Tarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Determining the Attitudes of Farmers Engaged in Livestock Production towards the Contracted Production Model: An Analysis of Risks, Expectations, and Sustainability26928316872ENAdemAksoyDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Türkiye.0000-0002-6550-335XFerda NurÖzdemirDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Türkiye.ÜmitAvcioğluDepartment of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Türkiye.Journal Article19700101<span>The transition of small-scale farmers from traditional production methods to Contract Farming (CF) enhances the potential for increased profits. By offering higher profits to producers, contract farming encourages greater product diversity and provides the opportunity to grow more valuable products. The primary objective of this study was to identify what kind of contract farming model producers are likely to adopt for their continued production. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used as a methodology in the study. In the region, 70% of the producers utilized female animals for fattening purposes. It was found that 73.2% of producers lacked knowledge about contract farming. Livestock operators in production contracts prioritized price guarantees (26.4%), followed by cash prices (24.8%), livestock supply (21.2%), input support (12.5%), advance payments (10.3%), and organized production (4.8%). If contract farming is to be implemented in the region, policymakers should prioritize price guarantees in the model, ensuring that these guarantees are not set below the market price.</span>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16872_b5bca31df27b12cf9866fed9492a93ba.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Equilibrium between Education and Research in Agricultural Higher Education: A Pathological Analysis28529816880ENFatemehSoleymani SardoDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.MasoudBijaniDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.0000-0003-2659-6386EsmailKaramidehkordiDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.FatemehSepahvandDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran.0000-0002-6289-8579Journal Article19700101Education and research are fundamental pillars of educational systems, including agricultural higher education institutions. However, an inadequate balance between these components can lead to a deviation from the primary goals of these institutions. This study aimed to conduct a pathological analysis of the equilibrium between education and research in the higher education system of agriculture in Iran. “Three-pronged pathology model” was utilized, comprising components of “context” (including knowledge, moral, individual-psychological, satisfaction, and the thematic nature), “behavior” (including planning, coordination, control, and monitoring), and “structure” (including demonstrative, diversity, consequence, and political). This quantitative study was applied in purpose non-experimental in design, retrospective in timing, survey-based in data collection, and descriptive-causal comparative in data analysis. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, with face and content validity confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach's alpha for each variable (0.704≤ α≤ 0.902). The statistical population comprised faculty members from agricultural departments of public universities in Iran (N= 3,335), with a sample of 307 selected. Results indicated a tendency among faculty members towards research activities. The greatest gap and imbalance between education and research were observed in the areas of context, followed by structure and behavior. This indicates that the existing context and structure push faculty members towards research activities for their sustainability and advancement in the agricultural higher education system. This poses a serious issue that must be addressed by policymakers and decision-makers.https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16880_3a6cd33291178d268ef37b305c3f8c0e.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Research Note: Gill Histopathological Lesions of Common Carp in Exposed to Chlorpyrifos and Salinity29930616836ENMonaHasankhanyFaculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran.TinaHasankhaniDepartment of Immunology and Microbiology, Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.Seyed Ali AkbarHedayatiFaculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran.MohammadMazandaraniFaculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article19700101<span lang="EN">The effect of poison to salinity were studied on gill tissue of common carp (<em>C. carpio</em>).</span> <span lang="EN">Based on this, 250 common carp </span>fry<span lang="EN"> with an average weight of 21±2 g were distributed in four treatments, each with three repetitions, including salinities of zero, 4, 8, and 12 ppt. </span>After 7 days, one group was placed for 4 days in exposure to poison with an acute concentration of 150 ppm chlorpyrifos with the formulation of 40.8% EC, and the second group was placed for 7 d in the sub-acute concentration of 15 ppm chlorpyrifos<span lang="EN">.</span> Histopathology of Gill tissue showed that the poison and salinity had such injuries as epithelial hypertrophy, lamellar aneurism, secondary connecting adjacent blades, distal hyperplasia, epithelial lifting, leukocyte infelt, and hyperplasia. Gill histopathological result showed some lesions at high concentrations as epithelial hypertrophy, distal hyperplasia and lamellar fusion, however at low concentrations lamellar aneurism, epithelial lifting and leukocyte infelt were recorded. <span lang="EN">Therefore, these pathological indicators can be used as biomarkers.</span>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16836_cff815dabb3555cf1df47388baa32b84.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Aroma of Yogurt from Cow Milk with a Combination of Several Probiotic Bacteria30731716858ENSuryonoSuryonoFaculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Jambi, Jambi, IndonesiaAntonApriyantonoDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Bakrie University, Jakarta, IndonesiaEster Restiana EndangGelisFaculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Jambi, Jambi, IndonesiaJournal Article19700101<span lang="EN-GB">This study aimed to investigate the effect of different probiotic bacteria on aroma of yogurt through a unique incubation process. Probiotic bacteria examined were Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium. </span>Additionally, y<span lang="EN-GB">ogurt production process included sterilizing skim milk, introducing bacterial cultures, and incubating at specific temperatures. Aroma components of yogurt were analyzed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The result showed that yogurt comprised various aroma compounds classified into four categories, namely, acids, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes. The dominant acid components found were acetic, octanoic, decanoic, and dodecanoic acids. </span>Among the components, a<span lang="EN-GB">lcohol affected aroma despite being present in minimal quantities. Ketones such as acetoin and diacetyl were identified along with aldehydes including octadecanal and dodecanal in yogurt. This study provided valuable insights into the effect of probiotic bacteria on aroma profile of yogurt, assisting manufacturers in refining production processes to prepare product appealing to consumers.</span>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16858_fa12ab68091d74718e2b3fabfcb8e2b1.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Black, Q12, and Titicaca Quinoa Protein Isolate: Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties31933324088ENSeyed SaeedSekhavatizadehDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, FarsSaeidHosseinzadehProfessor of Food Hygiene, Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.Journal Article20250916Quinoa is a pseudocereal plant that has been cultivated in Iran recently. The purpose of this research was to evaluate its properties for use in food. Quinoa Protein Isolates (QPIs) were obtained from Iranian Quinoa Seed cultivar (QS) varieties (Black-QS, Q12-QS, and Titicaca-QS). The Black-QPI and Titicaca (T)-QPI had a higher protein content: 87.30±1.96 and 87.80±1.61% w/w, respectively. The results showed foaming capacity (40.54%), stability (65.26% in 60 min), and oil absorption (3.02 mL g<sup>-1</sup>) were significantly (P≤ 0.05<em>)</em> higher in Black-QPI. Textural parameters revealed that viscosity and shear stress were higher in Q12-QS than others. The amino acid profile showed that T-QS had a well-balanced profile with the highest content of tryptophan (8.23%). Consequently, the suitable nutritional and functional properties of <em>Titicaca</em> protein make it an appropriate candidate for use as a safe food additive.
<span dir="RTL"><br><br></span>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_24088_f01a350709f093f9fd1440329470e701.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Enhancing the Shelf Life and Sensory Properties of Rainbow Trout Fillets through Sodium Alginate Coating Containing Eryngium campestre Extract at 4°C33535024101ENMohammadAbediDepartment of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran.HosseinTajikDepartment of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran.ToorajMehdizadehDepartment of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article20250916Fresh fish is a highly perishable food item and spoils easily. In this research, after investigating the antioxidant properties of the <em>Eryngium Campestre </em>extract (Ece), its effect along with the sodium alginate coating was evaluated on the shelf-life of rainbow trout under refrigerated conditions (4°C) for 12 days. To assess the antioxidant properties of the extract, tests such as DPPH, total phenolics, reducing power, and ABTS were performed. Subsequently, samples treated with an Ece containing alginate coating applied via spray method were analyzed for chemical parameters (TBA, TVN, and pH), microbiological parameters (total psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria), and sensory evaluations at four day intervals up to 12 days. The results indicated that Ece possessed significant antioxidant properties. Furthermore, treatments that included the extract combined with the sodium alginate coating significantly reduced pH, TVN, and TBA levels compared to the control sample (P< 0.05). Microbial tests indicated that all treated samples inhibited bacterial growth, with a reduction of approximately 3 log CFU g<sup>-1</sup> compared to the control group. In the sensory evaluation, treatments containing Ece and sodium alginate yielded more favorable results than those of the control group. Accordingly, coating the samples with sodium alginate and Ece improved the microbial, chemical, and sensory properties and shelf life of rainbow trout in refrigerator conditions by about four days<span dir="RTL" lang="FA">.</span>
<span dir="RTL"> </span>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_24101_74031546be2db65f0705bea4b1c0654b.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301ABA Accumulation and PsAO Gene Expression in Field Pea under Water Deficit35136516826ENGordanaPetrovićInstitute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, Serbia.0000-0003-4663-7237RadmilaStikićFaculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Zemun, Serbia.TomislavŽivanovićFaculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Zemun, Serbia.DušicaJovičićInstitute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, Serbia.AleksandraIlićInstitute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, Serbia.GordanaTimotijevićInstitute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, Belgrade, Serbia.JelenaSamardžićInstitute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444a, Belgrade, Serbia.Journal Article19700101<span lang="EN-GB">The plant hormone Abscisic Acid (ABA) plays a crucial role in plant responses to drought and other abiotic stresses, facilitating adaptation mechanisms under water-deficit conditions. This study aimed to investigate the response of field pea (<em>Pisum sativum</em>) varieties to drought stress by evaluating ABA concentrations, stomatal conductance, and the expression of <em>PsAO</em><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </em>genes during the third leaf pair stage. Drought stress was simulated by withholding irrigation to impose moderate and severe levels of water deficit. A statistically significant increase in ABA concentration was observed in all tested pea varieties under stress conditions. Under moderate drought, stomatal responses varied among genotypes; however, severe drought triggered accelerated stomatal closure across all varieties. The cultivar Dukat exhibited the highest stomatal sensitivity, which corresponded with a tenfold increase in ABA concentration, suggesting a strong reliance on chemical (ABA-mediated) drought signalling. In contrast, Javor cultivar showed only a modest (2.5-fold) increase in ABA, despite reduced stomatal conductance, indicating a likely reliance on hydraulic signals for drought response. Gene expression analysis revealed that <em>PsAO2</em> and <em>PsAO3</em><span> genes </span>were upregulated under drought, while <em>PsAO1</em> expression remained relatively unchanged compared to the control plants. Notably, <em>PsAO3</em> expression was consistently elevated under both moderate and severe drought, suggesting that this gene may play a central role in conferring drought tolerance in field pea. These findings highlight the importance of ABA biosynthesis and signalling, particularly via <em>PsAO3</em>, in the adaptation of pea plants to water-deficit conditions.</span>
<br><br>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16826_f1248ade4381b326436757a0b5266088.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Effects of Starvation, Dietary Regimes, and Temperature Stress on Hemocyte Profiles and Phenoloxidase Activity in Larvae of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)36738316876ENJamanehKarimianDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Islamic Republic of Iran.MaryamAjamhassaniDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article19700101<em>T</em>. <em>absoluta</em>-infected tomato fruits were collected from fields and larvae were extracted<span dir="RTL"> </span>from fruits after two generations of rearing. Hemolymph was extracted with a capillary tube and placed on a slide.<span dir="RTL"> </span>Hemocytes were identified through Giemsa staining and observed under light microscopy at 40× magnification. Starvation stress was induced for 12 and 24 hours while the control group remained unstressed. Hemocyte counts were determined using a hemocytometer under light microscopy at 40× magnification. Starved larvae exhibited significantly reduced total hemocyte counts, plasmatocytes, and granulocytes compared to the control group. Larvae reared on eight tomato varieties (Superchef, Basimo, Hartiva, Berantta, Breivio, Gs15, 1012, and 8320) displayed variable hemocyte densities, with the highest counts observed in those fed on Superchef and Gs15 cultivars. For thermal stress experiments, third- and fourth-instar larvae were exposed to 28 and 4°C for 12 and 24 hours. Control groups for the third and fourth instar larvae were maintained at 25±1°C. In total, hemocyte and granulocyte densities were significantly reduced across all thermal treatments compared to the controls. Plasmatocyte counts in the third-instar larvae subjected to 12 hours of heat stress (327.5±18 cell mm<sup>3</sup> hemolymph) and cold stress (320±34.3 cell mm<sup>3</sup>) were higher than those in the control (294.3±23.3 cell mm<sup>3</sup>). Phenoloxidase activity exhibited a direct correlation with hemocyte alterations across all experimental conditions. This study provides a foundation for further investigations into the pest's physiological defense mechanisms.
<br><br>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16876_b294fccdfe95bc7f7dd813216a821a76.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Foliar Nutrient Concentrations and Antioxidant Activity of Tea (Camellia sinensis L. (O) Kuntze) Planted in Peninsular Malaysia and its Relation to Soil Edaphic Factors38539916866ENWisnu EkoMurdionoDepartment of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
AND
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia.Nur Amirah SyafiqahSalmanDepartment of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.Uma RaniSinniahDepartment of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.Ellisa AzuraAzmanDepartment of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.Mohd Izuan EffendiHalmiBiodiversity Unit, Institute of Bioscience (IBS), Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.Jean Wan HongYongDepartment of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden.Abbey Maleyki Md.JalilSchool of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Terengganu 21300, Malaysia.KhairilMahmudDepartment of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Biodiversity Unit, Institute of Bioscience (IBS), Putra University of Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.Journal Article19700101<span lang="EN-MY">This study aimed to (1) Compare the nutritional characteristics and AOA</span> <span lang="EN-MY">(</span><span lang="EN-GB">antioxidant activity</span><span lang="EN-MY">) of clonal tea grown in lowland and highland plantations and (2) Investigate the influence of soil edaphic factors on tea foliar nutrition and AOA. Tea leaves and soils of fourteen tea clones were sampled between October 2021 to March 2022 from lowland and highland plantations in Peninsular Malaysia. Leaves were analysed for nutritional content and antioxidant activity, while soil samples underwent physical and nutritional analysis. Results showed significant variations in most foliar nutrients, except for Ca in the lowlands and Fe in the highlands. While the highland-grown tea exhibited higher nutrient concentration, lowland-grown tea demonstrated superior AOA. AT53 and 1248 clones were identified as promising among the clones, characterized by the highest nutrients and AOA levels, respectively. Soil nutrient availability significantly influenced foliar nutrient uptake, while soil pH was associated with AOA. Thus, the critical role of soil edaphic factors in shaping tea quality, providing valuable insight for tea growers to optimize soil and maintain tea yield and quality in the future. We found that soil nutrients have a significant association with nutrient uptake, while soil pH is associated with the agronomic characteristics of tea. </span>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16866_180a2a0cd826ab55eefc878446dbf891.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Influence of Pre-Imaginal Stages of Bemisia tabaci on Development, Life Table Parameters, and Predation Rate of Euseius scutalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)40141316877ENMohammadGravandianDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran.ParvizShishehborDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran.MehdiEsfandiariDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran.ElhamRiahiDepartment of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box 14115-336, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article19700101The predatory mite, <em>Euseius scutalis </em>(Athias-Henriot), was studied in terms of its development, survival, and life table parameters on two preimaginal stages (egg and first instar nymph) of its prey, <em>Bemisia tabaci </em>(Gennadius) (Hem.: Aleyrodidae). The first instar nymphs of <em>B. tabaci</em> were found to be the preferred food for <em>E. scutalis</em>, resulting in decreased developmental time from egg to adult, as well as a shorter pre-oviposition period and a higher rate of oviposition. The intrinsic rate of increase (<em>r</em>) was found to be 0.1503 d<sup>-1</sup> on the first instar nymphs and 0.0843 d<sup>-1</sup> on eggs of the prey. On average, females’ <em>E. scutalis</em> consumed 16.30 eggs and 29.40 nymphs from their emergence to death. When first instar nymphs of <em>B. tabaci</em> were provided, <em>E. scutalis</em> showed a higher net predation rate (<em>C</em><sub>0</sub>) and finite predation rate (<em>ω</em>) compared to feeding on eggs. On average, it consumed 3.52 eggs or 2.76 first instar nymphs of <em>B. tabaci</em> to produce a single egg of <em>E. scutalis</em>. In terms of sex ratio of the progeny, predatory females that fed on the first instar nymphs produced more females.https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16877_a90f92d5609224ee7112c1f5d99f7e5f.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Synthesis of Poly-γ-Glutamate in Solid-State Fermentation and Its Application in Biocontrol41542824098ENSarehHashemiDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Islamic Republic of Iran.MasoudAhmadzadehDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Islamic Republic of Iran.HosseinSaremiDepartment of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Islamic Republic of Iran.SoleimanGhasemiResearch and Development Section of Nature Biotechnology Co. (Biorun), Karaj. Alborz, Islamic Republic of Iran.AzadOmrani SabbaghiResearch and Development Section of Fruit Science Co., Karaj, Alborz, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article20250916Poly- Gamma- Glutamic Acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer with diverse applications across multiple industries. However, its use in agriculture is limited due to high production costs. This study aimed to (1) Optimize the cost-effective production of γ-PGA through Solid-State Fermentation (SSF) using <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> UTB96, (2) Evaluate the concentration and molecular weight of γ-PGA suitable for agricultural applications, particularly in strawberry cultivation, and (3) Explore the impact of γ-PGA on extending the shelf-life of strawberry fruits during cold storage. Initially, the production of γ-PGA using SSF with <em>B</em><em><span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA">.</span></em><em> velezensis</em> UTB96 was investigated, along with evaluation of the influence of physicochemical factors on the molecular weight of γ-PGA. Based on the results, three different molecular weights of γ-PGA were identified: 1156.43 kDa, 734.38 kDa, and 296.55 kDa. These were selected for greenhouse trials to assess their effectiveness in controlling gray mold on strawberry plants<span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA">.</span> The results showed that, by utilizing agricultural wastes including sesame flour, wheat straw, and banana peel in SSF methodology, γ-PGA could be produced at a rate of 70 g/kg of dry weight of the culture medium. Analyzing the impact of γ-PGA on reducing gray mold revealed that this compound could enhance the plant's defense. A significant increase in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase and Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL) enzymes was observed, along with the production of polyphenolic compounds such as ellagic acid<span dir="RTL" lang="AR-SA">.</span> Consequently, these mechanisms improved the plant's flexibility and tolerance to the fungus, helping to maintain the quality of the fruits during cold storage.https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_24098_c13aa14c57d4ad455bc0694eb98ea14b.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Role of Melatonin and Pomegranate Seed Oil in Maintaining the Quality of Mexican Limes during Storage42944716851ENMahbobehMohammadiDepartment of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran.SomayehRastegarDepartment of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Islamic Republic of Iran.0000-0002-0840-9674AbbasRohaniDepartment of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article19700101Mexican limes have a limited shelf life due to color changes and reduced freshness. This study evaluated the effects of Melatonin (ML) and Pomegranate Seed Oil (PSO) on maintaining postharvest quality at 20±2°C and 50-60% relative humidity. The results showed that melatonin at 100 and 200 µM+PSO exhibited the highest overall fruit acceptability. The control group displayed the most weight loss (20.8%), while PSO demonstrated the least (12.5%). With the exception of the PSO treatment, all other treatments exhibited significantly elevated levels of phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The PSO and control treatments demonstrated the lowest catalase (69 U mg<sup>-1</sup> FW) and peroxidase (53.5 U mg<sup>-1</sup> FW) activities, while the highest polyphenol oxidase activity (99.6 U mg<sup>-1</sup> FW) was also observed in these groups. The control and PSO treatments also exhibited the highest Total Soluble Solids (TSSs) content (8.2%) and the lowest acidity (8.5%). Overall, most traits exhibited significant differences between the treatment groups and the control, excluding the PSO treatment.<br><br><br><br>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16851_b803f0a4e6b8514f2dab43eaca581b05.pdfTarbiat Modares UniversityJournal of Agricultural Science and Technology1680-707328220260301Co-Composting of Municipal Solid Waste with Activated Biochar: A Promising Approach to Improve the Quality of Compost44946216846ENKamalKhalkhalDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.AdelReyhanitabarDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.ShahinOustanDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.NasserAliasgharzadDepartment of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.Journal Article19700101Biochar reduces composting problems and improves compost quality. However, Activated Biochar (AB) and its size are often overlooked.<span><span dir="RTL"> </span>This research aimed to evaluate the impact of co-composting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) with different-sized biochar and AB on the quality of the resulting co-compost.</span><span><span dir="RTL"> </span>The MSW were mixed thoroughly with different-sized (B<sub>2-4mm</sub>, B<sub>1-2mm </sub>and B<sub>0.5-1mm</sub>) and activated biochars (H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>-AB<sub>0.5-1mm </sub>and NaOH-AB<sub>0.5-1mm</sub>) and co-composted for 90 days until compost maturity. The results revealed that the activation of biochar with NaOH and H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> caused the appearance of a mesh structure on the biochar surface, leading to improved stability and maturity, enhanced biodegradation and humification indices. Specifically, NaOH-AB (5%, w/w) showed the highest temperature (71.5°C), germination index (130.9%), and total nitrogen content (1.37%) and the longest thermophilic period (7 days). The highest Organic Matter content (OM) (37.9%) and the lowest electrical conductivity (7.4 dS m<sup>-1</sup>) were recorded in B<sub>1-2mm </sub>(10%, w/w). Furthermore, the lowest nitrate concentration (254.4 mg kg<sup>-1</sup>) and the highest C/N ratio (18.1) were in H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>-AB (10%).</span><span><span dir="RTL"> </span>Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the critical role of the C/N ratio and OM content during the composting. The study recommends the addition of biochar to MSW to achieve an appropriate C/N ratio and prevent nitrogen loss. Overall, incorporating NaOH- and H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>-activated biochars was found to be a valuable strategy for the composting of municipal solid wastes. Our findings provide valuable insights into the potential of biochar in optimizing the composting process.</span>
<br><br>https://jast.modares.ac.ir/article_16846_2bed57b5e7da7db0be5cd65a00bf6405.pdf