sites with the following land uses systems: (1) natural forest, (2) cultivated land, (3) land reforested with olive, and (4) land reforested with Cupressus. Fourteen soil chemical, physical, and biological properties were measured. Factor analysis (FA) revealed that mean weight diameter (MWD), water stable aggregates (WSA), soil organic matter (SOM), and total nitrogen (TN) were suitable for assessing the soil quality in the given ecosystem for monitoring the land use change effects. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean comparison showed that there were significant (P< 0.01) differences among the four treatments with regard to SOM, MWD, and sand content. Clearing of the hardwood forest and tillage practices during 40 years led to a decrease in SOM by 71.5%. Cultivation of the deforested land decreased MWD by 52% and increased sand by 252%. The reforestation of degraded land with olive and Cupressus increased SOM by about 49% and 72%, respectively, compared to the cultivated control soil. Reforestation with olive increased MWD by 81% and reforestation with Cupressus increased MWD by 83.6%. The study showed that forest clearing followed by cultivation of the loessial hilly slopes resulted in the decline of the soil quality attributes, while reforestation improved them in the study area.}, Keywords = {Land use change,Factor analysis,Reforestation,Soil quality}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {727-742}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11795-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11795-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Tavajjoh, M. and Yasrebi, J. and Karimian, N. and Olama, V.}, title = {Phytic Acid Concentration and Phytic Acid: Zinc Molar Ratio in Wheat Cultivars and Bread Flours, Fars Province, Iran}, abstract ={Consumption of whole-wheat breads prepared from high extraction flours is recommended because of their high content of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Despite the beneficial effects of these breads, they contain high amounts of undesirable compounds like Phytic Acid (PA) which is believed to negatively interfere with the absorption of some such nutrients as zinc (Zn). Wheat genotypes are different in their PA and Zn concentrations; therefore, cereal-based foods may be prepared using grains of low PA and high Zn. Fars Province is ranked first in Iran in terms of wheat production. It is, therefore, important to evaluate the PA and Zn status of the wheat cultivars common in the province. Seventeen wheat cultivars obtained from Genotype Improvement Department of Fars Agricultural Research Center, Zarghan, Iran were employed in the study. These cultivars that are commonly used by local farmers were grown in test plots under identical conditions. A wheat grain sample from Parvardeh Wheat Milling Factory and 7 bread flour samples from Shiraz city's bakeries were also included in the study. The PA content and phytase activity of the grains either with or without bran as well as those of the flour samples were determined. Results showed that the method of grain debranning significantly affectted the concentration of PA and phytase activity. The least phytic acid was found in Pavarus and Niknejad cultivars. The PA to Zn molar ratios were highest in Falat, Niknejad and Shiraz cultivars. The highest concentration of Zn was observed in Estar, Falat, and Niknejad, while maximum phytase activity was found in cultivars Estar, S-78-11, S-79-10, and Niknejad.}, Keywords = {Zinc,Phytase,Wheat,Bread,Bran,Phytic acid}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {743-755}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12348-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12348-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Angin, I. and Yaghanoglu, A. V.}, title = {Effects of Sewage Sludge Application on Some Physical and Chemical Properties of a Soil Affected by Wind Erosion}, abstract ={Erosion is considered as a main problem for the loss of arable land around the world. As the world arable land is reaching its limit, marginal areas, such as those prone to wind erosion, have gained importance for agricultural use. A simple and effective way of restoring wind eroded soils is addition of organic materials. Sewage sludge can be an effective way to solve this problem. The effect of sewage sludge application on some physical and chemical properties of a soil affected by wind erosion was studied during 2004 - 2007 in Igdir plain (Aralik), Turkey. Sewage sludge was applied at the rates of 0, 40, 80 and 120 t ha-1 (dry weight). The experiments were conducted for three years using a complete randomized block design with three replications in 12 plots, where barley (Hordeum vulgare) was sown. Sewage sludge application not only improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil, but also increased barley yield. However, increased yield was not sufficiently high. In order to achieve satisfactory yields, annual application of sewage sludge at the rate of, at least, 40 t ha-1 is required.}, Keywords = {Barley yield,Sewage sludge,Soil physical and chemical properties,Wind erosion}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {757-768}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-882-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-882-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mahmoudi, M. and Rahnemaie, R. and Soufizadeh, S. and Malakouti, M. J. and Eshaghi, A.}, title = {Residual Effect of Thiobencarb and Oxadiargyl on Spinach and Lettuce in Rotation with Rice}, abstract ={Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of thiobencarb and oxadiargyl herbicides on rice (Oryza sativa L.) and their possible residual effects on spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) at Dashtnaz and Gharakhil Agricultural Research Stations, Iran. Treatments included thiobencarb at 3.16 and 6.33 kg a.i. ha-1, oxadiargyl at 0.15 and 0.30 kg a.i. ha-1 and a non-treated control. After harvesting rice, trial plots were kept undisturbed until late September when spinach was seeded in half of each plot. In November lettuce was transplanted in another half of the plots. Soil residual oxadiargyl at 0.30 kg a.i. ha-1 stunted rice up to 31%, but this injury was transient and did not reduce yield. The adverse effect of oxadiargyl on rice was lower at Gharakhil possibly due to the greater binding by soil organic matter (OM). At Dashtnaz, spinach fresh yield was significantly affected by soil residues of oxadiargyl. Whereas lettuce fresh yield was significantly reduced in both thiobencarb and oxadiargyl treated plots. At Gharakhil, fresh yield of lettuce was not affected significantly. The experimental results revealed that soil characteristics, in particular OM content, are the main factors controlling the effect of thiobencarb and oxadiargyl residues. Furthermore, it could be concluded that oxadiargyl affected rice and spinach fresh yield greater than thiobencarb. Since no statistically significant differences were found in rice, spinach, and lettuce yield between the two applied doses of thiobencarb, from economical and environmental point of view, the lower thiobencarb dose is recommended to be used in paddy fields of northern Iran.}, Keywords = {Herbicides,Herbicide injury,Residual effects,Soil contamination}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {785-794}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1888-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1888-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Velineni, S. and Brahmaprakash, G. P.}, title = {Survival and Phosphate Solubilizing Ability of Bacillus megaterium in Liquid Inoculants under High Temperature and Desiccation Stress}, abstract ={Inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms along with rock phosphate is known to enhance the available P from soil. The success of such solubilization is largely dependent on the ability of the inoculant strain to survive under adverse environmental conditions. In this context, liquid inoculants are gaining importance and are becoming popular with longer shelf-life. In the present investigation, a preliminary study was conducted to determine the survival of Bacillus megaterium in liquid formulations supplemented with osmo/cell-protectants under the influence of high temperature, desiccation stress and their subsequent influence on P-uptake by cowpea plants. Liquid inoculant-2 containing osmoprotectants viz., polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), high quantity of glycerol (12 ml L-1) and glucose supported higher viable population up to a storage period of four weeks at 48ºC (log10 10.62 CFU ml-1) and desiccation stress (log10 10.04 CFU ml-1) as compared to liquid inoculant-1 containing osmoprotectants viz., PVP, low quantity of glycerol (1 ml L-1), trehalose, arabinose and FeEDTA; and nutrient glucose broth without any osmoprotectants. Liquid inoculant-2 also enhanced the P-uptake of cowpea plants significantly.}, Keywords = {High temperature and desiccation stress,Mussoorie rock phosphate,Osmoprotectants,Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria}, volume = {13}, Number = {5}, pages = {795-802}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3947-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3947-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Serdar, U. and Kurt, N.}, title = {Some Leaf Characteristics are Better Morphometric Discriminators for Chestnut Genotypes}, abstract ={This study was carried out in order to determine the leave characteristics of some chestnut genotypes in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey and also to determine whether the leaf morphometric characteristics could be used for differentiation of genotypes. In this study, seven chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) genotypes (SA5-1, SE 3-12, SE 21-2, SE 21-9, 552-8, 556-7 and 556-8) and one cultivar (Sariaslama) were used. Some leaf parameters such as lamina length, lamina width, leaf length, leaf area, petiole length, teeth width, teeth length, stomatal density, stomata width, stomata length, lamina width/lamina length, lamina width/leaf length, petiole length/lamina length, stomatal index, distance between the lateral veins and teeth width/teeth length were measured. Most of the chestnut genotypes could be differentiated easily by using leaf morphometric characteristics. The lamina width, lamina length, leaf length, distance between the lateral veins, leaf area, stomata width, stomata length and the ratios of teeth width/teeth length, lamina width/lamina length and lamina width/leaf length were better discriminators for chestnut genotypes.}, Keywords = {Castanea sativa,Cultivar,Discrimination,Morphometric traits,Selection}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {0-0}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7497-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7497-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Hedjazi, Y.}, title = {The Effect of Iranian University Entrance Examinations and High School Grade Point Average on Iranian Agriculture Students\' Achievement}, abstract ={The present study investigated the effect of Iranian university entrance examinations and the high school grade point average (HSGPA) on agriculture students' achievement. The population included 598 admitted students at the Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran. The specific variables of the study included college grade point average (CGPA) and average of major field specialized courses (FSGPA) as dependent variables. Also, scores in mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry at the university entrance examinations record (UEX), along with high school grade point average (HSGPA) were the independent variables of the study. The results indicated that high school grade point average (HSGPA) was a significant predictor of agriculture students’ academic achievement. With the exception of Food Sciences, there was no significant relationship between the scores in mathematics and students’ academic achievement in fields related to agriculture.}, Keywords = {High school grade point average (HSGPA),Average of major field specialized courses (FSGPA),Achievement,University entrance examinations (UEX),College grade point average (CGPA)}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {805-814}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12012-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12012-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Khatoonabadi, A.}, title = {Prioritization of Farmers’ Information Channels: A Case Study of Isfahan Province, Iran}, abstract ={Diversity, accessibility and reliability are the three main factors governing the adoption of information sources by farmers in rural areas. Based on the research hypothesis, the existing knowledge and information delivery system in the agricultural sector, functions far below the ever changing nature and tangible needs of existing farming systems. The main objective in this study is to determine and prioritize farmers’ information channels and their communication networks within rural areas of 19 townships of Isfahan Province – the central part of Iran. After exploratory field visits of several villages, a questionnaire was designed and pre-tested for its validity and reliability (Alpha= 82%). The statistical society included all farmers who had regular contacts with the local extension offices. The sample population was 228 farmers who were selected through a two-step random sampling method from the villages with an extension office. The results showed that extension system disregarded farmers’ local media and did not meet their actual needs. The extension system failed to build trust among the local communities. Moreover, farmers’ trust in one information source had a synergic effect on the others. The sources were categorized in three groups based on the farmers’ preferences. The printed materials did not play any significant role in the knowledge and information processes. There was also a significant correlation between dependent variables (determination of information source by farmers) and the independent variables (for example: farming land size and farmers educational level). Finally, most farmers claimed that visiting ‘local extension service offices’ was mainly in response to their urgent needs to acquire subsidized agricultural input such as fertilizer, rather than acquisition of information and were yet disappointed.}, Keywords = {IRAN,Agricultural extension,Farmers network,Information channel}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {815-828}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10252-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-10252-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Rezaee, M. and Almasi, M. and MajdabadiFarahani, A. and Minaei, S. and Khodadadi, M.}, title = {Potato Sprout Inhibition and Tuber Quality after Post Harvest Treatment with Gamma Irradiation on Different Dates}, abstract ={Storage of potatoes is very important because fresh potatoes are available only for a few months in a year. Thus, any treatment such as irradiation that controls sprout growth and extends shelf life of potatoes could be beneficial. In this study, potato sprout inhibition and tuber quality after treatment with various levels of Gamma Irradiation (0, 50, 100 and 150 Gy) on different dates (10, 30 and 50 days after harvest) were studied during prolonged storage at 8 and 16°C using tubers of Agria variety. A factorial experiment based on a randomized split plot design with three replications was carried out. There was minimum sprout development (4.83±0.01 g/3kg tuber) in tubers from early irradiation date (10 days after harvest). This study indicated that early irradiation and higher irradiation levels significantly decreased sprouting, percent weight loss and specific gravity of tubers. The loss of ascorbic acid and the contents of reducing and non-reducing sugars significantly increased by delay in irradiation whereas the content of sugars and ascorbic acid level decreased by irradiation. The loss of firmness became clearer during five months storage in non-irradiated tubers. Higher storage temperature (16°C) caused greater loss of ascorbic acid (20.34%). In other words, tubers stored at 16°C showed greater metabolic changes as indicated by sprouting, weight loss, and changes in sugars and ascorbic acid contents. The 50 Gy irradiation treatment on the 10th day after harvest resulted in complete sprout inhibition of tubers at 8°C storage and 150 Gy dose while inhibiting sprouting at 16°C, caused greater loss of ascorbic acid. Tubers irradiated with later after harvest were subject to greater loss of ascorbic acid in response to higher doses of irradiation and higher storage temperature. Consequently, to reduce undesirable changes in Agria potato tubers, delay in irradiation and storage at high temperature are not recommended.}, Keywords = {Potato,storage,Different Dates,γ-Irradiation,Sprouting}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {829-842}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2714-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-2714-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Miranzadeh, H. and Emam, Y. and Pilesjö, P. and Seyyedi, H.}, title = {Water Use Efficiency of Four Dryland Wheat Cultivars under Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization}, abstract ={It is suggested that cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with regulated growth and development would be able to produce higher yields under water-limited conditions, which is crucial in future food production. Water use efficiency (WUE) is worthy of exploration in this regard. In this study, the effects of nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 40 and 80 kg Nha-1) and a plant growth retardant (Chlormequat Chloride = CCC) on WUE of four dryland wheat cultivars (Agosta, Nicknejad, Azar-2 and Fin-15) were examined in a field experiment during 2006-07 and 2007-08 growing seasons at College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran. The results showed that there existed significant differences between cultivars for grain yield, biomass and WUE. In the first season, the highest grain yield and biomass production (192.4 and 431.2 gm-2, respectively) were obtained from Nicknejad cultivar, CCC application and using 80 kg Nha-1, and in the second season, from Azar-2 cultivar (121.5 and 333.5 gm-2, respectively). CCC and nitrogen had significant effects on photosynthesis rate and WUE in both seasons. Interaction of CCC and 80 kg Nha-1 on WUE were significant in both seasons (1.24 and 2.72 gm-2mm-1, respectively). It is suggested that interactive application of CCC and nitrogen fertilizer could have beneficial effects on wheat grain yield under similar agro-climatic conditions.}, Keywords = {Grain yield,WUE,Drought Stress,Chlormaquat chloride,Photosynthesis Rate (An),Stomatal Conductance (gs)}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {843-854}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7971-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7971-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Haghparast, S. and Kashiri, H. and Alipour, Gh. and Shabanpour, B.}, title = {Evaluation of Green Tea (Camellia sinenses) Extract and Onion (Allium cepa L.) Juice Effects on Lipid Degradation and Sensory Acceptance of Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) Fillets: A Comparative Study}, abstract ={This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of red onion (Allium cepa L.) juice and green tea (Camellia sinenses) extract on lipid oxidation and sensory characteristics of refrigerated (4ºC) sturgeon fillets (Acipenser persicus). Fresh fillets were tumbled in 1%, 2.5%, and 5% (v/v) aqueous solutions of onion Juice (OJ) and tea extract (TE), and then stored for up to 8 days at 4°C in a refrigerator. Chemical indices of lipid oxidation as assayed by heme iron, thiobarbituric acid and free fatty acid contents indicated much more reduction in 2.5%TE, 5%TE and 5%OJ-treated samples relative to the other samples (P<0.05). Significant (P<0.05) differences in pH values of treatments and the control were observed during the first 2 days of storage time. For 5%OJ treatment, the pH remained constant during refrigerated storage (P>0.05) whereas gradual changes were detected in pH values of the others. Generally, the order of effectiveness for inhibiting oxidation in sturgeon fillets was found to be: 5% TE or OJ = 2.5% TE > 2.5 % OJ>1% TE = 1% OJ. Based on sensory scores, higher amounts of onion juice (>1%) were more effective to improve attributive characteristics of the fillets.}, Keywords = {Green tea,Lipid degradation onion,Sturgeon fillets}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {855-868}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9186-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9186-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {EnayatGholampoor, T. and Imanpoor, M. R. and Shabanpoor, B. and Hosseini, S. A.}, title = {The Study of Growth Performance, Body Composition and Some Blood Parameters of Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamenskii, 1901) Fingerlings at Different Salinities}, abstract ={This study was carried out to investigate the effects of salinity levels (0, 2, 4, 7 and 10 ppt) on growth indices, blood biochemical parameters, and body composition in Rutilus frisii kutum fingerlings (initial weight 1.330.02 g) during 60 days. Results indicated that the highest rates of daily growth, specific growth and weight gain per fish were obtained at the levels of 4 and 2 ppt (P<0.05). The lowest rates of these indices were observed at 10 ppt (P<0.05). FCR (food conversion ratio) and CF (condition factor) showed no significant difference among various treatments (P>0.05). Findings of blood biochemical factors at the end of the study (hematocrit, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium) revealed no significant variation in different salinities (P>0.05). Changes in protein, moisture, fat and ash content were not significant at the end of the experimental period (P>0.05).}, Keywords = {Salinity,Blood parameter,Body composition,Growth indices,Kutum fingerlings}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {869-876}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8547-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8547-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mohebby, B. and Fallah-Moghadam, P. and Ghotbifar, A. R. and Kazemi-Najafi, S.}, title = {Influence of Maleic-Anhydride-Polypropylene (MAPP) on Wettability of Polypropylene/Wood Flour/Glass Fiber Hybrid Composites}, abstract ={The influence of maleic anhydride-polypropylene (MAPP) (0, 2, 3 and 5%) as a compatibilizer on the wettability of polypropylene/wood flour/glass fiber hybrid composites was studied by using the contact angle determination technique. Sample slats with a cross section of 10×70 mm were made by a twin screw extruder. Specimens were conditioned at room temperature and the angles between the water droplets and surfaces of the hybrid composites were measured. Results revealed that the wettability of the composites was significantly decreased as the MAPP was increased to 3%. However, no significant decreasing effect was observed at MAPP contents above 3%.}, Keywords = {Contact angle,Polypropylene/Wood flour/Glass fiber hybrid composites,Wettability}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {877-884}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1768-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1768-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Jamali, B. and Eshghi, S. and Tafazoli, E.}, title = {Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Strawberry Plants cv. ‘Pajaro’ Affected by Salicylic Acid and Nickel}, abstract ={The present research was carried out under hydroponic culture to evaluate the interaction between salicylic acid (SA), nickel (Ni) on vegetative and reproductive growth of strawberry plants as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Well-rooted daughter plants of Pajaro cultivar, were potted in 3 L plastic pots and were sprayed with SA at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 3 mM and NiSO4 at 0, 150 and 300 mg.L-1, after establishment. Results indicated that SA at 2 mM increased root and shoot fresh weight, number of inflorescences and fruits, fruit nitrogen concentration and yield. The effect of Ni was promoting too, as 150 mg.L-1 of Ni led to significant increments of fruit number, inflorescences, leaf area per plant and yield. However, the best results were found when SA was applied accompanied by Ni.}, Keywords = {Yield,Essential element,growth Parameter,Nickel,Salicylic acid,Strawberry}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {895-904}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5500-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5500-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mardi, M. and Naghavi, M. R. and Pirseyedi, S. M. and KazemiAlamooti, M. and RashidiMonfared, S. and Ahkami, A. H. and Omidbakhsh, M. A. and Alavi, N. S. and SalehiShanjani, P. and Katsiotis, A.}, title = {Comparative Assessment of SSAP, AFLP and SSR Markers for Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum)}, abstract ={Comparative assessment of genetic diversity of 122 durum wheat genotypes (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) was performed using 73 SSAP polymorphic fragments, 123 AFLP polymorphic loci and 104 SSR alleles. SSAP and AFLP data showed a clear demarcation between the cultivars and landraces and SSR data classified cultivars and landraces according to their origin. Furthermore, the estimated genetic diversity of Iranian landraces was higher compared to the foreign entries and a loss of genetic diversity was observed from landraces to cultivars. This study determined that differences in genetic relationships revealed by SSAP, AFLP and SSR distances could not be attributed solely to differences in the level of polymorphism detected by each marker system. The molecular evidence of genetic diversity decrease of the durum wheat gene pool further strengthens the strategic relevance of undertaking appropriate genetic conservation measures for food security.}, Keywords = {Genetic diversity,AFLP,Durum,SSAP,SSR}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {905-920}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5479-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-5479-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {EmamiMeybodi, D. and Mozafari, J. and Babaeiyan, N. and Rahimian, H.}, title = {Application of Electrotherapy for the Elimination of Potato Potyviruses}, abstract ={The use of healthy planting material is an important prerequisite for controlling destructive viral diseases in potato production. Virus elimination methods such as meristem culture and thermotherapy are usually used to produce the nucleus stock of healthy planting material. Here, we report a new technique of electrotherapy for elimination of two potyviruses, Potato virus A (PVA), and Potato virus Y (PVY), from potato plants. Electric currents of 15, 25 and 35 mili Ampers for 10 to 20 minutes were used for eliminating the combination of PVA and PVY in six potato cultivars. An electric current of 35 mili Ampers for 20 minutes was the most effective electrotherapy treatment for eliminating these two viruses. Responses of potato genotypes to electrotherapy were significantly different. Regenerations of electrotherapy treated plantlets in cultivars Lady Roseta and Banaba were 70.8 and 66.6 percent respectively, while these were approximately 54 to 58 percent for cultivars Olimpia, Agria, Desirea and Clone 69. Virus free plantlets were successfully produced in the potato cultivar Lady Roseta. However, in other cultivars examined in this study, electrotherapy resulted in drastic reduction of virus concentration but not total eradication of the virus infection from plant tissues.}, Keywords = {Tissue culture,ELISA,Seed production,Plant virus,Solanum tuberosum}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {921-927}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12294-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12294-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Shamshiri, M. H. and Mozafari, V. and Sedaghati, E. and Bagheri, V.}, title = {Response of Petunia Plants (Petunia hybrida cv. Mix) Inoculated with Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices to Phosphorous and Drought Stress}, abstract ={In order to assess drought tolerance of mycorrhizal petunia plants (Petunia hybrida cv. Mix), a greenhouse experiment was carried out with two different mycorrhizae species (Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices) applied singly or in combination at two phosphorous (P) levels (0 and 100 mg kg-1 dry soil) and three irrigation regimes (100% field capacity (FC) as control, 75% FC producing moderate water stress and 50% FC producing severe water stress). Both mycorrhizal endophytes established well on roots of the petunia plants with higher colonization values at lower P concentration and lower colonization rate at increasing water stress. Mycorrhizal colonization generally enhanced plant vegetative and reproductive growth, both under full and reduced field capacities and with and without P fertilization. The content of soluble sugar in AMF-inoculated leaves was higher than that in non-AMF-inoculated plant leaves in response to drought treatments but proline level did not show any significant increase in mycorrhizal treatments at the same conditions. This study confirms that mycorrhizal colonization can mitigate the adverse effects of water stress on treated plants restoring most of the key growth parameters to levels similar or close to those in unstressed plants.}, Keywords = {Drought Stress,Glomus intraradices,Glomus mosseae,Petunia,Phosphorous}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {929-942}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9673-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9673-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Tahmasebi-Enferadi, S. and Rabiei, Z. and Vannozzi, G. P. and AbbasAkbari, Gh.}, title = {Shikimate Dehydrogenase Expression and Activity in Sunflower Genotypes Susceptible and Resistant to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary}, abstract ={The response of five inbred sunflower seedling lines, including AC 4122, C, HA 89, HA 410, HA 411, to inoculation with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum culture filtrate containing endogenous oxalic acid was compared with the exogenous application of synthetic oxalic acid. The reaction of seedlings was evaluated in terms of dry and fresh plant weights and the total chlorophyll concentration relative to untreated controls. The expression of shikimate dehydrogenase in cotyledons was also assessed five days after treatment. The results indicated that exogenous oxalic acid inoculation caused more deleterious effects on stem rot, eliciting photosynthesis reduction and different isoenzyme patterns of shikimate dehydrogenase. A positive correlation was found between increased oxalic acid and shikimate dehydrogenase activity in both treatments. However, the excessive toxicity of the exogenously administrated acid suggests that Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection triggers a more complex metabolic pathway involving oxalic acid secreted by the pathogen. These observations preclude the possibility of using the synthetic acid administration as a method of screening sunflower genotypes for resistance to Sclerotinia. In addition to these findings, the reactivation of shikimate dehydrogenase was observed in both treatments. In contrast to synthetic administration, expression during the first phase of growth may serve as a tool for rapid screening and selection of sunflower genotypes resistant to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.}, Keywords = {Sclerotinia sclerotiorum,Helianthus annuus,Oxalic acid,Protein pattern,Shikimate dehydrogenase activity}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {943-952}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6025-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6025-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Farpoor, M. H. and Krouse, H. R. and Mayer, B.}, title = {Geochemistry of Carbon, Oxygen and Sulfur Isotopes in Soils along a Climotoposequence in Kerman Province, Central Iran}, abstract ={Carbon and sulfur isotopic data are helpful in understanding environmental conditions under which soils are formed. Soils from 18 sampling sites along a climotoposequence from higher Laleh Zar Mountains (4,351 m above sea level with xeric-mesic soil moisture-temperature regimes) to Shahdad depression (250 m above sea level with arid-hyperthermic soil moisture-temperature regimes) in Kerman Province, central Iran, were studied. δ 13C values of the soil organic carbon varied between -20.6 ‰ and -26.9 ‰ PDB. δ 13C values of pedogenic carbonates varied between -2.2 ‰ and +2.2 ‰ PDB and a decreasing trend was observed downward in the climotoposequence. A positive correlation (r= 0.6) was found between δ 13C and δ 18O values in the lower arid landscape, but a different relationship (r= 0.37) in the upper Mediterranean climatic positions was observed. It seems that the presence of more C3 plants under stress and more decomposition of organic matter in lower positions of the landscape has taken place. δ 13C values of soil organic carbon and pedogenic carbonates and their trend along the gradient showed that higher proportion of C3 plants at lower elevations and presence of more C4 plants in the past history of upper landscape positions may have been experienced. Mean δ34S value of 11.3‰ showed that lower Cretaceous sea sulfate may have been the source of sulfur in the area. Mean δ D and δ 18O values of -51.2‰ and +6.0‰ in gypsum crystallization water showed that direct deposition from a solution saturated with gypsum is the only probable mechanism of gypsum formation in the area.}, Keywords = {Soil organic carbon,Gypsum crystallization water,Pedogenic carbonate,Stable isotope geochemistry}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {953-954}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11067-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11067-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Samavat, S. and Samavat, S. and Besharati, H. and Behboudi, K.}, title = {Interactions of Rhizobia Cultural Filtrates with Pseudomonas fluorescens on Bean Damping-off Control}, abstract ={Biotic as well as abiotic factors may influence the biocontrol activity and population density of Pseudomonas fluorescens. However, limited studies have been carried out on the effects of extracellular metabolites of other competitor bacteria, especially on the biocontrol efficiency of P. fluorescens. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of the two P. fluorescens isolates UTPF68 & UTPF109 in the biocontrol of bean damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani (AG-4), when applied individually or in combination with the culture filtrates of five rhizobia isolates (RH3 to RH7). Although all treatments reduced bean damping-off severity in comparison with the untreated control, RH4 + UTPF109 gave the lowest severity of damping-off (0.56 ,<1%). Beside the effect on disease control, seeds treatment with both P. fluorescens isolates individually or in combined treatments especially RH4+UTPF109 and RH6+UTPF68 significantly improved bean growth factors such as shoot and root fresh/dry weights. On the other hand, all tested rhizobia and P. fluorescens isolates especially, RH4, proved to be siderophore, HCN, IAA, and exopolysaccharide producers. Also, all tested bacteria except RH5 and RH7 produced chitinase. Furthermore, our in vitro studies demonstrated that the filtrates of tested rhizobia isolates can effectively increase the population density of both P. fluorescens isolates as a biotic factor. Thus, certain rhizobia seem to have a capacity to interact synergistically with P. fluorescens isolates having potential biocontrol activity.}, Keywords = {Biocontrol,Pseudomonas fluorescens,Rhizoctonia solani,Extracellular metabolites,Rhizobium}, volume = {13}, Number = {6}, pages = {965-976}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11812-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11812-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Zamani, P. and MiraeiAshtiani, S. R. and Alipour, D. and Tabatabaei, M. and Aliarabi, H. and Saki, A. A. and Maleki, M. and Abdolmohammadi, A.}, title = {Statistical Analysis of Some Factors Affecting Crude Protein Balance in Lactating Dairy Cows}, abstract ={Some factors affecting crude protein balance (CPB), as a measure of efficiency, were studied using 2824 records of 501 lactating Holstein cows. The CPB (kg d-1) was calculated as crude protein (CP) intake (kg) minus CP yield (kg). Two different statistical methods including principal components (PCs) and general linear model analyses were used to study the effects of different factors. Crude protein balance had a moderate correlation with PCs 1 (-0.206), 2 (0.318) and 3 (-0.281), which accounted for 65.6% of total variations. Age, parity, lactation stage, pregnancy stage, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), fat corrected milk yield (FCM), milk fat percentage (F%), milk lactose percentage (L%), milk fat yield (FY), milk protein yield (PY), milk lactose yield (LY), dietary levels of net energy for lactation (NEL), CP, ruminally undegradable protein (RUP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ether extract (EE) and income over feed cost (IOFC) were correlated to CPB, at least, in one of PCs 1, 2 or 3. In general, linear model analysis CPB was significantly affected by parity and lactation stage and had significant partial linear regression coefficients on DMI (kg d-1), F%, FY (kg d-1), PY (kg d-1), NEL (Mcal kg-1) and dietary levels of CP (%), RUP (%), NDF (%) and EE (%). The quadratic partial regression coefficients of CPB on NEL, CP, RUP and NDF were also significant. The estimates for optimum dietary levels of NEL, CP and RUP for minimizing CPB in the studied population were 1.49 Mcal/kg, 11.29% and 7.58%, respectively. In comparison to NRC’s estimates, it seems that, more NEL, RUP and NDF and less CP are needed to minimize protein balance in lactating dairy cows.}, Keywords = {Crude Protein Balance,Holsteins,Lactation,Nutrient use efficiency}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {0-0}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11302-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11302-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mahmoodi, M. and PezeshkiRad, Gh. and Chizari, M.}, title = {Identifying Training Needs of Agriculture and Natural Resources Faculty Members in Using Information Technology}, abstract ={The main purpose of this study was to identify training needs of agricultural and natural resources faculty members in the use of information technology (IT) for educational and research activities. This study used a descriptive and correlational survey method and the population of the study included all faculty members at the Tehran and Tarbiat Modares Universities, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (N=267). According to Krejcie and Morgan (1970), the sample size for a population of this size was 158. A systematic sampling technique was used to select faculty members in the study. The overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the instrument was 0.82. Findings in respect to training needs of faculty members showed that “theories and models of online education” appeared at the top of the list of training needs and the lowest level of respondents` training need were in using Microsoft Word. The T-test result showed that there were significant differences (at the 0.01 level) in the training needs level of the faculty members who had received training during the last 5 years and those who had not . In the case of those who had access to computer and the Internet and those who did not have access, training needs differed at 0.05 level of significance. The results of Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that age had a significant and positive correlation with the faculty members` training needs level of IT use in educational and research activities. In contrast, Internet use per week and willingness for online education had a significantly negative correlation with the faculty members` IT training needs. No significant relationship was revealed between teaching experiences of the respondents and their training needs level in the use of information technologies.}, Keywords = {Faculty members,Information technology training,Research activities,Training need}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {979-987}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8191-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8191-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Hamzehzarghani, H. and Kazemeini, S. A.}, title = {An Analysis of the Exponential Family Models to Predict Yield Loss of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Challenged with Water Stress and Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)}, abstract ={The performance of different yield loss models from an exponential family was evaluated in safflower-redroot pigweed systems in two field experiments conducted during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons at the research field of Agricultural College of Shiraz University, Iran. The yield loss of safflower was recorded as relative yield loss in experimental plots laid out in split plot design with three replicates. Three different irrigation treatments were allocated to the main plots and consisted of full irrigation or 100% field capacity (FC), 75% FC, and 50% FC, while five weed densities (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeds m-2) were assigned to the sub-plots The Logistic and Gompertz models and a user defined Power-Exponential model were fitted to the data to relate crop yield loss to the weed densities under different water stress conditions. The Power-Exponential model was chosen as the best fit to the data with statistically acceptable model diagnostics. Logistic and Gompertz models showed good fit to the observed data, but underestimated the yield loss under three levels of irrigation. Model performance in all cases was influenced by water stress as models generally showed greater constant and systematic biases under severe water stress (50% FC). Model parameters were used to explain the impact of water stress in crop/weed system. The exponential family models globally performed better over common empirical models such as Spitters, Kropff and Lotz and Cousens models.}, Keywords = {Water stress,Gompertz,Logistic Model diagnostics,Weeds,Yield loss}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {989-1000}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4053-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4053-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Dadkhah, A.}, title = {Effect of Salinity on Growth and Leaf Photosynthesis of Two Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Cultivars}, abstract ={This study investigated the variation between two sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars with respect to growth parameters and photosynthetic rates of individual attached leaves during salinization. Sugar beet plants grown in sand culture were gradually exposed to different levels of salinity (0, 50, 150 , 250, and 350 mM, NaCl+CaCl2 in 5:1 ratio). Salt concentrations significantly decreased all growth traits. At the highest level of salinity (350 mM), cv 7233- P29 showed a significantly higher leaf area and total dry matter than Madison after eight weeks of salt treatment commencment. Net photosynthesis (ACO2) and stomatal conductance (gs) were strongly affected by salinity. The Na+ and Cl- concentrations in shoots significantly increased as salt concentration increased. Net photosynthesis (ACO2) was plotted against computed leaf internal CO2 concentration (Ci), and the initial slope of this ACO2-Ci curve was used as a measure of photosynthetic ability. Leaves from plants exposed to 50 mM salinity showed little change in photosynthesis, whereas those treated by high levels of salinity had up to 91.5% inhibition in photosynthetic rates and an increase in CO2 compensation point. Leaf chlorophyll content increased with increasing salinity. Although partial stomatal closure occurred with salinization, reductions in photosynthesis were partly non-stomatal at high levels of salt treatment.}, Keywords = {Salt stress,Gas exchange,Plant growth,Sugar beet}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1001-1012}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4292-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4292-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {TaghaviNezhad, M. and Alipour, D. and TorabiGoudarzi, M. and Zamani, P. and Khodakaramian, G.}, title = {Dose Response to Carvone Rich Essential Oils of Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.): in Vitro Ruminal Fermentation Kinetics and Digestibility}, abstract ={The aim of this study was to assess the effect of several doses of spearmint essential oil (SEO; 0, 250, 500, 750 or 1,000 µg ml-1 buffered rumen fluid) on the fermentation kinetic and digestibility using in vitro gas production technique. A total mixed ration (30% roughage: 70% concentrate) was incubated with buffered rumen fluid. In vitro gas production, asymptotic gas production (A), rate of gas production (µ), partitioning factor (PF), microbial biomass (MB), ammonia concentration and digestibility were determined. Increasing the dose of SEO decreased the parameters A and µ. Adding SEO, however, increased PF, ammonia concentration, apparent in vitro dry matter digestibility and true in vitro organic matter digestibility at the lower levels of SEO (250 and 500 µg ml-1). But, at the level of 1,000 µg ml-1, a decrease was observed for these parameters. The increment in PF and digestibility illustrate that SEO has a potential to modulate the rumen fermentation, which may be beneficial (at low doses) for improving nutrient utilization.}, Keywords = {Essential oil,Carvone,in vitro gas production,Partitioning factor,Spearmint}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1013-1020}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7008-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7008-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Abarghuei, M. J. and Rouzbehan, Y. and Alipour, D.}, title = {Effect of Oak (Quercus libani Oliv.) Leave Tannin on Ruminal Fermentation of Sheep}, abstract ={Six rumen fistulated adult sheep were used to assess the effect of tannins (hydrolysable tannin; HTs) in oak leaves (Quercus Libani Oliv.) on ruminal fermentation parameters in a change-over design experiment for 28 days in 3 periods. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to deactivate the tannins. The three dietary treatments were control (alfalfa hay, barley grain, wheat bran, wheat straw); OL (oak leave, barley grain, wheat bran and urea) and OL+ 80 g PEG. Animals were held in individual pens and metabolism cages. They were adapted to experimental conditions for 21 days before the commencement of the measurement periods. In each period, the digestibilities of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD), NDF (NDFD), crude protein (CPD) and ruminal parameters (pH, ammonia, bacteria and protozoa population), and microbial protein synthesis were measured using urinary purine derivatives in sheep. The DMD, OMD, NDFD and CPD were decreased by oak leaves and the addition of PEG improved CPD (P<0.05). The ruminal pH values for all diets were within the normal range. Ruminal ammonia was similar among the treatments (p>0.05). Hydrolysable tannins in OL diets decreased (P<0.05) urinary allantoin in comparison to the control diet. Addition of PEG increased (P<0.05) allantoin. The uric acid, xanthine and hypoxanthine excretion in urine were not affected by the diet. Feeding OL diet decreased the microbial N in sheep, whereas addition of PEG improved it. The total protozoa count in sheep offered OL diet declined in comparison to those fed the control diet; however, addition of PEG had no effect on it. Sheep fed OL diet had significantly less cellulolytic and proteolytic bacteria than those fed the control diet (P<0.05), but improved (P< 0.05) with feeding of PEG along with OL. It was concluded that diets containing Q. Libani leaves had lower ruminal fermentability than diet containing alfalfa and that supplementation of PEG in OL diet improved the fermentability.}, Keywords = {Tannin,sheep,Microflora,Oak leave,Polyethylene glycol,Rumen}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1021-1032}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4661-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4661-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Buyukcapar, H. M. Buyukcapar and Atalay, A. İ. and Kamalak, A.}, title = {Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed with Diets Containing Different Levels of Hydrolysable and Condensed Tannin}, abstract ={This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of hydrolysable tannin (HT) and condensed tannin (CT) on growth performance and body composition of Nile tilapia. Hydrolysable tannin and CT were included into diets at four levels (0, 5, 15, and 25 g kg-1 diet). The diet with zero tannin level acted as control and the response of fish fed diets containing tannin was compared to that of the control diet. All the diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Hydrolysable and condensed tannin had a significant (P<0.05) effect on body weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Weight gain, SGR and PER of fish fed on the diets containing 15 and 25 g HT/ kg diet were significantly (P< 0.05) lower than those fed on the other diets. Feed conversion ratio of fish fed diets containing 15 and 25 g kg-1 HT were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed on the other diets. Feed intake of fish fed diets containing 15 and 25 g HT/kg diet were significantly (P< 0.05) lower than those fed on the other diets, except for diet containing 15 g kg-1condensed tannin (CT2). It is concluded that adverse effect of HT is higher on tilapia compared to that of CT and that protein sources of plant origin containing high amounts of tannins, in particular HT, should be used with caution as fish meal substitutes in tilapia diets.}, Keywords = {Condensed tannin,Growth performance,Hydrolysable tannin,Tilapia}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1045-1051}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8440-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8440-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {GohariArdabili, A. and Farhoosh, R. and HaddadKhodaparast, M. H.}, title = {Chemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita pepo Subsp. pepo Var. Styriaka) Grown in Iran}, abstract ={Chemical composition and physicochemical properties of pumpkin seeds and fatty acids of their oil were determined. It was found that the seeds contained 41.59% oil and 25.4% protein. Moisture, crude fiber, total ash, and carbohydrate contents were 5.2%, 5.34%, 2.49%, and 25.19%, respectively. The specific gravity, dynamic viscosity, and refractive index of the extracted pumpkin seed oil were 0.915, 93.659 cP, and 1.4662, respectively. Acid value (mg KOH/g oil), peroxide value (meq O2/kg oil), iodine value (g I2/100 g oil), saponification number (mg KOH/ g oil), and unsaponifiable matter content (%) of the extracted oil from pumpkin seeds were 0.78, 0.39, 10.85, 104.36, 190.69, and 5.73, respectively. Total phenolics compounds (mg gallic acid/kg oil), total tocopherols (mg α-tocopherol/kg oil), total sterols (%), and waxes (%) were 66.27, 882.65, 1.86, and 1.58, respectively. Specific extinctions at two wavelengths of 232 nm (K232) and 270 nm (K270) and R-value (K232/K270) were 3.80, 3.52 and 0.74, respectively. Gas chromatographic analysis of the pumpkin seed oil showed that the linoleic (39.84%), oleic (38.42%), palmitic (10.68%) and stearic (8.67%) acids were the major fatty acids. Compared with other vegetable oils, the present study revealed that pumpkin seed oil can be a valuable source of edible oil.}, Keywords = {Physicochemical properties,Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. Styriaca,Fatty acid composition,Pumpkin seed oil}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1053-1063}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9897-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-9897-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Sedaghati, M. and Kadivar, M. and Shahedi, M and Soltanizadeh, N.}, title = {Evaluation of the Effect of Fermentation, Hydrothermal Treatment, Soda, and Table Salt on Phytase Activity and Phytate Content of Three Iranian Wheat Cultivars}, abstract ={This study was carried out to determine the effect of fermentation, hydrothermal treatment, soda (Na2CO3), and table salt (NaCl) addition on the extent of phytase activity and phytate degradation in three Iranian wheat cultivars, namely, Mahdavi, Ghods, and Roshan. The samples were milled to three different extraction rates, i.e. whole, 85%, and 75% flours and three kinds of leavening procedure (fermented, soda, and control), and four NaCl percentages (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5%) were used for preparing dough in three replications. To evaluate the effect of heat treatment on phytic acid breakdown, baking was also done. The results indicated that among the wheat varieties, Mahdavi had the highest level of phytase activity and phytic acid content followed by Ghods and Roshan; in which‚ most of the phytate was concentrated in bran fractions. Fermentation (1% yeast at 37ºC for 3 hours), hydrothermal treatment (pH 4.8 at 55ºC for 12 hours) and salt addition (0 to 1.5%) to the dough samples resulted in an increased phytase activity, whereas soda addition (1%) decreased the enzyme activity. Heat treatment reduced phytic acid content significantly.}, Keywords = {Phytase,Fermentation,Hydrothermal,Phytate,Soda,Table salt}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1065-1075}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4938-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-4938-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Majzoobi, M. and Farahnaky, A. and Agah, Sh.}, title = {Properties and Shelf-life of Part-and Full-baked Flat Bread (Barbari) at Ambient and Frozen Storage}, abstract ={Production of part-baked bread is a successful method to postpone bread staling that has been applied widely for production of loaves. In this research, production and some physical characteristics of part-baked flat bread (Barbari) including hardness, volume, color, weight loss, and microstructure were studied during the storage of the samples at ambient (25ºC) and freezing (-18ºC) temperatures. The part-baked bread had higher moisture content than the control and full-baked breads. However, it had a shelf-life of 72 hours, which was shorter than the control at ambient temperature. Full-baking could level out the effects of staling and, hence, the quality of the full-baked bread was similar to that of the fresh bread. For the frozen samples, the optimum storage time was two months. The undesirable effects of frozen storage were more significant for the part-baked bread. Moreover, full-baking could compensate some of the adverse effects of freezing and the resultant bread had superior quality compared with the control.}, Keywords = {Barbari bread,Flat bread,Full-baking,Part-baking,Shelf-life}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1077-1090}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11373-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11373-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Darvishsefat, A. A. and Abbasi, M. and Schaepman, M.}, title = {Evaluation of Spectral Reflectance of Seven Iranian Rice Varieties Canopies}, abstract ={Rice cultivated areas and yield information is indispensable for sustainable management and economic policy making for this strategic food crop. Introduction of high spectral and special resolution satellite data has enabled production of such information in a timely and accurate manner. Knowledge of the spectral reflectance of various land covers is a prerequisite for their identification and study. Evaluation of the spectral reflectance of plants using field spectroradiometry provides the possibility to identify and map different rice varieties especially while using hyperspectral remote sensing. This paper reports the results of the first attempt to evaluate spectral signatures of seven north Iranian rice varieties (Fajr, Hybrid, Khazar, Nemat, Neda, Shiroudi and Tarom plots) in the experimental station of the Iranian Rice Research Institute (main station in Amol, Mazanderan Province). Measurements were carried out using a field spectroradiometer in the range of 350-2,500 nm under natural light and environmental conditions. In order to eliminate erroneous data and also experimental errors in spectral reflectance curves, all curves were individually quality controlled. A set of important vegetation indices sensitive to canopy chlorophyll content, photosynthesis intensity, nitrogen and water content were employed to enhance probable differences in spectral reflectance among various rice varieties. Analysis of variance and Tukey’s paired test were then used to compare rice varieties. Using Datt and PRI1 indices, significant differences (= 0.01) were found among rice varieties reflectances in 19 out of 21 cases. This promises the possibility of accurate mapping of rice varieties cultivated areas based on hyperspectral remotely sensed data.}, Keywords = {Vegetation index,Endemic north Iranian rice varieties,Field spectroradiometry,Spectral signatures}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1091-1104}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11537-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-11537-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Ahmadi, M. T. and Attarod, P. and Bayramzadeh, V.}, title = {Rainfall Redistribution by an Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) Forest Canopy in the Caspian Forest, North of Iran}, abstract ={Gross rainfall (GR) partitioning into throughfall (TF), stemflow (SF) and interception loss (I) was studied in a pure oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forest located in the central Caspian region of northern Iran. Measurements were performed on a rainfall event basis in a 5625 m2 plot of the Kheyrud Forest Research Station of Tehran University during 2008 and 2009 growing seasons. GR was measured with three rain gauges located on the ground in an open area approximately 160 m apart from the study plot. Thirty-six manual gauges were used to collect the TF and were placed randomly underneath the canopy. SF was collected with spiral type SF collection collars from six selected beech trees. Interception losses were calculated as the difference between GR and the sum of TF and SF. Over the measurement period, 53 GR events were recorded. Cumulative GR depth was 1,001.5 mm; TF amount was 728 mm; SF was 32.3 mm, and I was 241.2 mm. The average of TF/GR, SF/GR, and I/GR ratios for each rainfall events were 69.4%, 2.5% and 28.1%, respectively. TF, SF, and I were found to be closely related to GR amounts. A strong positive correlation was found between SF/GR and GR (R2= 0.9). Significant correlations were also observed between I/GR and GR (R2= 0.581) as well as between TF/GR and GR (R2= 0.414). It was observed that for small GR events a large portion of the incident GR wetted the canopy and, subsequently, contributed to the evaporation losses of the intercepted rain. Results of the study demonstrate how I represents a remarkable percentage of the incident GR and how TF and SF are both strongly affected by GR itself.}, Keywords = {Canopy Interception Loss,Oriental Beech,Stemflow,Throughfall}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1105-1120}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8256-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-8256-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mratinic, E. and Popovski, B. and Milosevic, T. and Popovska, M.}, title = {Analysis of Morphological and Pomological Characteristics of Apricot Germplasm in FYR Macedonia}, abstract ={Morphological and pomological features were studied for two consecutive years in wild apricot seedlings grown under Macedonian environmental conditions. The population comprised of 19 seedlings, i.e. genotypes, that showed notable fruit and tree traits. Their flowering time and desirable fruit quality features were determined in comparison with ‘Hungarian Best’. In all genotypes, flowering occurred two days earlier than the control in both years, with the exception of end of flowering in the second year, whereas harvest time was later in seven genotypes than in ‘Hungarian Best’. Genotypes showed a range of 23.40±1.62 g to 89.29±2.98 g for fruit weight, 1.81±0.13 to 4.85±0.17 g for stone weight, 11.70±0.41 to14.40±0.55 ºBrix for soluble solids, and 0.89±0.01 to1.89±0.02% for titratable acidity. Soluble solids was higher than 12% in eighteen genotypes. The pH ranged between 3.90±0.06 and 4.70±0.08. The contents of reducing sugars, sucrose, and total sugars ranged from 8.49±0.10 to 10.39±0.66%, 0.66±0.01 to 1.20±0.05%, and 9.34±0.19 to 11.36±0.19%, respectively. The genotypes were grouped into four clusters according to their potential. A high correlation was found among some quality traits. Using a principal component analysis, apricot genotypes were segregated into groups with similar physical and chemical features. These relationships may help in selection of a set of genotypes with better fruit quality performances, which, in our study, wre observed in DL-1/1/04, DL-1/2/03, D-1/04, and K-5/04. Based on this evaluation, 19 outstanding genotypes were pre-selected from the initial breeding population for further studies.}, Keywords = {Apricot,Prunus armeniaca L,fruit quality,Genotypes}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1121-1134}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3889-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-3889-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Bakhtiari, B. and Liaghat, A. M.}, title = {Seasonal Sensitivity Analysis for Climatic Variables of ASCE-Penman-Monteith Model in a Semi-arid Climate}, abstract ={Seasonal variations of climatic parameters are significant in arid and semi-arid regions and sensitivity of each parameter may differ in different seasons. No work has been done in this regard in Iran. Therefore, in this study, sensitivity analysis of the ASCE-Penman-Monteith grass reference evapotranspiration (ETo) equation was investigated on the basis of variation of mean air temperature (Tmean), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed at 2 meter height (U2), and short wave solar radiation (Rs) in the semi-arid climate of Kerman, southeast of Iran. The sensitivity coefficients were derived for each variable on a daily basis. The results showed that the computed ETo was sensitive to VPD in all months, to U2 during March to November, and to Rs during the summer months. The change in ETo was linearly related to the change in the climatic variables, with in most cases. The sensitivity coefficient for Rs was higher during the summer months and lower during the winter months. Increase in ETo with respect to the increase in the aforementioned climate variable changed by month. On an annual average, 1 C increase in Tmean, 1 ms-1 increase in U2, and one MJ m-2d-1 increase in Rs resulted in, respectively, 0.11, 0.37, and 0.09 mm d-1increases in ETo. A 0.4 kPa increase in VPD resulted in 0.85 mm d-1 increase in ETo. Generally, various meteorological parameters should be measured with high accuracy in order to use the combination model.}, Keywords = {Evapotranspiration,Penman-Monteith,Sensitivity analysis}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1135-1145}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12040-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12040-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Hadadinejad, M. and Ebadi, A. and Naghavi, M. R. and Nikkhah, R.}, title = {Genealogy and Molecular Diversity of Iranian Grapevine Progenies}, abstract ={Grapes are among the world most planted horticultural crops. Since the last century, attempts have been made to improve the quality of grapes in the world. Meanwhile, the necessity of having knowledge about the history of progenies families led to the link between genealogy and breeding. Considering some previous mislabeling, in order to find out the accuracy of the controlled crosses as well as determining the possible parents and genealogy of the hybrid progenies, 23 grapevine genotypes were studied by using 14 SSRs loci. These progenies included 12 promising lines selected from 22 crosses as well as their parents that included four seedless and seven seeded cultivars from Iranian Grape Breeding Program, The highest similarity between a female parent and its progenies, which was obtained from dice similarity coefficient and cluster analysis, was about 0.65, belonging to 'Alibaba' and its three progenies (S54, S55, S40). Results rejected any cross-selfing in female parents and also discriminated progenies from parents. Due to possible common genetic backgrounds in the parents, assigning progenies to their parents by cluster analysis or allele counting was impossible. Therefore, parentage analyses were done within likelihood based assignment approach using CERVUS 3.0 software. By this approach, true parents could be identified from candidate parents based on calculated positive and negative LOD scores. Also, by using this approach, genotyping errors, which were previously derived from low number of SSR loci or similarity in the parents' backgrounds, decreased in the final results. In addition, full sib and half sib relationships between S55 and S54 with S40 were obvious. Furthermore, wherever prevention of inbreeding depression is required, the results could be used to select convenient parents for backcrossing.}, Keywords = {Grapevine,Breeding,Likelihood based assignment,Microsatellite}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1147-1161}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12232-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-12232-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mirzaghaderi, G. and Zeinali, G. and Rafiepour, M. and Karimzadeh, G.}, title = {Wheat-Rye Translocation in Iranian Bread Wheat Cultivars and Their Ion Distribution in Response to Salinity Stress}, abstract ={The short arm of rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosome 1 (1RS), besides being part of the rye genome, is present in many hundred wheat cultivars as either 1RS.1BL or 1RS.1DL wheat-rye translocation. In this study, the distribution of the wheat–rye translocation was examined in 33 Iranian winter and spring wheat cultivars, nine of which had a known donor of 1RS.1BL translocation and the other 24 were randomly selected cultivars without a known source of 1RS.1BL in their pedigree. The presence of the translocation was verified in 4 cultivars, using genomic in situ hybridization analysis. We also compared the Na+ exclusion and K+/Na+ ratios in leaf and root of the identified 1RS.1BL translocations and in eight randomly selected non-translocated (NT) control cultivars grown in hydroponic solutions, containing 0 and 200 mM NaCl. Mean comparisons showed that the 1RS.1BL cultivars (Atrak, Dez, Falat, Rasul) had significantly lower rates of whole plant dry weight and root dry weight in the presence of 200 mM NaCl compared with NT control cultivars. No significant difference was observed between translocated and NT cultivars for Na+ concentrations and K+/Na+ ratios in their leaves or roots. Although, there are many useful genes in 1RS arm, it has no substantial contribution to Na+ exclusion in comparison with NT controls at seedling stage.}, Keywords = {Triticum aestivum,Salt tolerance,Cytogenetics,Secale cereale,1RS.1BL Wheat-Rye translocation}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1163-1172}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7958-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-7958-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Mehrabadi, M. and Bandani, A. R. and Saadati, F. and Mahmudvand, M.}, title = {α-Amylase Activity of Stored Products Insects and Its Inhibition by Medicinal Plant Extracts}, abstract ={The experiment was conducted to determine α-amylase activity and the effect of seven plant species extracts including Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae), Rheum officinale B. (Polygonaceae), Rhus coriaria L. (Anacardiaceae), Artemisia sieberi B. ( Compositae), Peganum harmala L. (Nitrariaceae) , Datura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) and Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) on α-amylase activity of four stored insect pests including Callosobruchus maculatus F. (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), Rhyzopertha dominica F. (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Trogoderma granarium E. (Coleoptera : Dermestidae). Also, gut pH and optimum temperature for α-amylase activity of these insects were determined. It was found that α -amylases midgut pH of all four insect species was acidic and optimum temperature was between 30 and 40 °C. Beyond these temperatures, the α-amylases activities sharply decreased. Plant extracts caused inhibitory activity on insect α-amylases varying from nearly 4% to 95% inhibition. D. stramonium and R. officinali extracts had the highest amylase inhibitory activity among the tested extracts, while methanolic extracts of P. harmala, and T. vulgaris (except for S. granaries α-amylase) showed the lowest inhibitory activity. Gel assays revealed that more than one isoform of α -amylase detected in midgut crude extracts of the four insect pests examined could be inhibited by the plant extracts.}, Keywords = {Gut pH,Plant extracts,Stored-product insects,α –amylase}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1173-1182}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1808-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-1808-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Malekinezhad, H. and Nachtnebel, H. P. and Klik, A.}, title = {Regionalization Approach for Extreme Flood Analysis Using L-moments}, abstract ={Flood frequency analysis is faced with the problem of data and information limitation in arid and semi-arid regions. Particularly in these regions, the length of records is usually too short to ensure reliable quantile estimates. More than 75% of Iran is located in arid and semi-arid regions and despite the low annual precipitation, often large floods occur. One way to provide more information is to use many records from a region with similar flood behaviour, rather than only at-site data. This research is aimed to delineate homogeneous regions in the study area for further hydrological studies. Estimating regionalized parameters and identification of the best-fit distributions are the other specific objectives of the research. Several watershed attributes in relation to flood were characterized, among which the main characteristics were found by factor analysis. Later, preliminary identification of homogeneous regions was carried out using cluster analysis and region-of-influence approaches. The homogeneity test was done by H-statistic, a testing method based on L-moments. The results of this test showed that a subdivision of selected watersheds into homogenous groups is necessary. Therefore, three homogenous regions were formed. The Z-statistic based on L-moments and L-moment ratio diagrams were applied for identification of the best-fit distribution in each homogenous region. In the regionalization procedure five three-parameter distributions i.e. Generalized Logistic (GLO), Generalized Extreme Value (GEV), Generalized Pareto (GPA), three-parameter Lognormal (LN3), and Pearson type III (PE3) were fitted to the three homogeneous regions and the best-fit distributions were identified using L-moments approach. The results of goodness-of-fit analysis for the three regions indicates that the GEV, LN3 for the regions (1) and (2), and GLO and GEV distributions for the region (3) give acceptably close fits to the regional average L-moments. In general, the GEV distribution could be adopted as the appropriate distribution for the study area.}, Keywords = {Homogeneity test,L-moments,L-moments ratio diagram,Regionalization,Regional flood frequency}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1183-1196}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-720-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-720-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Samadi, A.}, title = {Potassium Supplying Power of Selected Alkaline-Calcareous Soils in the North-west of Iran}, abstract ={Solution potassium (So-K) and exchangeable K (Ex-K) extracted by NH4OAc are the major sources of potassium used by plants, but initially non-exchangeable K (NEx-K) can also contribute significantly to plant uptake. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium Perenne, cv. Roper) was successively planted in ten surface soil samples with different clay mineralogical composition belonging to five soil types to determine the contribution of Ex-K and NEx-K to K availability in the greenhouse during 260 d (five cuttings). Before planting, soil samples were leached to remove So-K and Ex-K so that the plants would use more K from the NEx-K pool. The leaching was performed using 0.1 M chloride solution containing Ca and Mg in the molar ratio of 4:1. The soil types having initially high NEx-K contents showed a high K uptake. A highly significant positive correlation was observed between total K uptake and illite content for the unleached soils (r = 0.81, P<0.01) and the Ca/Mg leached soils (r = 0.75, P<0.01). Significant declines in the plant K concentration values were observed between the first and the last cutting: from 4.1 to 2.3 g kg-1 (a drop of 45%) for the unleached soils and from 3.4 to 2.1 g kg-1 (a drop of 39%) for the leached soils. By the five cuttings of ryegrass, the concentrations of NH4OAc-K had significantly (P<0.01) declined in all unleached and leached soils. A pronounced decline in NH4OAc-K concentrations (a drop of 86% for unleached soil and 89% for leached soil) were detected in the soils belonging to Typic Calcixerepts containing high amount of illite. The NEx-K uptake by ryegrass ranged from 421 to 859 mg kg-1 for the unleached soils and from 410 to 574 mg kg-1 for the leached soils. Among the soils, NEx-K uptake accounted for up to 96% of the total uptake removed by five harvests of ryegrass herbage. For the unleached soils, NEx-K uptake was significantly (P<0.01) related to total K uptake. There were large differences in NEx-K uptake from soils that had similar NH4OAc-K values. Hence, K buffer power and soil types coupled with available K must be taken into account when planning any application of K.}, Keywords = {Clay minerals,NH4OAc-K,Non-exchangeable K,Potassium supplying power,Ryegrass,Successive planting}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1197-1208}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6168-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6168-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Ahemad, M. and SaghirKhan, M.}, title = {Response of Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Grown in Herbicide-Amended Soil to Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) MRM6}, abstract ={The present study was conducted to determine the plant growth-promoting activities of Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) strain MRM6 grown in the presence and absence of the selected herbicides, quizalafop-p-ethyl and clodinafop. The herbicide tolerant Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) strain MRM6 was further tested for bioremediation and plant growth promoting potential using greengram as a test crop, grown in soils treated with quizalafop-p-ethyl and clodinafop, at both recommended and higher dose rates. The quizalafop-p-ethyl and clodinafop tolerant Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) strain MRM6 recovered from the nodules of greengram plants produced a substantial amount of indole acetic acid, siderophores, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia, both in the presence and absence of technical grade quizalafop-p-ethyl and clodinafop under in vitro conditions. Both quizalafop-p-ethyl [40 (recommended dose), 80, and 120 µg kg-1 soil] and clodinafop [400 (recommended dose), 800, and 1200 µg kg-1 soil] decreased the growth of Bradyrhizobium sp. MRM6-inoculated and un-inoculated plants. Quizalafop-p-ethyl at all concentrations showed more phytotoxicity and affected the growth in terms of nodulation, total dry biomass, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) uptake and seed yield compared to clodinafop or un-inoculated control. When the inoculant strain MRM6 was used with any concentration of the two herbicides, the growth and nodulation parameters of the plants were relatively better compared to the plants grown in soils treated solely (without inoculant) with the same concentration of each herbicide. For example, when strain MRM6 was used with 1200 µg clodinafop kg-1 soil, it increased the symbiotic attributes (nodule number, nodule dry mass, leghaemoglobin), whole biomass, root N, shoot N, root P, shoot P, seed yield, and grain protein by 14%, 62%, 60%, 102%, 23%, 31%, 9%, 10%, 72% and 4%, respectively, compared to the un-inoculated treatment having the same concentration of clodinafop. The present findings suggest that the bradyrhizobial strain MRM6 endowed with multiple properties could be used to facilitate the productivity of greengram under herbicide-stressed soils.}, Keywords = {Bioremediation,Herbicide-stress,Legume,PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria),Toxicity}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1209-1222}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6816-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6816-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} } @article{ author = {Ghasemloo, N. and Mobasheri, M. R. and Rezaei, Y.}, title = {Vegetation Species Determination Using Spectral Characteristics and Artificial Neural Network (SCANN)}, abstract ={Classification of vegetation according to their species composition is one of the most important tasks in the application of remote sensing in precision agriculture. To prepare an algorithm for such a mandate, there is a need for ground truth. Field operation is very costly and time consuming. Therefore, some other method must be developed, such as extracting information from the satellite images, which is comparatively cheaper and faster. In this study, we first introduced a simple method for Determination of the Vegetation Specie in full cover pixels (DVS) using their laboratory measured spectral reflectance curves. Then, based on these pixels, a hybrid method for vegetation field classification, which we call SCANN (Spectral Characteristics and Artificial Neural Network), is introduced. In this method, different vegetation spectral reflectance characteristics at the three extremes of green, red, and near-infrared along with an artificial neural network method were used. Comparing the results of DVS with those of field collected data showed near 100% accuracy. Based on the results of DVS, the results of SCANN showed an overall accuracy of more than 94%. This method is suggested for unsupervised classification using Hyperspectral images.}, Keywords = {Image classification, Neural networks,Spectral characteristics, Vegetation}, volume = {13}, Number = {7}, pages = {1223-1232}, publisher = {Tarbiat Modares University}, url = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6937-en.html}, eprint = {http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-23-6937-en.pdf}, journal = {Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology}, issn = {1680-7073}, eissn = {2345-3737}, year = {2011} }