Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Modelling Price Formation and Dynamics in the Ethiopian Maize Market 1439 1452 16104 EN M. Y. Gurmu Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, South Africa. F. Meyer Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), University of Pretoria, South Africa. R. Hassan Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis (CEEPA), University of Pretoria, South Africa. Journal Article 1970 01 01 This study is an attempt to examine price formation, and dynamics in the Ethiopian maize market. A single commodity partial equilibrium and the Johansen’s co-integration approaches were used to investigate maize price formation and market integration in the Ethiopian maize market. Findings from the maize industry outlook indicated that maize production is expected to grow for the forecasted period. An increase in maize production was, however, not enough to offset the growth on the demand side. From the yield simulation analysis, we found that a 20% increase in maize yield would reduce nominal maize price by 81%. Co-integration analysis indicated that the Ethiopian wholesale maize markets have become more efficient in the recent years suggesting that price related information is transmitted more efficiently across consumption and production wholesale maize markets.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16104_21c9bc90ecc8a2e623d4f0beac82b4c8.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Efficiency and Sustainability of Silage Corn Production by Data Envelopment Analysis and Multi-Functional Ecological Footprint: Evidence from Sarayan County, Iran 1453 1468 16105 EN S. M. J. Esfahani Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. K. Naderi Mahdei Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Saadi Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. A. Dourandish Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 The Ecological Footprint (EF) is used to understand the relationship between human activities and pressure on land and its resources. The present study combined multi-functional ecological footprint with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to estimate environmental impacts of inefficient use of resources of silage corn production in the Sarayan County, Iran. In this applied survey research, data were collected using a questionnaire accompanied by face-to-face interviews with 42 farmers (N= 48). Validity of the instrument was approved by a panel of experts; while its reliability was secured via pretest-posttest method. Results showed that mean technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency were 0.86, 0.93, and 0.80; respectively. The CO2 footprints were 0.95 and 0.83 gha under current and optimum conditions; respectively, with electricity and manure comprising the highest and lowest shares. The Ecological footprint land- (gha gha-1 farm), yield- (gha ton-1) and revenue-based (gha $-1 1,000) EFs were estimated to be 1.6, 0.84, and 1.4 under current conditions but 1.57, 0.081, and 1.33 under optimum conditions, respectively. When the resources were used efficiently, the EFCO2 and EF improved by 13.42 and 3.35% respectively, in which the highest shares in terms of quantity and percentage belonged to electricity, manure and fertilizer. Findings implied that optimum usage of electricity and fertilizer could play a significant role in mitigating environmental impacts of silage corn production in Sarayan. Local agricultural extension should focus on introduction of innovative irrigation systems to reduce water, electricity and fertilizer consumption. Meanwhile, to improve silage corn efficiency, farm size expansion is recommended based on the DEA findings.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16105_1c1608a9365a88dc7e6a214c8b89e3f8.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Pathology of Scientific Articles Publishing in the Field of Agriculture as Perceived by Faculty Members and Ph.D. Students (The Case of Colleges of Agriculture at Public Universities, Iran) 1469 1484 16106 EN F. Majidi Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Bijani Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. 0000-0003-2659-6386 E. Abbasi Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 Scientific publication is considered as one of the basic requirements of scientific community. In this regard, the purpose of this study was analyzing pathology of publishing scientific articles in the field of agriculture from the perspective of faculty members, and PhD. students. The research method was descriptive which was carried out by a survey technique for gathering data. The statistical population consisted of all faculty members and PhD. students of agriculture in the public universities of Iran. The study population was 6,773 people (N= 6773). By using Krejcie and Morgan’s Table and multi stage sampling, 363 people were selected as a sample (n= 363). The data collection tool was a questionnaire of which its validity was confirmed by a panel of faculty members of agricultural extension and education. The reliability of the items of the questionnaire was approved with calculating Cronbach's Alpha test (0.66≤ α≤ 0.92). Injuries of scientific articles publishing were classified in three areas of "publishing background", "publishing structure" and "publishing behavior" by using three branches theory. By taking advantage of factor analysis, three factors entitled "problem statement and research method", "weakness of titles and analysis" and "innovativeness and applicability" could explain 57.68 percent of changes in publication quality of scientific articles. Finally, according to research findings, the status of agricultural education has been explained to improve the quality of the publication of scientific articles.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16106_cab8961422e0f17f3795d82388e9204b.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Comparison of Nonlinear Models to Describe the Growth Curves of Jaffarabaddi, Mediterranean and Murrah Buffaloes 1485 1494 16107 EN C. H. Mendes Malhado State University of Southwest of Bahia, Jequie, BA, Brazil. A. C. Mendes Malhado Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil. D. M. Machado Ribeiro Azevedo Embrapa Meio-Norte, Teresina, PI, Brazil. J. C. De Souza Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paranaíba, MS, Brazil. P. L. Souza Carneiro Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Paranaíba, MS, Brazil. M. P. Gonçalves Rezende State University of Southwest of Bahia, Jequie, BA, Brazil. Journal Article 1970 01 01 Knowledge of buffalo growth curves is essential for improving reproductive management, nutritional strategies and identifying the best slaughter age. We provided the first joint study comparing growth curves of the three major buffalo breeds. Additionally, we used principal component analysis and Biplot graphics to evaluate the degree of similarity between the groups (breed by sex) and their relationship with mature weight, maturation rate and weight at different ages. The dataset included 8,550 weight records from 1,391 Jaffarabadi, Mediterranean and Murrah buffaloes. The Bertalanffy model had the best fit. The mature weights were 696.64±8.50 and 678.53±9.44 kg (Mediterranean), 716.26±48.54 and 629.28±32.11 kg (Jaffarabadi) and 694.69±17.97 and 556.53±15.49 kg (Murrah) male and female, respectively, by Bertalanffy model. All breeds reaching 75% of mature weight in less than two years. Murrah females were particularly productive, having high precocity and low weight maturity - important biotypes for milk production. Murrah males showed intermediate characteristics, and high potential for meat production in dairy herds. Mediterranean animals showed high weight gain, median precocity and medium to high weight at maturity, supporting its status as the main breed for beef production in Brazil. Jaffarabadi males had high mature weight, slow growth in the first year of life followed by high growth thereafter. Female Jaffarabadi were smaller and showed a similar level of precocity to Mediterranean animals. Buffaloes in Brazil have traditionally been used for milk production; however, our study clearly demonstrates that all three breeds have appropriate characteristics for meat production.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16107_bff886bf82b0832959345270ad54024f.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Effects of Magnetized Water on In-Vitro Calcium Carbonate Solubility and Eggshell Breaking Strength 1495 1505 16108 EN E. Darsi Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Kermanshahi Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Nasiry Moghaddam Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. A. Golian Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Golizadeh Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 This study was conducted with two consequential experiments to investigate the effect of magnetized water on in-vitro limestone solubility and eggshell breaking strength in laying hens. The first experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of magnetized water and particle size on in-vitro limestone solubility. Three particle sizes including small particles, less than 0.125 mm; large particles, 2-4 mm and normal mix, 0.045-4.00 mm were tested. Magnetized water was generated by magnetizer of 0.65 Tesla magnetic fields. Scanning Electron Microscopy images (SEMi) were used to study the morphology of limestone crystals after dissolution in magnetized and tap water. Limestone solubility was measured by 0.2N HCl solution. The second in- vivo experiment was conducted to study the effect of magnetized water and dietary calcium on breaking strength of eggshell. Three dietary levels of calcium and phosphorus (normal, 10 and 20% reduced Ca and available P.) and two types of water (tap water and magnetized water) were used in Hy-line laying hens at 32 weeks of age. Breaking strength of the normal (safe and sound) eggs was measured with an Instron testing machine. The solubility of large limestone particles was less than those of small particles. Magnetically treated water did not change in-vitro limestone solubility but changed the morphology of limestone crystals. Precipitated limestone crystals in magnetized water tended to be larger and more uniform in size than those in tap water. Reducing dietary levels of Ca and P had no significant effect on egg breaking strength at 36 weeks of age. Magnetized water was able to numerically increase strength of the eggs. Therefore, based on the SEMi and the observed changes in crystalline structure of dissolved (exposed to water) precipitated limestone and observed changes in breaking strength of the eggs, it is hypothesized that magnetized water may have the potential to change the limestone availability and consequently egg strength in laying hens.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16108_a4b571e3226f43fe7d658ce1c92c4b40.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Usability of the Factor Analysis Scores in Multiple Linear Regression Analyses for the Prediction of Daily Milk Yield in Norduz Goats 1507 1515 16109 EN I. Daskiran Minestry of Food Agriculture Livestok of Turkey, Genetic Directorate Agricultural Research and Policies, Ankara, Turkey. S. Keskin Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. M. Bingol Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. Journal Article 1970 01 01 The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between daily milk yield and udder traits using multiple regression analyses in order to predict daily milk yield in Norduz goats. 10 udder traits including upper udder height, bottom udder height, udder depth, udder width, udder circumference, left teat length, right teat length, left teat circumference, right teat circumference and teat angle. The data was collected from 27 Norduz goats raised in pastoral conditions in the Norduz region of Van province South Eastern Turkey. Factor analysis was employed to simplify the complex relationships between udder traits. After the udder traits were exposed to factor analysis, four factors with Eigen values greater than 1 were selected as explanatory (independent) variables and used for multiple linear regression analysis. First factor was named teat factor, second and third factors were named udder factors while the fourth was udder bottom height. The 2nd and 3rd factors, which were significant, were then used to fit the regression model. The study found that two udder factors had significant statistical effect on daily milk yield and these factors together had accounted for 78.6 % of the variation in daily milk yield. The findings of this study showed that both multivariate and univariate approaches can be used to determine the relationship between milk yield and udder traits. In addition, these statistical approaches may also be useful to eliminate multicollinearity problems among large number of variables. In conclusion, the study proved that both univariate and multivariate methods can be applied successfully to predict daily milk yield using udder traits in goats.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16109_e53da0660d5d695870b49aee039f9148.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Effect of Amplitude of Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Extraction and Extraction Temperature on the Kinetics, Thermodynamics, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Ocimum basilicum L. Extract 1517 1526 16110 EN S. M. B Hashemi Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Islamic Republic of Iran. Sh. Ghorashi Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Islamic Republic of Iran. F. Hadizadeh Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Islamic Republic of Iran. Z. Zarei Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Yazdani Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Noormohammadi Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Fasa University, Fasa, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 In this study, the effect of three amplitudes of Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Extraction (UASE) (0, 20 and 40%; 100W, 30 kHz; the 0% treatment serving as control) on kinetics, thermodynamic, rosmarinic acid content, total phenolics, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial activity of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) extract at different temperatures (25, 35 and 45°C) was evaluated. Increases in ultrasound amplitude and temperature increased yields and biological activities of extracts. The highest rosmarinic acid content, total phenolics, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were obtained for samples treated with UASE at 40% amplitude and 45°C. The kinetics of extraction were evaluated based on a second order mechanism. Increases of amplitude and temperature significantly increased saturated extraction Capacity (Cs), initial extraction rate (h), and rate constant of extraction (k). The thermodynamic aspects of the extraction process showed that samples treated with UASE at 40% amplitude had higher activation Energy (Ea), frequency factor (A), enthalpy (ΔH++) and entropy (ΔS++) than control. UASE at 40% amplitude and control did not significantly differ in thermodynamic parameters. Results also showed very good linear relationships with high correlation coefficients between Ea and ΔH++ and, A and ΔS++. Therefore, ultrasound can affect thermodynamic aspects and kinetics of extraction of basil extract and improve its biological activity.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16110_37c66982c5d5bb81ae22bd45f9e270d0.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Mathematical Modeling of Thin Layer Drying of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Arils: Various Drying Methods 1527 1537 16111 EN Z. Mazandarani Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr Branch, Azadshahr, Islamic Republic of Iran. N. Aghajani Department of Food Science and Technology, Bahar Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Bu-Ali Sina University, Bahar City, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. A. Daraei Garmakhany Department of Food Science and Technology, Toyserkan Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Bu-Ali Sina University, Beheshti Ave., Bahri Esfahani Ave., Toyserkan, Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran. Mohammadjafar Baniardalan Department of language &amp; linguistics, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran. M. Nouri Department of Linguistics, Humanities Faculty, Bu -Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 For years, sun and hot air drying have been considered as traditional drying methods. Today, using microwave is one the newest methods of drying. Iran is one of the main producers of pomegranate fruit in the world. To manufacture better product, drying needs to be handled in controlled and optimized process, therefore investigation of process condition kinetic is an obligation. In this study, thin layer drying behavior of pomegranate arils using microwave drier at 4 power levels (180, 360, 540 and 720W), oven drier at 4 temperature levels (45, 55, 65 and 75°C) and sun drying was studied. Page, Henderson and Pabis, Midilli et al., Newton, Logarithmic and Two-Term models were compared according to their Root Mean Square error (RMSE), Chi-square (χ2), Mean Bias Error (MBE) and correlation coefficient (R2). The results of the studied models indicated that Midilli et al., model exhibited the best fit to the data obtained for oven, microwave and sun drying. Increasing the oven drier temperature and the microwave drier power lead to an increase in the drying rate. Dried samples at 75˚C exhibited the highest R2= 0.9998, and the least RMSE and χ2, 0.2059 and 0.5576 respectively in comparison with other samples. While dried samples by microwave, 720W, showed the highest R2= 0.9998 and the least RMSE and χ2 were 0.1894 and 0.4203, respectively in comparison with other samples. Sun dried samples had the highest R2 in Midilli Model, the least RMSE and X2 were 0.0338 and 0.7059 respectively.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16111_c7ea80155da6839ccc5a6ec630e7578c.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Microencapsulation of Fish Oil-Oregano Essential Oil Blends by Spray Drying and its Oxidative Stability 1539 1550 16112 EN A. Jeyakumari Mumbai Research Centre of ICAR, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Vashi. India. A. A. Zynudheen ICAR, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, India. P. K. Binsi ICAR, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, India. U. Parvathy Mumbai Research Centre of ICAR, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Vashi. India. C. N. Raishankar ICAR, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, India. Journal Article 1970 01 01 Microencapsulation of fish oil-oregano essential oil blends were done by spray drying method. Sodium caseinate, bovine gelatin, gum Arabic and maltodextrin were used as wall material. Fish oil and wall material was used at the ratio of 1:2:2. In order to improve the oxidative stability of the fish oil encapsulates, oregano essential oil was added at 0.50% concentration. Physical, chemical and oxidative stability of fish oil microencapsulates were analyzed. Microcapsules had a moisture content of 2.56-4.2%. Encapsulation efficiency of microencapsulates was found to be 39.60-65.13%. Morphological characterization of microcapsules was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealing spherical shape of particles with wrinkles. Oxidative stability studies revealed that encapsulates prepared by sodium caseinate and gum Arabic with oregano essential oil showed lower TBA (0.58 mg malonaldehyde kg-1) value than control (9.92 mg malonaldehyde kg-1). Results indicated that oregano essential oil can be used to improve the oxidative stability of fish oil microencapsulates.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16112_0a09b1d63341c622851a50e02d48e19c.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Acoustic Detection Possibility of Different Stages of the Confused Flour Beetle (Triboium confusum) in Grain Bulks Using an Audio Sensor 1551 1563 16113 EN S. F. Mousavi Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, International Campus of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. H. Abbaspour-Fard Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, International Campus of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. H. Aghkhani Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, International Campus of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Sadeghi Namaghi Department of Plant Protection Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. E. Ebrahimi Department of Mechanical Engineering Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, Kermanshah Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 Recent advances in computer technology as well as in signal processing and pattern recognition, provide the possibility of automatic identification of pests, based on their audio signals. In this research a sound reinforced piezoelectric sensor along with a detection circuit based on a database was designed in order to receive audio signals with intensity lower than human hearing limit (zero dB). The confused flour beetle, Triboium confusum was used in this experiment. The signals received from larvae, adult and the combination of these two stages, in wheat grain bulk at three distances of 10, 20 and 30 cm from acoustic sensors were investigated. In each experimental run the characteristics of signals frequency including range, time, amplitude and intensity were extracted. For all three distances the sound produced by the larvae had a peak intensity in the frequency range of 2.4 kHz (for feeding) and the adult insect’s sound had two peaks intensity in the frequency range of 2 kHz (for feeding) and 2.3 kHz (for walking). The differences between the frequency characteristics of sound produced at different stages might provide the possibility of identifying the life stages of the pest, pest distance to the sensor and approximate location of the pest. Based on these findings, the sound sensor and the audio circuit were designed to detect larvae, adult, or both at a distance of 30 cm. Further investigation is continuing to improve the audio system programming and the related circuits for more accurate detection of the pest.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16113_aa93c21840e0e38da07d5ce3ea994b4e.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Bioactive Compounds and Volatile Profile Dynamics During Fruit Growth of Several Plums Cultivars 1565 1576 16114 EN R. Vlaic Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. S. Socaci Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. A. E. Muresan Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. C. Muresan Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. O. P. Moldovan Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. S. Muste Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. V. Muresan Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania. Journal Article 1970 01 01 The therapeutic value of plums is provided by the contained bioactive compounds, but in consumers choice an essential role is played by the product flavour in which volatile compounds are important contributors. The content in bioactive compounds, the antioxidant activity as well as the volatile profile of three plum cultivars were determined during fruit development. In the analyzed samples, depending on cultivar, harvesting time and the position of fruit in the tree crown, the determined total phenolic content varied between 60.31–699.92 mg GAE 100 g-1, while the flavonoids and anthocyanins content ranged between 11.24–254.46 mg QE 100 g-1, and 0.09–1.65 mg CE 100 g-1, respectively. Using ITEX/GC-MS technique, there were 99 volatile compounds detected in the samples of which 93 were tentatively identified. The volatiles present in the plums cultivars included alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, terpenoids, lactones and others. The most abundant class (in all plum cultivars and developmental phases) was that of aldehydes (49.40–87.01%), the main representatives being hexanal, benzaldehyde, nonanal, heptanal and 2-hexenal, with hexanal having the largest relative peak areas. The identification and quantification of volatile compounds and knowing their accumulation dynamic throughout the ripening process may allow better valorising of fruits depending on cultivar and harvesting time.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16114_157e7c339794a3641f69bc0d49cbb969.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Spatial Distribution of Soil Water Content, Soil Salinity and Root Length Density in a Drip Irrigated Nectarine Orchard under Plastic-Mulched and Bare Soils 1577 1588 16115 EN W. Zribi Department of Soils and Irrigation (Associate Unit EEAD-CSIC), Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Aragón (CITA), Av. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain. J. M. Faci Department of Soils and Irrigation (Associate Unit EEAD-CSIC), Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Aragón (CITA), Av. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain. E. T. Medima Department of Soils and Irrigation (Associate Unit EEAD-CSIC), Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Aragón (CITA), Av. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain. R. Aragues Department of Soils and Irrigation (Associate Unit EEAD-CSIC), Agrifood Research and Technology Center of Aragón (CITA), Av. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain. Journal Article 1970 01 01 This study characterizes the spatial distribution of Gravimetric soil Water Content (GWC), soil saturation extract Electrical Conductivity (ECe) and Root Length Density (RLD) in the wetted area by the emitter in a drip irrigated nectarine orchard cultivated in bare and plastic-mulched soils. To this aim, 150 soil cores were sampled in a 0.25 m by 0.25 m grid spacing at three soil depths in one m2 area with an emitter located in the center and a tree in a corner of the area in the bare and plastic-mulched soils. The 0-60 cm soil profile mean GWC was 15% higher and the mean ECe 42% lower in the mulched than in the bare soil, whereas the mean RLD was similar in both treatments. Root growth was preponderant at the 0-20 cm soil depth, where RLD accounted for 66% of the total RLD. The root weighed GWC (GWCrw) was somewhat higher and the root weighed ECe (ECerw) somewhat lower than their arithmetic means, indicating that root growth was preponderant in regions with higher moisture and lower salinity. This conclusion was supported by the positive RLD-GWC correlation, and the RLD-ECe upper boundary line analysis showed that root growth decreased above a threshold ECe of about 4 dS m-1. Overall, plastic mulching benefited water conservation and soil salinity control, but did not promote nectarine root growth.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16115_d1dd8694b6108ff7bccc19acd47be4ff.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Supplementation of High Nitrogen Agaricus Compost: Yield and Mushroom Quality 1589 1601 16116 EN A. Pardo-Gimenez Center for Research, Experimentation and Services of Mushroom (CIES), Quintanar del Rey, Cuenca, Spain. J. E. Pardo-Gonzalez Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineers, University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Albacete, Spain. D. Cunha-Zied Experimental Campus of Dracena, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), Dracena, SP, Brazil. Journal Article 1970 01 01 Supplementation to increase the quality and yield of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) consists of the addition of nutrients, particularly proteins, to the compost. In this study, the effect of mushroom cultivation on applying a delayed-release nutrient supplement to Phase II composts was evaluated. Two application dosages and composts with high nitrogen contents were used. Depending on the compost and supplement dosage used, increases in biological efficiency ranging between 6.2 and 22.3% were obtained. An excellent response to supplementation can be obtained even when using composts with high nitrogen contents (in our case, 2.45 and 2.61% sms) during spawning. It is additionally conceivable that the application of supplements to composts with lower N contents or the application to spawned compost would provide an even better yield, without adversely affecting the quality of the harvested mushrooms. This practice is of considerable interest because of the economic benefit.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16116_adc32ce9b954ad17e491a0bc426dbb71.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Biochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Biological Activities of the Essential Oil and Fruit Extract of Xanthium strumarium Linn. From Northern Iran 1603 1616 16117 EN S. Ghahari Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandran, Babolsar, Islamic Republic of Iran. H. Alinezhad Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandran, Babolsar, Islamic Republic of Iran. Gh. A. Nematzadeh Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Taberestan (GABIT), Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Islamic Republic of Iran. M. Tajbakhsh Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandran, Babolsar, Islamic Republic of Iran. R. Baharfar Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Mazandran, Babolsar, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 This study examines the chemical composition of the essential oil of Xanthium strumarium fruits, and evaluates its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities on various plant pathogens that commonly cause irreparable damages to agricultural crops. The essential oil of X. strumarium fruitswas analyzed by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Antimicrobial activity was tested against 14 microorganisms, including three gram-positive, five gram-negative bacteria and six fungi, using disk diffusion method and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) technique. The X. strumarium fruitswere also subjected to screening for possible antioxidant activity by using catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase enzymes and 2, 2-DiPhenyl-1-Picryl Hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Thirty six components were identified, representing 97.89% of the total oil, with methyl linoleate (40.64%), methyl oleate (13.12%), and methyl palmitate (12.43%) being the major ingredients. The essential oil showed significant activity against Rathayibacter toxicus (MIC= 25 µg mL-1), and Pyricularia oryzae (MIC= 12.5 µg mL-1). In addition, the analysis of free radical scavenging activities of the X. strumarium fruitsrevealed antiradical activity of 138.87 µg mL-1 in DPPH, 32.766 µmole activity/mg protein in catalase, 5.567 mmol activity/mg protein in guaiacol peroxidase and 1.714 U mg-1 protein in superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, the phytochemical analysis showed moderate to good amounts of alkaloid (0.54 mg g-1), phenolic (54.44 mg g-1) and flavonoid (20.11 mg g-1) compounds in X. strumarium fruits. Our results suggest that this plant may be a potential source of biocide, for economical and environmentally friendly disease control strategies. It may also be a good candidate for further biological and pharmacological investigations.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16117_a1b13753f15a08480abdb5acce0c6eaf.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Morphological and Molecular Identification and PCR Amplification to Determine the Toxigenic Potential of Fusarium graminearum Species Complex (FGSC) Isolated from Wild Grasses in Iran 1617 1629 16118 EN Kh. Chehri Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. Hajeb Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. S. M. Maassoumi Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. Journal Article 1970 01 01 In order to explore biodiversity of Fusarium species associated with the inflorescences of gramineus weeds, heads and inflorescences were collected from wild grasses in west of Iran. Sixty samples, mostly from infected spikes were collected from different sites of western Iran. Nine species from 9 tribes of the Poaceae family were identified based on pollen morphology using light microscopy and scanning electron microscope. Sixty Fusarium isolates were obtained from diseased spikes and identified into five species F. graminearum (40%), F. asiaticum (20%), F. acuminatum (20%), F. equiseti (10%), and F. proliferatum (10%). The identification of the members of F. Graminearum Species Complex (FGSC) was confirmed molecularly using Fg16F/Fg16R primers. F. asiaticum isolates were distinguished from other FGSC using Fg6CTPSf177/Fg16R primers. The phylogenetic trees based on Translation Elongation Factor-1α (TEF-1α) dataset clearly separated all morphological taxa. PCR-based detection of mycotoxin-synthesis-pathway gene was also used to determine the potential to produce trichothecenes (DON and NIV). Among 60 tested isolates, 16 isolates (27%) belonged to DON chemotype and 10 isolates (17%) were NIV chemotype. These results show that DON was the most common chemotype in western Iran. To our knowledge, this is the first report on molecular identification of Fusarium species isolated from poaceouswild grasses in Iran.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16118_2d5486b4c0f962f1cdaad61790fad438.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Nutrient Availability and Biological Properties of Paddy Soils Under Rainfed Traditional “Payatak” Farming Systems in Catubig Valley, Philippines 1631 1645 16119 EN V. U. Ultra Jr. Please change affiliation to: Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana. G. M. Tan University of Eastern Philippines-PRMC, Catubig, Northern Samar, Philippines 6418. F. U. Lau University of Eastern Philippines-PRMC, Catubig, Northern Samar, Philippines 6418. M. R. O. Ponsalan College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Resources, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, Philippines 6400. E. A. Galo College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Resources, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, Philippines 6400. Journal Article 1970 01 01 To understand the long-term effects of payatak and conventional rice farming system on soil properties and soil quality, a soil survey was conducted in existing “payatak” and conventional rice fields in Catubig Valley, Northern Samar, Philippines. Chemical analyses revealed that soils under “payatak” are more acidic, with low EC, OM, and N content compared to those soils from conventional rice farms. However, available P and exchangeable K in “payatak” soils were higher than those in conventional. The available N varied significantly with time and sampling area and the mineral N levels fluctuated greatly within three weeks after land preparation. The BiologEcoPlate™ and subsequent correlation analysis have shown a partial characterization of microbial functional community attributed to several factors leading to differences in chemical properties of the two rice farming systems. These results imply that the levels of OM and the amount of exchangeable K could trigger a distinct microbial community functional structure. Variations in soil pH, EC, and the amounts of nutrients have also caused a shift of the microbial functional diversity as represented by correlations between Shannon–Weaver indices. Overall, the results would indicate that long term “payatak” and conventional rice farming system would result in different soil nutrient status and distinct microbial functional community which may affect the overall productivity and soil quality. Further analysis should be done to establish the relationship between soil microbial properties data onto long term productivity in paddy soils.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16119_91bef435c5b701d752fea65517f3fef1.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 1680-7073 19 7 2017 12 01 Future Rationalization of Irrigated Agriculture: Multilevel Analyses for Salyan Steppe, Azerbaijan Republic 1647 1660 16120 EN M. A. Rzayev Azerbaijan Scientific–Production Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Amelioration, I. Dadashov Street. 70 A, AZ 1130, Baku, Azerbaijan. Journal Article 1970 01 01 In this study current practices of irrigated agriculture in arid zone on the basis of multilevel approach is considered and integrated measures for its improvement are proposed. Investigations were conducted in Salyan Steppe of Azerbaijan Republic which is one of the typical arid zones of the country. The essence of this study is to analyze the peculiarities influencing irrigated agriculture and delineate necessary measures under the emerging economic and environmental conditions of land and water usage in the agriculture sector. The results of analyses indicate a number of problems in all levels of farming management. Irrigated agriculture in the country is facing a number of problems, due to deteriorated physical condition of irrigation infrastructure, currently established farming structure and farming practices. Needs for improvements of the irrigation infrastructure of a whole district is evidently demonstrated, since during conveyance, distribution and at the field level agriculture water use efficiency is low. Only one-third of water taken from the sources is used for crops in the field. The established current farming structure consisting of small plot sizes and surface irrigation practices complicate a future rationalization of the irrigation water and land usage. For the listed reasons, the concept of rehabilitation and other required measures (economic, institutional etc.) are proposed to be elaborated as integrated arrangements within a single goal-oriented program, rather than limited improvement works at a separate level of an irrigation system.

https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16120_8810db09a185af4c2c17e706b5ff9470.pdf