ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Land Productivity in Indian Crop Agriculture: An Evidence from Panel Data Analysis  The current study assessed the climate change impacts on land productivity of major food and non-food grain crops in India. We compiled panel data for 30 years (1980-2009) using fifteen crops across thirteen agriculture intensive states. The value of production for each crop is estimated by farm harvest price (at constant prices, 1993-1994). Aggregate value of production on per hectare land is regressed with different socio-economic and climatic factors using the Cobb-Douglas (C-D) production function model. Estimates based on Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and linear regression and correlated Panels Corrected Standard Errors (PCSEs) (Prais-Winsten) estimation indicate that land productivity decreases with increase in annual average maximum temperature. The study concludes that Indian policymakers need to increase more irrigation facilities and fertilizers for cultivation. Land productivity is positively associated with irrigation area, number of pump set and application of fertilizers on per hectare land. In brief, more irrigation facilities; recommended use of fertilizer; more investment in infrastructure; participation of more literate population in agricultural activities; government expenditure on agricultural and allied sectors, rural development, irrigation and flood control would be useful to mitigate the negative effect of climate change on agriculture and improve agricultural productivity (land productivity). Finally, our projected results based on simulation technique showed that climate change would cause a decline in land productivity by 48.63 percent by the year 2100 and loss of farmers’ income in India. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-4491-en.pdf 2016-01-01 1 13 Climatic change Cobb-Douglas production function model India Land productivity State-wise panel A. Kumar 1 Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat-388001, India. AUTHOR P. Sharma 2 School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Madhya Pradesh-452017, India. AUTHOR S. Joshi 3 School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Madhya Pradesh-452017, India. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE An Investigation of Self-Directed Learning Skills among the Iranian Agricultural Students (Case of Agricultural College, Tarbiat Modares University) The readiness for self-directed learning among the students and its role in improving life-long learning skills has been emphasized recently. The present descriptive study aimed at analyzing the self-directed learning skills possessed by the students of agriculture at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (N= 414). As far as methodological design is concerned, the study has utilized Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table, and stratified random sampling technique, through which 201 students were selected as sample (n= 201). From this, 193 students filled and returned the research instrument (Return rate= 96%). A set of open ended questionnaires was developed, which was considered to be the main tool for the collection of required data. This prepared questionnaire was validated by a panel of experts of agricultural extension and education, subsequently; its reliability was also checked and confirmed by Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient (0.78-0.83). The results showed that the students could perceive the range of ‘moderate to high’ for all dimensions underlying self-directed learning skills. Based upon another part of results, the students with different educational levels, majors and grade point averages had different self-directed learning skills. It can be concluded that readiness for self-directed learning is a crucial factor for all students and should be taken into consideration in education planning with regard to each field. It is necessary to state that the educational system seeks to develop such skills to promote self-management, self-monitoring, and self-motivating as well as SDL skills among the students. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-6847-en.pdf 2016-01-01 15 26 Agricultural students Iran Life-long learning Self-Directed Learning (SDL) M. Taqipour 1 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR E. Abbasi 2 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR A. Naeimi 3 Department of Extension, Communication and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR S. Ganguly 4 Policy and Management, Ramakrishna Mission Lokasiksha Parishad, Narendrapur, Kolkata, India. AUTHOR N. Zamani 5 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Attitude towards On-the-job E-learning: The Case of Agricultural Extension Workers in Iran The successful adoption of e-learning systems is mainly dependent on the learners’ attitude and willingness to use them. This survey was conducted to investigate agricultural extension workers’ attitudes toward using e-learning for on-the-job training in Iran and factors which affect it. Using the stratified sampling technique a sample of 379 extension workers were selected from six provinces. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data through an interview method. Findings show that extension workers’ attitude toward e-learning is generally positive. Extension workers' knowledge of e-learning, access to technical support, and their motivation influence their attitude toward the use of e-learning for on-the job training. Therefore, recommendations are provided to promote the experts’ motivation, knowledge and to improve infrastructures. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-4238-en.pdf 2016-01-01 27 38 Agricultural extension workers Attitude E-learning On-the-job training A. Ahmadpour 1 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR S. M. Mirdamadi 2 Department of Agricultural Development, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR S. Soltani 3 Agricultural Planning, Economic and Rural Development Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Farmers’ Satisfaction with Agricultural Extension Service and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study in North West Ethiopia Customer satisfaction is the most important element for developing and sustaining organizational priorities and practices. Thus, we examined farmers’ overall satisfaction with agricultural extension services and its determinants using data collected from 150 beneficiary farmers in North West Ethiopia. The findings show that about 55% of the interviewees were satisfied whereas 45% of them were dissatisfied with the extension services, implying that the program still has a lot of room for improvement. The empirical result based on ordered logit model revealed that perceived economic return, regular extension contact, family size and off-farm income were driving factors for farmers’ satisfaction. On the other hand, limited technology choices, high price of inputs, inconvenient loan system and undefined boundary between the extension service and the local politics were among the reasons given by dissatisfied farmers. Thus, from a policy perspective, the findings suggest a need to develop demand-driven extension service instead of the existing supply-driven one. Such service should be aiming to enhance the rewards from farming in order to maintain participation and farmers` satisfaction, which influence the sustainability of the extension program. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-6455-en.pdf 2016-01-01 39 53 Agricultural extension service Ethiopia Farmers’ satisfaction Ordered logit model A. Elias 1 The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tottori University, 4-101 Koyama-Minami Tottori-shi, 680-8553, Japan. AUTHOR M. Nohmi 2 Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Japan. AUTHOR K. Yasunobu 3 Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Japan. AUTHOR A. Ishida 4 Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Japan. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Potato Growers’ Risk Perception: A Case Study in Ardabil Province of Iran The aim of this study was to examine potato growers' perceptions of risk sources and risk management strategies and their risk management behavior. A Survey research method was used in this study. The data originated from a sample of potato growers (n= 128) of Ardabil Province in the cropping year of 2013. The respondents were divided into two groups of Less Risk-Averse (LRA) and More Risk-Averse (MRA). Results show that more than half of the respondents were MRA. In general, potato price, marketing and yield were important sources of risk. The MRA farmers perceived price, yield, input costs and subsidy elimination as highly important sources of risk. Change in farming practices times, sharing farm machinery and hedging were important perceived strategies. LRA farmers marked more importance to management strategies than their counterparts. Except for a few strategies, there was consistency between the growers’ perception and management behavior. The results also show that there were significant relationships between farmers’ perception of strategies and their application. The results have implications for agricultural policy makers, extension and advisory services on the brink of subsidy targeting policy in Iran. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-10465-en.pdf 2016-01-01 55 65 Ardabil perception Potato Risk Management A. Bagheri 1 Department of Water Engineering and Agricultural Management, Faculty of Agricultural Technologies and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR H. Shabanali Fami 2 Department of Agricultural Management and Development, Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Development, University of Tehran, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Antioxidant Properties of Selected Spices Used in Iranian Cuisine and Their Efficacy in Preventing Lipid Peroxidation in Meat Sausages This study involved analyzing antioxidant properties of spices, namely clove (Syzygium aromaticum Linn.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, syn C. zeylanicum Blume) and sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and exploring their efficacy in a food system. In the first part of the study, the antioxidant activity of water extract of spices treated at different temperatures were measured by three different methods namely, DPPH, reducing power and phosphomolybdenum complex assay and the results were compared to control unheated sample. In the second part, these three spices were incorporated in home-made sausages separately and stored for a month under refrigeration during which Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and Peroxide Value (PV) were measured every 10th day. The results were compared with control sample (without spices). Results showed that, extracts of heat treated spices had higher antioxidant activity in comparison with the control sample and sausages with added spices showed lower levels of FFA and PV in comparison with control samples. It can be concluded that spices possessed antioxidant properties and heat treatment had a positive effect on antioxidant activity and they were effective in delaying oxidation in sausages, hence they can be used as sources of natural antioxidants. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-10017-en.pdf 2016-01-01 67 78 Cinnamon clove Free fatty acids Peroxide value Sumac A. Nikousaleh 1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570 006, India. AUTHOR J. Prakash 2 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570 006, India. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Thyme-Enriched Refined Corn Oil This study was designed to examine bioactive compounds of the thyme-enriched corn oil and to determine the antioxidant activity of its methanolic extract. Volatile compounds composition was investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), whereas phenolic compounds analysis was performed by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Antioxidant activities of the flavoured oil methanolic extract were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching, reducing power and total antioxidant assays. Flavoured oil major volatiles were p-cymene (26.47%), α-thujene (24.06%) and γ-terpinene (14.30%). Its methanolic extract had higher Total Phenol Contents (TPCs) (53.99 mg 100 g-1) than that of the crude oil (23.63 mg 100 g-1). Thymol was the main phenolic compound in the flavoured oil (55.84%). Flavoured oil methanolic extract showed higher total antioxidant activity (185.22 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) 100 g-1) than that of the crude one (100.66 mg GAE 100 g-1). In β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching and DPPH radical scavenging assays, flavoured oil methanolic extract showed higher activities than that of the crude oil based on IC50values. Flavoured and crude oils were characterized by a close CE50values (1.81 and 1.85 mg mL-1, respectively). Antioxidant activities of the thyme-enriched oil were mainly due to the presence of phenolic compounds such as thymol and hydrocarbons such as γ-terpinene and p- cymene. The thyme-enriched oil could be considered as a new and natural source of antioxidant. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-6164-en.pdf 2016-01-01 79 91 Antioxidant activity Corn oil Essential oil Polyphenols Thymus capitatus I. Jabri Karoui 1 Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Biotechnology Center in Borj-Cedria Technopol, BP. 901, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia. AUTHOR K. Msaada 2 Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Biotechnology Center in Borj-Cedria Technopol, BP. 901, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia. AUTHOR M. Abderrabba 3 Laboratory of materials molecules and applications, IPEST, BP51 – 2078, La Marsa, Tunisia. AUTHOR B. Marzouk 4 Laboratory of Bioactive Substances, Biotechnology Center in Borj-Cedria Technopol, BP. 901, 2050 Hammam-Lif, Tunisia. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Composite Coating as a Carrier of Antioxidants Improves the Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality of Table Grapes (Vitis vinifera L. var. Thompson Seedless) Composite edible coating comprising xanthan gum (0.3%) and olive oil (0.1%) enriched with antioxidants (gallic acid 0.1%, ferulic acid 0.1% and ascorbic acid 0.1%) enhanced the postharvest storability and nutritional quality of table grapes. The quality characteristics of table grapes were monitored during storage at 10±2°C, (70–75% RH), at regular intervals of 6 days until 24 days of storage. Xanthan gum combined with olive oil reduced the weight loss, decay occurrence, accumulation of total soluble solids and total sugars by reducing the rate of respiration and metabolism in the coated fruit. Moreover, incorporation of antioxidants in coating enhanced the level of phenolics, ascorbic acid and total antioxidant activity in grapes. The activities of cell wall modifying enzymes such as Polygalacturonase (PG) and Pectate Lyase (PL) were reduced in the fruits of treated sets as compared to that of the control set. These results suggest that the composite coating delayed the ripening and softening process in grapes and thereby extended their shelf life up to 24 days, while the control grapes were decayed on the 12th day. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-3814-en.pdf 2016-01-01 93 107 Composite edible coating Nutritional quality phenolic compounds shelf life Vitis vinifera L N. S. Baraiya 1 BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388 120, Gujarat, India. AUTHOR T. V. Ramana Rao 2 BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388 120, Gujarat, India. AUTHOR V. R. Thakkar 3 BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388 120, Gujarat, India. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Decreasing the Effects of Aflatoxins on Color and Oxidative Stability of Broiler Meats using Nanozeolite This study was carried out to evaluate how various amounts of nanozeolite decrease the effects of Aflatoxins (AF) on color and oxidative stability of the broiler thigh meat. Three hundred and thirty six one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were divided into six groups including a control group, which received diet without AF and nanozeolite, and five treatment groups that received diet with 0.5 ppm of AF, as well as 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% of nanozeolite. Results showed that broilers fed by AF contaminated diet without nanozeolite had the highest rate of L* and a* values and the lowest rate of b* value (P> 0.05). AF contaminated diet without nanozeolite increased ThioBarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBA-RS) significantly, compared to the control group and the treatment groups that received AF and nanozeolite (P< 0.05). Results suggest that nanozeolite (especially 0.75 and 1%) is able to reduce the adverse effects of AF on meat quality, especially lipid oxidation. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-12323-en.pdf 2016-01-01 109 121 Lipid oxidation Meat quality Thigh Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances A. Shabani 1 Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR B. Dastar 2 Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR S. Hassani 3 Faculty of Animal Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR M. Khomeiri 4 Department of Food Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR B. Shabanpour 5 Department of Fisheries, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Geometry Simplification of Wrinkled Wall Semi-rigid Aluminum Containers in Heat Transfer Simulation Semi-rigid aluminum containers are being used widely in food industries. They have wrinkle shaped walls for strengthening their physical structure. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of wrinkled parts on the heat transfer and temperature distribution of the containers by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. Therefore, a precise designed geometry of the wrinkled walls container was compared to a straight one. The analysis was carried out based on the physical properties of a carrot-orange soup. The velocity vectors showed a strong circulation towards the core. The Slowest Heating Zone (SHZ) locations were the same for wrinkled and simplified containers. Average temperature of the symmetric plane and the coldest point of SHZ showed less than 1% difference. The lethality imposed to the SHZ in the wrinkled wall container was about 0.4% more than the straight one. The simulation results revealed that wrinkled walls do not play an important role in increasing heat transfer and as a result, such geometries could be simplified while modeling. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-1785-en.pdf 2016-01-01 123 133 Can geometry CFD Heat Transfer Semi-rigid aluminum container SHZ Wrinkled wall H. Vatankhah 1 Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR N. Zamindar 2 Department of Food Science and Technology, Khorasgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, 81551-39998, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR M. Shahedi 3 Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Impact of Pretreated Rice Bran on Wheat Dough Performance and Barbari Bread Quality In this research roasted and sonicated rice bran were added at different levels (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w) to wheat flour for the production of semi-voluminous bread. Dough's rheological properties as well as textural and sensory characteristics of bread were investigated. The results showed that water absorption (%), development time (min) and the degree of dough softening (FU) were increased but dough stability (min) was decreased by adding pretreated rice bran. Adding pretreated rice bran increased the moisture content and L* value of bread crust. The texture of samples which contained 10% pretreated rice bran during 3 hours after baking was less stiff than the control. However, there was no significant difference between samples which contained 5, 10% of rice bran and the sample without rice bran (P< 0.05) 48 hours after baking. Finally, the samples with 10% rice bran were selected as the most productive samples in this research by panelists. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-8067-en.pdf 2016-01-01 135 144 Barbari bread Rice bran Roasting Ultrasound P. Taghinia 1 Department of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR E. Ataye Salehi 2 Department of Food Science and Technology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Quchan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR Z. Sheikholesami 3 Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources, Research and Education Center, AREEO, Mashad, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Physicochemical Changes in ‘Kaew Kamin’ Mango Fruit Illuminated with UltraViolet-C (UV-C) during Storage The effects of UV-C illumination at the dosage of 6.6 kJ m-2 on postharvest quality of mango fruit cv. ‘Kaew Kamin’ during storage at 25 or 12°C were investigated. The changes in fresh weight, texture, Ripening Index (RI), peel and pulp colours, visual appearance, Total Carotenoids (TC) and Ascorbic Acid (AsA) content were determined on days 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 of storage. UV-C irradiation effectively maintained the fruit firmness and delayed the increase in RI and the loss of peel greenness over storage. No treatment had any effects on pulp yellowness over storage. The incorporation of UV-C illumination and refrigerated storage (12°C) prevented postharvest disease and maintained nutritional values such as TC and AsA content. In conclusion, UV-C irradiation appears an effective alternative approach to maintain postharvest quality and nutritional values and to extend shelf-life of ‘Kaew Kamin’ mango fruit. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-3400-en.pdf 2016-01-01 145 154 Mango Postharvest quality UV-C light S. Promyou 1 Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand. AUTHOR S. Supapvanich 2 Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Chalermprakiat Sakon Nakhon province campus, Muang, Sakon Nakhon, 47000, Thailand. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Evaluation of K-tree Distance and Fixed-Sized Plot Sampling in Zagros Forests of Western Iran Three k-tree distance and fixed-sized plot designs were used for estimating tree density in sparse Oak forests. These forests cover the main part of the Zagros mountain area in western Iran. They are non-timber-oriented forest but important for protection purposes. The main objective was to investigate the statistical performance of k-tree distance and fixed-sized plot designs in the estimation of tree density. In addition, the cost (time required) of data collection using both k-tree distance and fixed-sized plot designs was estimated. Monte-Carlo sampling simulation was used in order to compare the different strategies. The bias of the k-tree distance designs estimators decreased with increasing the value of k. The Moore’s estimator produced the smallest bias, followed by Kleinn and Vilcko andthen Prodan. In terms of cost-efficiency, Moore’s estimator was the best and Prodan’s estimator was superior to Kleinn and Vilcko’s estimator. Cost-efficiency of k-tree distance design is related to three factors: sample size, the value of k, and spatial distribution of trees in a forest stand. Moore’s estimator had the best statistical performance in terms of bias, in all four-study sites. Thus, it can be concluded that Moore’s estimator can have a better performance in forests with different tree distribution. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-4644-en.pdf 2016-01-01 155 170 Boundary correction Monte-Carlo simulation Oak forest Plot less sampling Variable plot sampling H. Ramezani 1 Department of Forest Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, SE-901 83 Ume&aring, Sweden. AUTHOR A. Grafstrom 2 Department of Forest Resource Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, SE-901 83 Ume&aring, Sweden. AUTHOR H. Naghavi 3 Department of Forestry, Lorestan University, P. O. Box 465, Khorram Abad, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR A. Fallah 4 Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR Sh. Shataee 5 Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR J. Soosani 6 Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Life Cycle of the Fairy Shrimp, Phallocryptus spinosa Milne Edwards, 1840 (Crustacea: Anostraca) at Different Temperatures This study was conducted to evaluate a temperature regime ranged from 15 to 30°C on survival, growth, life span and reproductive traits (reproductive period, clutch number, offspring number) of Phallocryptus spinosa from Iran. Newly hatched nauplii (N= 200 and 3 replicates per each treatment) were allocated into containers and maintained at various temperature regimes (at 15, 20, 25 and 30˚C). During trial, the larvae were fed with unicellular algae Dunaliella tertiolecta and Lansy PZ (lipid-enriched yeast). Survival and growth rate of P. spinosa with an interval of 3 days to 18 days were examined. After attaining adulthood, 16 pairs of adult P. spinosa were transferred from all culture vessels into separate containers supplied with 300 ml of brackish water (5 ppt) and similar temperatures to compare their life span and reproductive traits. Based on results obtained, maximum growth at shortest period (13.2±2.0 mm on day 12) was observed at 30°C; whereas, all P. spinosa died before reaching sexual maturity by day 15. Maximum survival (86%) was observed at 15°C; however, minimum growth also was obtained at the same temperature with none of P. spinosa reaching sexual adulthood. On the 18th day, P. spinosa reached sexual adulthood only at 20 and 25°C. Furthermore, a significant difference was observed in most of the reproductive traits especially in total egg production per female at 20°C. Thus, it seems that 20°C is the suitable temperature to rear this fairy shrimp. Future studies should be focused on the feasibility of mass production of this species as a valuable live feed in the aquaculture industry. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-7626-en.pdf 2016-01-01 171 177 Fairy shrimp Growth Survival Life span Reproductive characteristics M. R. Gharibi 1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Islamic republic of Iran. AUTHOR M. A. Nematollahi 2 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Islamic republic of Iran. AUTHOR N. Agh 3 Department of Biology, Artemia and Aquatic Animals Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic f Iran. AUTHOR B. Atashbar 4 Department of Biology, Artemia and Aquatic Animals Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic f Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Bottom-up Effect of Two Host Plants on Life Table Parameters of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Aphis gossypii Glover is one of the most important pests of greenhouse cucumber and pepper in the world and Iran. In this research, life table and biology of A. gossypii were investigated on cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Super Sultan) and pepper (Capsicum annum cv. Marqueza) in a growth chamber at 25±1°C and 60±5% RH and a photoperiod of 14 L: 10 D hour.The results showed thatdevelopmental time of A. gossypii on pepper was significantly longer than that on cucumber. The survival rates of A. gossypii on cucumber and pepper were significantly differentbased on Kolmogrov-Smirnov test results. The survival rates (lx) at the beginning of female emergence were 94 and 66% on cucumber and pepper, respectively. Life expectancy (ex) of the newly-bornnymphs of A. gossypii were obtained as 26.37 and 14.4 days on cucumber and pepper, respectively. The highest age-specific daily fecundity of A. gossypii was at the 5th and 6th days of female adult age on cucumber and from first to 4th days of female adult life on pepper. Furthermore, two mathematical models (Analytis and Enkegaard) were fitted to age-specific fecundity data (mx). Adult longevity of A. gossypii on cucumber was significantly higher than that on pepper. The R0, rm and λ-values of A. gossypii on cucumber were significantly higher than those on pepper. The cotton aphid exhibited longer mean generation time (T) on pepper than that on cucumber. According to the growth index and life table statistics, cucumber was the suitable host plant for A. gossypii. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-4835-en.pdf 2016-01-01 179 190 Aphid Cucumber Demography Iran Pepper Z. Tazerouni 1 Deparment of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14115-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR A. A. Talebi 2 Deparment of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14115-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR Y. Fathipour 3 Deparment of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14115-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR M. Soufbaf 4 Agricultural, Medical and Industrial Research School, P. O. Box: 31485/498, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Comparison of Three Modelling Approaches to Simulate Regional Crop Yield: A Case Study of Winter Wheat Yield in Western Germany The need for more comparisons among models is widely recognized. This study aimed to compare three different modelling approaches for their capability to simulate and predict trends and patterns of winter wheat yield in Western Germany. The three modelling approaches included an empirical model, a process-based model (LINTUL2), and a metamodel derived from the process-based model. The models outcomes were aggregated to general climate zones level of Western Germany to allow for a comparison with agricultural census data for validation purposes. The spatial patterns and temporal trends of winter wheat yield seemed to be better represented by the empirical model (R2= 70%, RMSE= 0.48 t ha-1 yr-1, and CV-RMSE= 8%) than by the LINTUL2 model (R2= 65%, RMSE= 0.67 t ha-1 yr-1, and CV-RMSE=11%) and the metamodel (R2= 57%, RMSE= 0.77 t ha-1 yr-1, and CV-RMSE=13%). All models demonstrated a similar order of magnitude of yield prediction and associated uncertainties. The suitability of the three models is context dependent. Empirical modelling is most suitable to analyze and project past and current crop-yield patterns, while crop growth simulation models are more suited for future projections with climate scenarios. The derived metamodels are fast reliable alternatives for areas with well calibrated crop growth simulation models. A model comparison helps to reveal shortcomings and strengths of the models. In our case, a performance comparison between the three modelling approaches indicated that, for simulating winter wheat growth in Western Germany, higher sensitivity to soil depth and lower sensitivity to drought in the LINTUL2 model would probably lead to better predictions. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-2579-en.pdf 2016-01-01 191 206 Crop growth simulation model Climate Change Metamodel Regression analysis LINTUL2 A. Soltani 1 Soil Geography and Landscape Group, Wageningen University, P. O. 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. AUTHOR M. Bakker 2 Land Use Planning Group, Wageningen University, P. O. 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. AUTHOR A. Veldkamp 3 Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation Faculty (ITC), University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. AUTHOR J. Stoorvogel 4 Soil Geography and Landscape Group, Wageningen University, P. O. 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Evidence for Differential Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Sesamum indicum L. Genotypes under NaCl Salinity As sesame is a somewhat neglected crop, information concerning its response to salinity is lacking. The effects of NaCl stress were studied on seven genotypes of Sesamum indicum L. The 6-weeks-old sesame seedlings were treated with different NaCl concentrations (0, 30, and 60 mM). The NaCl caused significant decreases in fresh and dry mass of all genotypes; however responses of genotypes to the salt were significantly different. Based on the data obtained for fresh and dry mass accumulation, the genotypes were divided into two groups: i.e. salt-tolerant (Ardestan, Varamin, and Darab) and salt-sensitive (Naz-Takshakheh, Naz-Chandshakheh, Yekta and Oltan). Lipid peroxidation was recorded to be the lowest in cv. ‘Varamin’, ‘Darab’, and ‘Ardestan’ (tolerant group), whereas it was recorded to be maximum in genotypes ‘Naz-Takshakhe’, ‘Naz-Chandshakhe’, ‘Oltan’ and ‘Yekta’ (sensitive group) in the 60 mM NaCl treatment. In both 30 and 60 mM NaCl treatments, the activities of SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) were found to be higher in the tolerant group, compared to the sensitive group of genotypes. The accumulation of proline in the sesame leaves under saline conditions was higher in tolerant group, compared to the sensitive genotypes. It seems that in the salt-tolerant genotypes of sesame, increases in antioxidant enzymes activities and proline accumulation, along with a lower lipid peroxidation at cellular membranes, led to a higher level of tolerance to the salt. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-5937-en.pdf 2016-01-01 202 222 Lipid oxidation Proline Salt stress Sesame A. H. Bazrafshan 1 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Isfahan Uinversity of Technology, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR P. Ehsanzadeh 2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Isfahan Uinversity of Technology, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE A Comparison of Grafting Methods for the Production of Quality Planting Material of Promising Cornelian Cherry Selections (Cornus mas L.) in Serbia The Cornelian cherry is one of those less common but, nevertheless, interesting fruit species found in Serbia which can be used both for food and medicine. Due to a great importance of Cornelian cherry fruits as safe food and a wide interest in growing this fruit species, this research was focused on examining the production technique of quality planting material of particularly large-fruit selections of Cornelian cherry in Serbia. In the region and even beyond, there are no Cornelian cherry plantations due to a lack of planting material. To that end, the best Cornelian cherry selections selected in Serbia were grafted onto generative rootstocks of a Cornelian cherry in two periods: I (bud grafting in August) and II (spring whip grafting in April ), and the success of grafting, the effect of grafting period, and quality of produced nursery stock were assessed. The study of five large-fruit genotypes (CPC16, APRANI, BACKA, R1 and PPC1) during two years (2011 and 2012) showed that, on average, bud grafting in August (69.38%) was statistically significantly more successful than whip grafting in April (25.33%). The greatest grafting success was achieved in the period I with APRANI (83.62%) and BACKA (76.42%), while the poorest success was with CPC16 (21.67%) in the period II. On average, other examined parameters of young tree quality (height, diameter of plants, number and length of formed roots) did not indicate any statistically significant differences between the grafting periods. In this research, a technology was established for producing quality young trees of the Cornelian cherry. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-1758-en.pdf 2016-01-01 223 231 Bud grafting Large-fruit genotype Whip grafting Nursery stock S. M. Bijelić 1 Department of Pomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Trg D. Obradović 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia. AUTHOR B. R. Gološin 2 Department of Pomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Trg D. Obradović 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia. AUTHOR S. B. Cerović 3 Department of Pomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Trg D. Obradović 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia. AUTHOR B. V. Bogdanović 4 Department of Pomology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Viticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Trg D. Obradović 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Effect of Selenium on Elemental Concentration and Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity of Tomato Plants Selenium is an essential element for humans, therefore, adding it to plants is convenient for biofortification. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze experimentally the ability of sodium selenite to increase the concentration of Se and modify the antioxidant activity in tomato plants. We used plants of the Toro hybrid variety and applied three treatments: 0, 2 and 5 mg L-1 of selenium as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) using an irrigation system. Three samplings 40, 80, and 120 days after transplantation and a quantification of the accumulation of selenium and macronutrients in leaves, stems, and fruits were carried out. Plant height, stem diameter, firmness, and total solids of fruits and total dry matter were measured. The enzyme activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was quantified. The results indicated positive effects of Se on agronomic variables of the plants and fruit quality; however, fruit production showed no significant differences. Se had no effect on the concentration of the macro and micronutrients. The addition of 5 mg L-1 of Se resulted in significant increases in the concentration of selenium on a dry basis, reaching 20.4 µg g-1 in leaves, 52.3 µg g-1 in stems, and 35.8 µg g-1 in fruits. The increase in enzyme activity in the fruits was enhanced by the application of 5 mg L-1 of Se: There was up to 352.7% more catalase activity, 312.2% more glutathione peroxidase activity, and 200.8% more superoxide dismutase activity compared with the control. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-3466-en.pdf 2016-01-01 233 244 Biofortification Catalase Glutathione peroxidase Sodium selenite Superoxide dismutase R. G. Castillo-Godina 1 Biology Faculty, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico. AUTHOR R. Foroughbakhch-Pournavab 2 Biology Faculty, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico. AUTHOR A. Benavides-Mendoza 3 Horticultural Department, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Saltillo, Mexico. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Effects of Shading and Covering on ‘Sultana Seedless’ Grape Quality and Storability This study aimed to determine the effects of different shading ratio and covers on “Sultana Seedless” table grape quality and storability. Grapevines were covered at the veraison stage with 3 shading nets (0, 35, and 75% shading), which were then replaced with covering materials including Polypropylene Cross-stitch (PC), Life Pack (LP) and Mogul (MG), just before harvest. Harvested grapes in all treatments were then kept for 90 days under cold storage (-0.5°C). Postharvest decay development and decreases in sensory quality were observed in unshaded grapes and in those covered with 35% shading net and later covered with life pack. Total soluble solids content, maturity index, and color value (C* and ho) were found lower in 75% shaded grapes compared to unshaded plots. Effects of the tested applications on quality attributes either decreased or vanished during storage. All tested cover materials following shading nets could delay harvest for 50 days. Consequently, in addition to delaying harvest time, PC or MG covers used after 35 % shading allowed higher quality and successful storage of grapes for an additional 90 days. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-5495-en.pdf 2016-01-01 245 254 Late harvest On-vine storage Photon flux density Post-harvest decay Shading nets F. Sen 1 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35100 İzmir, Turkey. AUTHOR R. Oksar 2 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35100 İzmir, Turkey. AUTHOR M. Kesgin 3 Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35100 İzmir, Turkey. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Efficacy of In vitro Propagation and Crown Sizes on the Performance of Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch) cv. Festival under Field Condition In vitro propagated and conventional runner propagated plantlets of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch) cv. ‘Festival’ were transferred to the field and the size of crown for plants derived from both sources of planting material were compared. Four sizes of the crown, i.e., < 0.5, 0.5-0.8, 0.8-1, and > 1 cm were taken from both sources of planting material. The results obtained flashed that vegetative and reproductive responses of in vitro propagated plants in the field were superior over the runner propagated plants. The upshots among the various crown sizes of the planting material revealed that the plants of crown size > 1 cm performed better in all the vegetative and reproductive parameters like number of crowns per plant, number of leaves, plant height, number of runners, plant spread, terminal leaf area, number of days to flower induction, number of flowers, number of fruits, average fruit weight and fruit size. Thus, in vitro propagated derived plants can be advocated for large scale commercial cultivation. The crown size > 1 cm can be set as a selection criterion for planting materials. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-3538-en.pdf 2016-01-01 255 264 Direct regenerated shoot Field performance in vitro propagated plants Runner derived plants Strawberry S. Diengngan 1 Department and faculty of authors were mentioned, University of Horticultural Sciences, GKVK Bangalore, Karnataka, India. AUTHOR M. Mahadevamma 2 Department and faculty of authors were mentioned, University of Horticultural Sciences, GKVK Bangalore, Karnataka, India. AUTHOR B. N. Murthy 3 Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore-560089, Karnataka, India. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Utilizing Deficit Irrigation to Enhance Growth Performance and Water-use Efficiency of Eggplant in Arid Environments The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation on physiological and agronomic terms of eggplant to maximize the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) without affecting the final yield and fruit quality parameters under arid environment. Therefore, two field experiments were conducted at two different sites: Ghor Al-Safi, Jordan Valley and Sail Al-Karak, Karak Valley, Karak Province, Jordan, using a common eggplant cultivar (Classic) using five irrigation levels: 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% based on field capacity. The most stressful Deficit Irrigation (DI) treatments (40 and 20%) resulted in significant effects on leaf area, leaf relative water content, leaf water potential and leaf mineral content. Biochemical parameters also showed an increase in proline and a decrease in chlorophyll content under water deficit conditions. Fruit weight and total yield decreased with DI. The control (100% irrigation treatment) plants revealed higher nutrient contents than the water-stressed plants. The fruit TSS and titratable acidity were increased at both sites as the irrigation regime decreased from 100 to 20%. Fruit nutrient content decreased with increasing water deficit. However, the differences were not significant between the control (100% irrigation treatment) and the 80% irrigation treatment. The 80% treatment showed high water use efficiency with relatively small effects on plant growth performance compared with the control. As a result, DI level at 80% can be utilized to increase WUE without a significant effect on crop growth performance. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-1211-en.pdf 2016-01-01 265 276 Arid and semi-arid environments Crop quality Deficit irrigation Water use efficiency Yield O. Mohawesh 1 Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mutah University P.O. Box 7, Karak 61710, Jordan. AUTHOR
ORIGINAL_ARTICLE Genetic Diversity of Macrophomina phaseolina Populations, the Causal Agent of Sesame Charcoal Rot Using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat Markers Macrophomina phaseolina is an important soil-borne pathogen causing charcoal rot in many important crop plants including sesame, in Iran. A total of 60 isolates of M. phaseolina were collected from the main sesame producing regions in ten provinces of Iran. The genetic diversity among M. phaseolina populations was estimated using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), focusing particularly on geographic differentiation. Five ISSR primers generated 105 discernible DNA bands, of which 85 (77.11%) were polymorphic. The greatest value of variability (PPB: 60.00%; H: 0.185; I: 0.284) was estimated for Fars population, whereas the least variability (PPB: 9.52%; H: 0.042; I: 0.060) was estimated for Kerman population. Total gene diversity exhibited high levels of variability (HT = 0.186). Analysis of molecular variance indicated a large proportion of genetic variability within populations. http://jast.modares.ac.ir/article-1-11803-en.pdf 2016-01-01 277 287 Sesamum indicum L ISSR Geographic populations Genetic differentiation R. Salahlou 1 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR N. Safaie 2 Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR M. Shams-Bakhsh 3 Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. AUTHOR