Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Agricultural Insurance and Intensification Investment: Case Study of Khorasan Razavi Province 1 10 15991 EN S. M. Hosseini Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad. Islamic Republic of Iran. A. Dourandish Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad. Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Ghorbani Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad. Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Daneshvar Kakhki Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad. Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Theoretically and empirically, it has been often argued that production uncertainty affects the farmers’ production efficiency. Insurance can play an impactful role in reducing the uncertainty and, consequently, increasing the investment. Using multilevel models, we examined the effect of agricultural insurance programs on investment in the agricultural sector of Khorasan Razavi Province. The cross sectional data was collected by using the two-stage cluster sampling method in 2012-2013. The results indicated that the insurance background, insured cultivation area, compensation payments, and all of the socio-economic variables as well as the county and climatic situations affected the farmers' willingness to invest. Hence, insurance policies should be based on climatic conditions and particularized for the local situations of the specific counties. In addition, the payments of the compensation should be on time to encourage the investments.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15991_c51c69da77c98612490b49ed6d146a80.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Determination of Optimal Pattern of Conventional Agrarian Activities of Forest Fringe Villagers in Hezarjarib Area, Iran 11 20 15992 EN N. Heidari Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Amirnejad Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. A. Hosseini Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article For the rural population, an improvement in the income of the agriculture and allied sectors is essential for improving the welfare, rural economic prosperity, and the overall economic development. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal pattern in various activities of forest fringe villagers of Hezarjarib area in 2013 for management of resources and rural development planning. For this purpose, the sample size was estimated to be 160 households out of a total of 472, by the use of proportional random sampling method. To collect data, we used a questionnaire whose reliability coefficient was determined as 0.81, by using the split-half method. The results of linear and goal programming model showed that, among the conventional activities of villagers, animal husbandry activity with the highest proportion played the key role in households’ welfare, representing 51.42% of the total income of household. Moreover, Goal Programing (GP) model was determined as a useful model to increase households’ welfare (10.42%) and reduce deforestation (74.6%). Accordingly, it is indicated that there is a potential to improve existing conditions and access to greater welfare in the study area. Thus, the production planning and guidance according to the above results can play an important role in villagers’ activity development.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15992_0b37354e8046d235c36ceb34b8d3754c.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Effect of Agricultural Research on Productivity and Rural Poverty: Evidence from Iran 21 32 15993 EN A. Esmaeeli Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Sedighi Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Most developing countries have achieved productivity growth in economic sectors like agriculture for more than 30 years. Universities and governmental research centers have tried to generate knowledge with direct social and economic effects during these decades. So, productivity and production growth can be attributed to technological changes made possible through investment in agricultural research. Also, investment in agricultural research can have high economic returns as well as helps to reduce poverty. Thus, this study investigated the impact of agricultural research investment on productivity growth and poverty reduction in Iran during 1971-2010. To this end, first, an agricultural productivity trend was estimated. Then, the effects of agricultural research expenditure on productivity growth and poverty reduction were evaluated using a system of simultaneous equations. Results indicate that agricultural productivity grew during this time and agricultural research expenditure had positive effect on agricultural productivity and helped reduce poverty. Nonetheless, barriers like low adoption rate of improved agricultural technologies, lack of awareness of potential research benefits, weak extension systems and poor infrastructural development limited the impact of agricultural research on poverty reduction. Therefore, improving the operation of extension services as well as credit and input supply systems are instruments with which to raise returns to agricultural research investments.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15993_b9fc564be420a43d507d54ffeda81a1d.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Assessing the Competencies and Training Needs of Agricultural Extension Workers in Saudi Arabia 33 46 15994 EN K. H. Al-Zahrani Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. F. O. Aldosari Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. M. B. Baig Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. M. Y. Shalaby Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. G. Straquadine Vice Provost, Utah State University-Eastern, Price, Utah, USA 84501. Journal Article Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed many phases, from ancient small-scale Bedouin nomadic subsistence agriculture to mass-scale farming to ensure food security and self-sufficiency, to the present-day desire for sustainability. These transitions have made the work of extension staff very challenging. Effective extension work depends upon competent and well-trained agricultural extension staff. This study assessed the competencies of extension workers and identified the training needed to improve their work in the Saudi Agricultural Extension Service (SAES). Demographic information (age, length of service, and education level) was also collected. The study mailed a pre-tested questionnaire to all 250 extension professionals actively involved in extension work, and 181 responses were received. Most agricultural extension workers had qualifications in plant protection, plant production, and general agriculture before entering the Extension Service (19.3, 17.6, and 16.8%, respectively). Only 7.7% had specialized in agricultural extension and agricultural engineering. The study established the need for extensive training programs to enable extension workers to work efficiently and effectively in the changing farming scenario in the Kingdom. Results showed that training needs are correlated with the length of service and educational qualifications. Respondents wanted to have sufficient competency and skill to understand the relationships between the Extension Service and other agriculture related organizations; to understand how mass communication has influenced society; and to enhance their competencies in the area of the teaching-learning process. The primary areas of training needs identified in the survey are in the techniques of research and evaluation, and the teaching-learning process.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15994_7f972621c06ec9e22c9b8b51659671e5.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Canola Adoption Enhancement in Western Iran 47 58 15995 EN K. Zarafshani Agricultural Extension and Education, Agricultural and Natural Resource Faculty, Razi University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. Sh. Ghasemi Agricultural Extension and Education, Agricultural and Natural Resource Faculty, Razi University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. E. Houshyar Department of Biosystems and Engineering, Jahrom University, Jahrom, P. O. Box: 74135-111, Islamic Republic of Iran. R. Ghanbai Department of Rural Development, College of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Lorestan, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. Van Passel Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium. Hasselt University, Belgium. H. Azadi Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium. Journal Article Canola production is an important alternative for agricultural policy-makers in Iran to reduce dependency on the imported vegetable oils. Nevertheless, the canola planted area is only increasing at a slow pace, indicating a low willingness-to-accept of farmers. The general aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing the canola adoption in the Kermanshah Province in Western Iran. Employing stratified random sampling method, 106 farmers from each adopter and non-adopter group were selected. Helping to reach a suitable extensional program, two main categories of variables were defined; i.e. “farmers’ personal characteristics” and “extension parameters”. The analysis of farmers’ personal characteristics variables revealed that the adopters had larger farms and were younger. The results also show that 80% of the adopters were “highly” to “very highly” willing to cultivate canola. Furthermore, a logistic regression model estimated the influence of extensional parameters variables on the canola adoption. According to the regression model, the most effective factors are “contact with extension agents” and “participating in extension classes”. As a conclusion, it is suggested that the focus of extension services should be to reduce the distance to agricultural service centers in combination with more contact with extension agents and classes.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15995_97fd09fc2eb8eefa24c6b551f68ff559.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Dynamic Assessment of Air Temperature for Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) Cultivation in a Naturally Ventilated Net-Screen Greenhouse under Tropical Lowlands Climate 59 72 15996 EN R. Shamshiri Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Malaysia. P. Van Beveren Farm Technology Group, Wageningen University, P. O. Box: 16, NL-6700AH Wageningen, The Netherlands. H. Che Man Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Malaysia. A. J. Zakaria Institute AgroPolis, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Campus Tembila, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Journal Article Net-screen covered greenhouses operating on natural ventilation are used as a sustainable approach for closed-field cultivation of fruits and vegetables and to eliminate insect passage and the subsequent production damage. The objective of this work was to develop a real-time assessment framework for evaluating air-temperature inside an insect-proof net-screen greenhouse in tropical lowlands of Malaysia prior to cultivation of tomato. Mathematical description of a growth response model was implemented and used in a computer application. A custom-designed data acquisition system was built for collecting 6 months of air-temperature data, during July to December 2014. For each measured air-Temperature (T), an optimality degree, denoted by , was calculated with respect to different light conditions (sun, cloud, night) and different growth stages. Interactive three-dimensional plots were generated to demonstrate variations in values due to different hours and days in a growth season. Results showed that air temperature was never less than 25% optimal for early growth, and 51% for vegetative to mature fruiting stages. The average in the entire 6 months was between 65 and 75%. The presented framework allows tomato growers to automatically collect and process raw air temperature data and to simulate growth responses at different growth stages and light conditions. The software database can be used to track and record values from any greenhouse with different structure design, covering materials, cooling system, and growing seasons and to contribute to knowledge-based decision support systems and energy balance models.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15996_754d8e7fbb2133ba4c8cae034bcfbbaa.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Smart Robotic Weed Control System for Sugar Beet 73 83 15997 EN K. Sabanci Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, P.O. Box: 70100, Karaman, Turkey. C. Aydin Department of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, P. O. Box: 42100, Konya, Turkey. Journal Article While weeds in sugar beet farming reduce crop yield and quality, they also lead to higher labor and material losses. In recent years, in order to eliminate or reduce the damage caused by weeds in sugar beet farming, weed control has gained importance. To this end, various studies have been conducted on robotic weed control by detecting weeds using image processing algorithms and hoeing or spraying the weeds. In this study, weeds in sugar beet fields were detected by the image processing algorithm and were sprayed with a liquid. When height of spraying nozzle above the ground was 30 cm and 50 cm, measurements of spraying robot were carried out for 8 different speeds. The weed surface covering area of spraying liquid was evaluated by two different methods. A decrease of 40% in nozzle height of smart spraying robot caused a decrease of about 12.18% at 4 different weeds surface covering area (cm2) of spraying liquid and a decrease of 16.70% at weed surface covering area (pixels) of spraying liquid.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15997_2e07f93d974e8cc17a717aacd0f0ffb0.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Consumer Acceptance and Quantitative Descriptive Analysis of Pistachio Spread 85 95 15998 EN A. Shakerardekani Pistachio Research Center, Horticultural Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rafsanjan, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.) is one of the popular and nutritious tree nuts in the world. Pistachio spread is a new product which is made from pistachio paste, icing sugar, Soy Protein Isolate (SPI), and Red Palm Oil (RPO). This study involved sensory acceptability (by 32 assessors) using Hedonic scale and development of suitable terminology for describing pistachio spread using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA). This study represents the first report on using QDA for sensory evaluation of pistachio products. The QDA method is used to determine the sensory profile of the two pistachio spreads with higher acceptability in the Hedonic scale (Formulation 12 including 50% pistachio paste, 30% icing sugar, and 20% RPO and Formulation 16 including 58.3% pistachio paste, 25% icing sugar, and 16.7% RPO). According to the results, RPO has a direct effect on the sensory acceptance of pistachio spread (P< 0.05). Eight panelists were selected for evaluation of pistachio spread. Twenty attributes (in terms of appearance (green color, visible particles, glossy), aroma (sweet, roasted, nutty, milky/creamy), flavor taste (beany, sweet, oily, bitter, nutty, creamy), texture (stickiness, oiliness, firmness, adhesiveness, spreadability), and aftertaste (bitter, astringency) were identified and developed for the product. No significant difference was observed in all pistachio spread formulations attributes, except for sweetness (P< 0.05).

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15998_f861a1acaebb1618a4db3a6983ee2cd3.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Encapsulation of Iranian Garlic Oil with β-cyclodextrin: Optimization and its Characterization 97 111 15999 EN Kh. Khoshtinat Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14155-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Barzegar Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14155-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. A. Sahari Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14155-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Z. Hamidi Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box: 14155-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article The aim of this study was to optimize the encapsulation conditions of Garlic Oil (GO) with β-cyclodextrin (GO/β-CD) inclusion complex by the co-precipitation method. Response surface optimization of encapsulation of GO with β–CD was performed with a three-variable, three-level and the optimum conditions were as follows: temperature: 35oC, Core/Wall: 8/100, and Wall/Solvent: 5.5/100. The complex was characterized by different techniques including UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Spectroscopic techniques and morphological analysis by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) confirmed formation of GO/β-CD. The in vitro release profile of GO from the GO/β-CD complex at different pH values (1.5, 4, 5.5, and 6.5) at 37oC showed that the maximum and minimum release of GO after two days were 36.59% at pH 6.5, and 1.12% at pH 4, respectively. In simulation of gastrointestinal tract, the maximum and minimum release of GO were in colon (10.29%), and stomach (0.60%), respectively. Therefore, GO/β-CD complex could be suggested in formulation of food systems such as salad dressing and sausage.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_15999_064ba0b2df0a041eb25bbc91e699926e.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Evaluation of Diazinon and Oxydemeton-methyl Residues by GC/NPD in Tomatoes Grown in Kerman Greenhouses 113 120 16000 EN V. Mahdavi Laboratory of Pesticide Research Department, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Postal Code: 1475744741, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. M. Aminaee Laboratory of Pesticide Research Department, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Postal Code: 1475744741, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Pesticides are one of the major pollutants in the environment. The residue of pesticides has been reported to be at a critical level in agricultural crops, especially in greenhouse crops. Tomato is considered as an important vegetable in Iranian food basket and is produced in fields and greenhouses. So, the current study aimed to assess diazinon and oxydemeton-methyl levels in tomatoes sampled from five Kerman greenhouses. The extraction of these pesticides was carried out by mixture of dichloromethane and acetone. The extracts were cleaned up according to solid-phase extraction method. The pesticide residue was then determined by capillary gas chromatography and through nitrogen-phosphorus detection. The obtained results showed that the recovery level was estimated at 86.7 and 84.3% with RSD≤ 16.0%, the limit of detection was estimated at 0.026 and 0.035 mg kg-1, limits of quantification stood at 0.091 and 0.115 mg kg-1, and linearity r2= 0.997 and r2= 0.989 for diazinon and oxydemeton-methyl, respectively, in tomato samples. The mean of diazinon residue was calculated at 0.276 mg kg-1, which was 5.52 times the national Maximum Residue Limit (MRL= 0.05 mg kg-1), and the mean of oxydemeton-methyl was 1.624 mg kg-1, being 1.624 times the MRL (1 mg/kg).

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16000_67510c8942bad17d29a67491c18d138f.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Gut Proteolytic Profile of Larval Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Response to Feeding on Different Fabaceous Host Plants 121 132 16001 EN S. Sarboland Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran. F. Mehrkhou Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Imani Department of Basic Sciences (Biochemistry), Faculty of Veterinary, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article The impact of three different fabaceous host plants including cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and mung bean (Vigna radiata) seeds was investigated using biochemical approaches on possible changes of gut proteolytic activity of the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus at 30±1˚C and 70±5% RH and a photoperiod of 8:16 (L:D). Results revealed that pH of 4-5 and 9 was optimal for the activity of larval gut proteases using azocasein and hemoglobin as general substrates. Different serine (BApNA, SAAPFpNA, PMSF, TLCK, and TPCK) and cysteine (Z-Arg-Arg- pNA, Z-Phe-Arg-pNA and DTT) specific substrates inhibitors and activator were used as a further proof of the proteolytic proﬁle in the gut of C. maculates. Although combinations of serine and cysteine proteases were observed, the cysteine proteases had the highest rate on the studied hosts. The protease activity, especially cystein protease, was the highest on cowpea, which was supported by hemoglobin (0.156±0.045 U mg-1), Z-Phe-Arg-pNA (2.85 U mg-1) substrates and DTT (90.00±0.10%) as an activator. Due to the importance and frequency of cysteine proteinases and their effects on biological and physiological process, it would be better to design pest management programs based on cysteine plant proteinase inhibitors as transgenic plants.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16001_6dc375089b790ef9139838cfe94fe603.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Management of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Tomatoes Using Mating Disruption and Attract and Kill 133 144 16002 EN S. M. Franca Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros n/n, Two Brothers, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil. J. V. Oliveira Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros n/n, Two Brothers, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil. C. A. Badji Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Av. Good Shepherd, n / n, Boa Vista, 55292-270, Garanhuns, PE, Brazil. C. A. Guedes Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros n/n, Two Brothers, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil. B. L. R. Duarte Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros n/n, Two Brothers, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil. C. M. Oliveira Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros n/n, Two Brothers, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil. M. O. Breda Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros n/n, Two Brothers, 52171-900, Recife, Brazil. Journal Article The mating disruption technique has been widely used for the control of several lepidopteran pests. In the present study, we assessed the efficiency of two formulations of SPLAT Neo, a wax emulsion containing E-11-hexadecenol, with and without the insecticide cypermethrin, in affecting mating disruption of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guenée). We also determined the best phenological age or stage of the crop for the application of the pheromone formulation, based on its effectiveness in reducing injuries on tomato fruits. We performed two field trials. The first field trial had three treatments: (1) Areas treated once (30 days after transplanting seedlings) with SPLAT Neo (mating disruption, formulation without cypermethrin); (2) Areas treated once with SPLAT Cida Neo (attract and kill, formulation with cypermethrin), and (3) Control plots, i.e. areas treated with the growers’ pest management procedures, based on pre-scheduled calendar applications of conventional insecticides. The use of SPLAT Neo with and without cypermethrin resulted in a significant season-long reduction of the average number of N. elegantalis eggs throughout the tomato cycle, compared to the control. Areas that received two SPLAT Neo applications had a lower number of males captured by monitoring pheromone traps, a lower number of eggs laid in the field, and significantly lower levels of fruit injury at pre, first, and second tomato harvests. The crop subjected to a single SPLAT Neo application, however, experienced reduction in fruit injury only at the second harvest. Our data suggest that two SPLAT Neo applications promote efficient control of N. elegantalis, resulting in significant reduction of fruit damage in tomato.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16002_637489250d6a28176d466c0aa567e65b.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Differential Expression of NADH Oxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, and Catalase in Wheat Seedling in Response to Zataria multiflora Essential Oil Incorporated into Polyvinyl Alcohol Dispersion 145 155 16003 EN Z. Bordbar Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71441-65186, Islamic Republic of Iran. G. Kavoosi Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71441-65186, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. Balotf Institute of Biotechnology, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71441-65186, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. M. Nassiri Department of Biosystems Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71441-65186, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Enhancement of antioxidant capacity of plants by natural antioxidants obtained from medicinal plants can be a simple way to produce stress tolerant plants. Zataria multiflora essential Oil (ZO) is one of the useful antioxidants with potent antioxidant activity. ZO is insoluble in water and can be degraded by light, oxygen, and high temperature. Incorporation of ZO into Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) dispersion is a simple way to improve its stability. In this research, the antioxidant activity of PVA/ZO dispersion was measured by studying the effect of the Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Hydroxyl radical (HO•) scavenging of the dispersion. The efficiency of the PVA/ZO dispersion on the production of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate Oxidase (NOX), SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), and Catalase (CAT) mRNAs in the wheat seedlings in hydroponic condition was investigated too. PVA/ZO dispersion had a non-Newtonian shear-thinning liquid behavior with the negative zeta-potential (-12 mV) and nanoscale particle size (134 nm). PVA/ZO dispersion had effective H2O2 and HO• scavenging in a dose dependent manner with IC50 value of 220 and 170 µg mL-1, respectively. PVA/ZO dispersion up-regulated NOX (2 folds, at 30 µg mL-1), SOD (10 folds, at 30 µg mL-1) and CAT (8 folds, at 250 µg mL-1) mRNAs production. Thus, there was a potent cooperation between NOX and SOD activity and low cooperation between SOD and CAT activity. The potent antioxidant activity of PVA/ZO dispersion implies that it can effectively be used as a promising natural antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress in the plants under stress.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16003_5ecc4617cc84104f472db907a80372a0.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Genetic Variability of Outcross and Selfed Fennel Based on Morphological and ISSR MarkersGenetic Variability of Outcross and Selfed Fennel Based on Morphological and ISSR Markers 157 172 16004 EN M. Salami Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156 83111, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Rahimmalek Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156 83111, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. H. Ehtemam Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156 83111, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to assess the genetic diversity among 23 outcross and self pollinated populations of fennel collected from different geographical regions of Iran and some European countries. The experiment was carried out to determine the effect of self-pollination on morphological traits and genetic diversity in the next generation. Fifteen primers produced 248 polymorphic bands with an average of 16.53 fragments per primer in outcross populations, while 217 polymorphic fragments with an average of 14.46 fragments per primer were generated in self-pollinated populations. UPGMA dendrogram using Jaccard’s similarity coefficients placed outcross populations in five major groups. The maximum and minimum gene diversity over loci was observed in Albania (0.53) and Poland (0.42) populations, respectively. In general, European fennel populations revealed higher expected heterozygosity (0.47) in comparison with Iranian ones (0.35). Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) ranged from 0.37 to 0.49 in self-pollinated populations, while it varied from 0.39 to 0.46 in out-cross ones. The classification based on morphological data did not confirm the molecular ones in most cases. Self-pollination led to decline in plant height in most of the studied populations. In overall, plant height of the European populations (54-66.02 cm) was less than that of Iranian ones (55-109.54 cm). Self-pollination elevated the yield of essential oil in studied fennels through its influence on fruit set. In conclusion, Albania population had the highest oil content affected by self-pollination; hence, it can be introduced as one of the valued sources in fennel breeding programs aimed for oil yield improvement.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16004_2562b3fcf3a15d7926bde2ff91919d3d.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Salinity Tolerance of Kentucky Bluegrass as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization 173 183 16005 EN M. Arghavani Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, P. O. BOX: 313-45195, Islamic Republic of Iran. A. Zaeimzadeh Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, P. O. BOX: 313-45195, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. Savadkoohi Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, P. O. BOX: 313-45195, Islamic Republic of Iran. L. Samiei Department of Ornamental Plants, Research Center for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article In most semiarid and arid areas, fresh water shortage compels managers to use low quality water sources with high salinity to irrigate turf and landscape. Recent research has noticed that management of nitrogen fertilization can alleviate salinity effects on plants. This greenhouse sand culture experiment was conducted in order to investigate morphological and physiological responses to salinity stress in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) grown using different nitrogen sources. Three salinity levels (0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl) and three NO3-/NH4+ ratios (6/0.5, 6/1 and 6/2) were applied in nutrient solutions. Under non saline conditions, higher ammonium concentration increased Turf Quality (TQ), leaf NO3-, proline content, Nitrate Reductase Activity (NRA), shoot and root growth. On the other hand, leaf potassium (K+) sodium (Na+) and MalonDiAldehyde (MDA) content were not affected. During the first week, the 40 mM NaCl treatment showed that the positive effects of NH4+ on salinity tolerance were still perceptible. However, the 80 mM NaCl treatment showed that the adverse effects of high salinities were more pronounced when turf received high ammonium rate nutrient solution, as manifested by the decrease of TQ, NO3-, NRA, K+/Na+ ratio, shoot and root growth and by the increase of leaf MDA content. This suggests that effects of NO3-/NH4+ ratio on salt tolerance varies with salinity levels.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16005_5229d8196492346e8c788286a6f2a81a.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Identification of QTLs Associated with Agronomic and Physiological Traits under Salinity Stress in Barley 185 200 16006 EN A. Barati Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran. M. Moghaddam Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Center of Excellence in Cereal Molecular Breeding, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. A. Mohammadi Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. Center of Excellence in Cereal Molecular Breeding, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. A. Qhazvini Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran. B. Sadeghzadeh Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran. Journal Article Salinity tolerance is a genetically and physiologically complex trait, controlled by Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs). In order to map the QTLs associated with agronomic and physiological traits, 149 doubled haploid lines derived from a cross between Clipper (salt susceptible) and Sahara 3771 (salt tolerant) barley genotypes were evaluated under natural saline-stress and non-stress conditions using 14 traits. QTL analysis was performed based on the composite interval mapping method, using the genetic linkage map consisting of 517 molecular markers which spanned a total of 1502.4 cM. A total of 78 QTLs for days to heading, relative water content, chlorophyll content, plant height, spike length, days to maturity, biomass, grain yield, harvest index, grain number per spike, 1,000-kernel weight, Na+, K+ concentrations and K+/Na+ ratio, were determined, with 40 and 38 QTLs under normal and salinity environments, respectively. Most of the detected QTLs were located on chromosome 2H. The phenotypic variation explained by individual QTLs ranged from 3.3 to 68.6%. A major QTL was identified at both saline-stress and non-stress conditions in the vicinity of Vrs1 on chromosome 2H, related to biomass, grain number per spike, 1,000 kernel weight, plant height and grain yield. This QTL may be useful in the barley breeding programs for improving salt tolerance by marker-assisted selection. Furthermore, some stable QTLs, were identified for days to heading, biomass, spike length, grain number per spike, 1,000 kernel weight, and K+ content which can be regarded as promising QTLs for breeding purposes.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16006_4ac20f72e05b86b3dc759608b60f5d67.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity and Symbiotic Effectiveness of Rhizobia Isolated from Acacia sp. Grown in Morocco 201 216 16007 EN K. Fikri- Benbrahim Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P. O. Box: 2202, Imouzzer Road, Fez, Morocco. M. Chrabi Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P. O. Box: 2202, Imouzzer Road, Fez, Morocco. Sa. Lebrazi Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P. O. Box: 2202, Imouzzer Road, Fez, Morocco. M. Moumni Laboratory of Cellular Genomic and Molecular Investigations Techniques, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, BP 11201, Zitoune 50 000 Meknes, Morocco. M. Ismaili Environment and Soil Microbiology Unit, Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, BP 11201, Zitoune 50 000 Meknes, Morocco. Journal Article Phenotypic and genotypic diversity as well as symbiotic effectiveness of twenty one symbionts isolated from nodules of four Acacia species (Acacia melanoxylon, A. mearnsii, A. saligna and Acacia tortillis) grown in Morocco were evaluated. Growth in various media (YMA, YMA-BBT, YMA-RC), colony morphology, tolerance to stress factors (temperature, pH, salt concentrations, various heavy metals) and different carbon sources were used as phenotypic markers. The genetic characterization was studied by Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The symbiotic effectiveness of rhizobial isolates on acacia was evaluated using plant nodulation assay in controlled conditions. Results showed that twelve isolates were fast growing, all of the twenty one isolates tolerated pH between 4.8 and 8.8 and temperatures of 14, 22, 28, and 37°C, while only five could grow at 44°C and three at 55°C. Highest resistance to heavy metals was recorded for arsenate, mercury, chromium; in contrast, low resistance was noted for copper (15 isolates resisted to10 mg mL-1). Most of the isolates were able to grow in a wide range of carbohydrates. The genotypic analysis of the tested isolates showed that they could be regrouped into three principal clusters based on their RAPD profiles. Acacia saligna was principally nodulated by Bradyrhizobium sp. while the other species were nodulated by different rhizobial species. Both phenotypic and genotypic studies showed great rhizobial isolate’s diversity. The symbiotic effectiveness tests showed that two isolates (AsF and AsAg1) had high N2 fixing potential on Acacia saligna.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16007_a8e0614f304631badb289376e7354d33.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Occurrence, Distribution, and Molecular Characterization of Apple Stem Pitting Virus in Iran 217 230 16008 EN F. Abtahi Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Shams-bakhsh Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. N. Safaie Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. C. R. Autonell Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bologna, P. O. Box: 40127, Bologna, Italy. C. Ratti Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bologna, P. O. Box: 40127, Bologna, Italy. Journal Article Apple Stem Pitting Virus (ASPV) is one of the most common viruses of apple and pear trees. During 2012 to 2013, a total of 1053 symptomatic and asymptomatic leaf samples were collected from orchards in nine provinces of Iran. ASPV infection was detected by DAS-ELISA and PCR in 54 samples (5.12%) from seven provinces. Based on the geographical origin, 22 representative isolates were selected for phylogenetic analysis. Twenty-two amplicons with a size of about 370 base pair (bp) comprising partial sequence of the Coat Protein (CP) coding regions of the viral genome were sequenced. Sequence data analysis, showed that the identities of 3'-terminal region of CP gene at both nucleotide and amino acid levels among the Iranian isolates were 95–100% and these isolates were closer to the Asian ASPV isolates than to the other isolates. Constructed phylogenetic tree by Neighbor-joining on the basis of the 3'-terminal region of CP gene sequences showed that the Iranian isolates were categorized into two major groups. Furthermore, phylogenetic and population genetic analysis were carried out on the basis of 3'-terminal region of CP gene which revealed that ASPV isolates were not geographically resolved. Also, all values in the GABranch analysis showed a ratio of substitution rates at Non-synonymous and Synonymous sites (dN/dS) below one, suggesting strong negative selection forces during C-terminal region of the ASPV CP gene history. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of distribution and partial genome sequence analysis of the ASPV in Iran.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16008_5e4a09c72949f70c2bab629d3baca2d8.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Assessment of Changes in Soil Erosion Risk Using RUSLE in Navrood Watershed, Iran 231 244 16009 EN H. Asadi Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Tehran, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Honarmand Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Vazifedoust Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran. A. Moussavi Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article Risk assessment of soil erosion, one of the most important land degradation problems worldwide, is very essential for land and water resources management, and development of soil conservation methods. In the present study, the temporal changes of soil erosion risk were assessed from 1987 to 2010, based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the Navrood Watershed, Iran, with an area of 270 km2. Two Landsat satellite imageries obtained in 1987 and 2010 were used to assess the changes in vegetation cover during this period, and to obtain the Cover factor (C) of RUSLE. Rainfall and soil texture data and a digital elevation model were used to calculate the rest of RUSLE factors, which were taken as constant for the study period. The results showed that the average annual soil loss over the watershed ranged from 0 to 1,056 t ha-1 y-1(Cumulative percentage> 99.9%). The area mapped as very high erosion risk (> 100 t ha-1 y-1) increased from 10% in 1987 to 12% in 2010, and the area of the next risk class (51-100 t ha-1 y-1) increased from 8 to 9%. These changes cover an area of about 800 ha in the watershed, in which erosion risk has been doubled or tripled in the last 23 years. Forest clearing and rangeland overgrazing were identified as the most important reasons for the increase in erosion risk.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16009_91dacc0f5b8d3192aa89bc86db450dc1.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 1 2017 01 01 Mollisol: Biological Characterization under Zero Tillage with Different Crops Sequences 245 257 16010 EN L. B. Silvestro Laboratory of Functional Biology and Biotechnology (BIOLAB-INBIOTEC-CONICET-CIC), National University of the Center of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. F. Biganzoli Department of Quantitative Methods and Information Systems, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. H. Forjn Barrow-INTA Experimental Station, Tres Arroyos, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A. Albanesi Chair in Microbiology and Ecology, Agricultural Faya National University of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. A. M. Arambarri Spegazzini Institute, FCNyM, National University of La Plata, Argentina. L. Manso Barrow-INTA Experimental Station, Tres Arroyos, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. M. V. Moreno Laboratory of Functional Biology and Biotechnology (BIOLAB-INBIOTEC-CONICET-CIC), National University of the Center of the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Journal Article Zero tillage practices have a direct effect on soil microbial communities modifying soil productivity and sustainability. The crop sequences used can change the aforementioned properties, too. In this study, we evaluated the effect of crop sequences under zero tillage management on soil biological and chemical properties including vertical distribution of soil organic carbon, soil basal respiration, and dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and urease activity along a seasonal year and at different soil depths. The sequences included in this study were: (I) Single crop per year (sunflower-wheat-sorghum-soybean); (II) Mixed agriculture/livestock with pastures, without using winter or summer forages (wheat sorghum/soybean-canola-pasture); (III) Winter management (wheat-canola-barley-late soybean); (IV) Mixed with annual feed crop (wheat-oat/Vicia sativa- soybean or sunflower), and (V) Intensive management (wheat-barley-canola, with alternation of soybean or late soybean). Soil organic carbon decreased with increasing depth, depending on sequences (Pseq×depth= 0.0173). Soil basal respiration was higher in the 0-5 cm layer than in the 10-20 cm layer of the topsoil irrespective of the crop sequences (Pdepth= 0.0062). Dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and urease activity were affected by crop sequences, sampling season, and depth. Mixed sequences (sequences II and IV), including perennial pastures or annual feed crop could favor dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity. Sequences with cover crops (sequences II and IV) could favor microbial activity and, therefore, improve soil quality.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16010_67a20639726a041ddbbd0f78e010f78b.pdf