Elecampane (Inula helenium L.) is a valuable medicinal plant that has anticancer, cardioprotective, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating 15 different populations of Iranian elecampane collected from their natural habitats in terms of content of proline, photosynthetic pigments, total phenol (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC), as well as essential oil (EO) profile. The content of total phenol, total flavonoid and proline was different among the populations, and TPC showed a positive and significant correlation with the content of Chl, carotenoid and proline. Also, the TFC was significantly positively correlated with total chlorophyll and negatively correlated with proline. The amount of essential oil was significantly negatively correlated with total chlorophyll, carotenoid and TPC. The essential oil (EO) content of the populations varied from 0.13

In order to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal fungus and different levels of humic acid and salicylic acid on biochemical properties and essential oil yields of Lemonella, Citronella and Varigated cultivars of Melissa Officinalis L., a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in a greenhouse in Golestan province (Nomal village) was performed in 2018 crop year. Mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae) and humic acid (0, 200 and 400 mg/L) were treated as irrigation fertilizer at seed time and salicylic acid (0, 100 and 200 mg/L) was sprayed in two stages (three-leaf and four-leaf). The results of this experiment showed that all treatments significantly improved the evaluated traits compared to the control. The highest leaf proline content was obtained in Citronella cultivar and control treatment and the highest amounts of phenol, carbohydrate, essential oil percentage in the treatment of mycorrhiza fungus + humic acid 400 mg/L + salicylic acid 100 mg/L were obtained in Varigated, Citronella, and Lemonella cultivars, respectively. Also, the highest amount of flavonoids was observed in the treatment of mycorrhiza fungus + humic acid 400 mg/L + salicylic acid 200 mg/L in Citronella cultivar and the highest total antioxidant activity was observed in the treatment of mycorrhiza fungus + humic acid 200 mg/L + salicylic 200 mg/L in Lemonella cultivar. In general, the results of this experiment showed that in Lemon balm, the use of mycorrhizal fungus with humic acid 400 mg/L and salicylic acid 100 mg/L in Lemonella cultivar is recommended to improve biochemical properties and essential oil yield.

Due to the importance of using nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture to increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of agricultural products, This study aims to investigate the effect of foliar application of iron, potassium, calcium and manganese nanoparticles on some morphophysiological traits and nutrient uptake of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) that is one of the most important medicinal plants of the lamiaceae family was done in a completely randomized design with three replications in 2018 in a greenhouse located in Islamshahr. Foliar application treatments of iron, potassium, calcium and manganese nanoclates included three levels of 2, 4 and 6 mg/l. Foliar application was applied in three stages with one week intervals and two weeks after the last foliar application, sampling was performed to evaluate the traits. The results showed that the application of nano-chelates significantly increased the evaluated traits compared to the control, so that the highest fresh and dry weight of shoots, total chlorophyll content of leaves and iron in the treatment of iron nano-chelate 6 mg/l, the highest fresh and dry weight of roots and the amount of potassium in the treatment of nano-chelate potassium was obtained 6 mg/l, also the highest amount of phenol and manganese in the treatment of nano-chelate manganese 6 mg/l, the highest amount of flavonoids and vitamin C in the treatment of nano-chelate Manganese 4 mg/l, the highest amount of calcium was observed in the treatment of calcium nano-chelate, 6 mg/l and the highest amount of essential oil was observed in the treatment of iron nano-chelate, 4 mg/l. In general, according to the results of this study, the application of iron, potassium, calcium and manganese nano-chelates with concentrations of 4 and 6 mg/l has a positive effect on increasing the productivity of peppermint.

Abstract Artemisia sieberi is a valuable medicinal plant that is widespread in the Qom region of Iran. In order to assess the genetic diversity of this species, a total of 20 populations were collected and analyzed using 10 ISSR molecular marker primers. The ISSR analysis resulted in the detection of 133 bands, with 68 being polymorphic and 65 being monomorphic. The average percentage of polymorphism across the 10 primers was calculated to be 52.92%. The overall genetic diversity was found to be partitioned with 42% within populations and 58% between populations. The populations of Abbas Abad and Separ Rostam exhibited the highest level of polymorphism (28.57%) in areas characterized by hot and dry climates. Conversely, the populations of Avel and Karkesh displayed the lowest level of polymorphism (7.52% and 9.02%, respectively) in areas with relatively moderate and humid climates. The genetic similarity matrix, based on the Nie index, revealed a range of population similarity from 0.607 to 0.934 among the 20 Artemisia sieberi populations, indicating a high level of genetic diversity within the Qom province. The genetic diversity of Artemisia sieberi has likely facilitated population adaptation to various ecological conditions, warranting further investigation.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of post-harvest calcium chloride (CaCl2) or salicylic acid (SA) treatments on the physicochemical traits and storage life of nectarine fruit (Prunus persica L. Batsch) stored at 1 °C in a normal atmosphere for 45 days after harvesting. Fruit was dipped in deionized water (control), in 0.5, 1, or 2

To identify the superior population of Artemisia sieberi in the Qom region of Iran, populations of this species were collected from that specific area. Populations were cultivated under the same environmental conditions in a domestication field for two growing seasons. Cultivation followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed that the first three principal components (PC1–PC3) accounted for approximately 91.93

This research aimed to explore the empowerment of trainees of agricultural schools for the development of their professional performance. It was a survey study. The statistical population was composed of all trainees studying in agricultural schools in Iran in the 2020-2021 educational year, amounting to 1,119 students, out of whom 169 trainees were sampled by simple randomization. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the schools, the questionnaires were sent and received by e-mail from the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, Fars, Qazvin, Mazandaran, and Semnan. Data were analyzed by the structural equation method using Smart PLS3. Based on the results, the educational content, educational process, management process, technical trainer development, and supply of space, equipment, and technology in agricultural schools have positive and significant effects on the empowerment of trainees in these schools. The standardized path coefficients revealed that the educational content directly accounted for 67.2% of the variance in the trainees' empowerment. Also, 39.9, 31.1, 30.2, and 29.8% of the variance in the Iranian trainee's empowerment were captured by the educational process, management process, technical trainer development, and the supply of space, equipment, and technology, respectively.

This research aimed to ascertain the prerequisites for the advancement of the slow food movement in Iran. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, it adopted a descriptive and survey-oriented design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts well-versed in the extension of slow food, employing a snowball sampling technique. The interview data underwent coding and analysis employing open coding, axial coding, and selective coding methods. The study encompassed experts and managers in agricultural extension and education across the nation. For statistical analysis, a structural equation model and confirmatory factor analysis were employed, utilizing SMART PLS 3 and SPSS 26 software. The goodness-of-fit index (GoF) was utilized to evaluate the comprehensive validity of the research model. From a qualitative perspective, six primary facets of the slow food model emerged: 1. Extension strategies in harmony with slow food principles; 2. Methods of extending the slow food movement; 3. Supportive policies for slow food propagation; 4. Intervening conditions; 5. Causal conditions (triggers and applications) of the slow food paradigm; and 6. Outcomes resulting from the adoption of the slow food ethos. These facets collectively comprised a total of 38 sub-components. Through analysis of the structural equation model, key facets with substantial operational weight and significant influence on the promotion of slow food were identified. These prominent components encompass disease prevention, the organization of festivals and exhibitions, the revision of laws, the shaping of individuals’ lifestyles, the enhancement of food tourism capacity, and the optimization of human resources.

Many of the active constituents of drug or medicines were originally derived from medicinal plants. Iranian Borage are still being used in regular basis. Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral nutrient for animal and human growth. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of (2, 4, 8 and 16 mg L −1 ) of as sodium selenate (Na 2 SeO 4 ) and as sodium selenite (Na 2 SeO 3 ) on some important properties of Iranian Borage in factorial based on Randomized Complete Block Design via four steps: 2 true leaves stage, ten leaves, 2 weeks and 1 week before flowering. The traits were evaluated during flowering period. Results showed that the highest shoot fresh and dry weight and shoot length, total alkaloid, essential oil percentage were obtained by 4 mg L −1 sodium selenate at the end of flowering. In addition, 4 mg L −1 sodium selenate concentration significantly improved flower yield (diameter, number, weight). The plants were treated with 8 mg L −1 sodium selenate, the higher total phenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, soluble sugars, root and fresh weight was seen at end of flowering. When the plants were sprayed with 4 mg L −1 sodium selenite higher total chlorophyll was observed at full of flowering. 16 mg L −1 sodium selenite released the maximum Se acclimation in the petals. 20 composites were discovered containing ɑ-Pinene (23.61%) with sodium selenate in 4 mg L −1 . Generally, selenium sources significantly improved morpho-physiological and phytochemical.

Background: Nowadays biomaterial has been proposed as a suitable alternative for chemical substance. It has no odor and taste and its consumption is beneficial to human health. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of application of chitosan coating individuality and along with Aloe Vera gel on the nutritional level and quality of strawberry fruit (cv. Camarosa). Methods: After application treatments Aloe Vera gel (0, 50 and 100%), Chitosan (0, 0.5 and 1%) and their combination, plates contain strawberry were kept in the refrigerator with a temperature of 4 ± 1 °C, at humidity of 8590%. Traits were evaluated in the first days zero, 4, 8 and 12. Results: The results showed fresh weight of fruit, chlorophyll, vitamin C and anthocyanin significantly affect by Aloe Vera 100%+ Chitosan 0.5% application. Also, plants treated with Aloe Vera 50% + chitosan 0.5% produced higher taste index, phenol and antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, lower weight loss of fruit, malondialdehyde and total soluble solids was observed with Aloe Vera 100 % + Chitosan 0.5 %. Storage life significantly was enhanced with Aloe Vera 50% + Chitosan 0.5% up to 15.7 days which was the same level with Aloe Vera 100% + Chitosan 0.5%. Conclusion: Overall, the application of Aloe Vera treatment 50% or 100% along with Chitosan 0.5%, would be a highly recommended practice in the maintaining the nutrition value and storage life of strawberry fruits.

The present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical composition and yield of essential oil of Calendula officinalis L. (Marigoldisa) under NaCl-induced salinity stress using humic acid and selenium as a factorial experiment in the form of a completely randomized design with two factors of NaCl-induced salinity stress (50 and 100 ppm) as the main factor and foliar application with selenium (at both S and 10 ppm levels) as well as soil application of humic acid (at both 50 and 100 ppm levels) as side factors and their interactions. The experiment consisted of 19 treatments each with 3 replicates, each replicate containing 3 plants and a total of 171 pots. In this study, Calendula officinalis L. seeds were cultivated in a tray containing cocopeat and then transferred to a pot of size 15 after 20 days (six-leaf stage) with the pot soil containing loamy soil, sand, and compost with a 1-1-1 ratio. The treatments were applied after 20 days of transfer to the main pot (early stage of stem emergence). The humic acid was added at the time of bed preparation with sodium chloride applied in combination with irrigation water twice in three consecutive weeks. Foliar application with selenium was also performed after each irrigation with sodium chloride. Fertilization with the required elements was normally performed for plants with the pots treated without control. Sampling and evaluation of traits were done about 20 days after flowering stage. The experiment was repeated for two consecutive years for greater confidence and better results. The results revealed that in both years, the control treatment had the highest effect on traits including fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and root, plant height and flower number, petal carotenoid content and total leaf chlorophyll content, protein content, phenol and flavonoid content, and it lead to longer longevity. The highest proline content was associated with the NaCl 100ppm treatment and the highest activity of super-oxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes as well as highest percentage of essential oil were observed in the NaCl 50 ppm + H 200ppm + Se 10ppm treatment. In addition, in the first and second years, the control treatment with 10.9 and 11.2 days, respectively, had the highest while NaCl 100ppm with 5.4 and 6.1 days had the lowest longevity of Calendula officinalis L. flowers on the plant.

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of selenium forms (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) at (2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/l) levels on the phytochemical attributes of Echium amoenum (Vipers bugloss) as factorial randomized complete block design. Selenium sources were added in four steps: 2 true leaves stage, 10 leaves, 2 weeks, and 1 week before flowering. The traits were evaluated in different stages of flowering (beginning, full flowering, and end of flowering). Results showed that selenium sources significantly affected the qualitative characteristics of the E. amoenum. The highest photosynthetic pigments were obtained by 4 mg/l sodium selenite at beginning of flowering. When the plants were sprayed with 4 mg/l sodium selenate and harvested at beginning of flowering, higher total alkaloid contents in leaves and petals were observed compared to the other treatments. When the plants were sprayed with 8 mg/l sodium selenate and harvested at end of flowering, higher total phenols and flavonoids contents, soluble sugars content were observed compared to the other treatments. Moreover, foliar application of selenium sources significantly increased the content of this element in the petals. Sodium selenate was more effective than sodium selenite in increasing the content of this element. Generally, the results showed selenium sources significantly improved phytochemical properties of E. amoenum.

Introduction: Edible flowers contain a variety of vitamins, carbohydrates and proteins and play an important role in the antioxidant activity and control of diseases. Marigold is also known as one of the most common edible flowers. The aim of this study was to investigate the improvement of nutritional value of Marigold flowers by spraying with spermidine, citric acid and proline. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with 14 treatments including two levels of spermidine, citric acid, proline (0, 50 and 100 mg/L) and postharvest shelf life (Start experiment, 5 and 10 days) in 3 replications. Each replication consists of 10 flowers. Foliar application was performed in three stages of six visible leaves, complete tillering and first bud emergence. The samples were stored at 4°C for post-harvest shelf life. Characteristics including biochemical and nutritional values were evaluated. Results: The results showed that, at the 10th day after harvest, the highest fresh and dry weight of flower, carotenoid, phenol, carbohydrate were detected in proline 100 mg/L sample, while the highest vitamin C, total antioxidant and postharvest life were observed in citric acid 100 mg/L sample and the highest flavonoid was determined in spermidine 100 mg/L sample and the highest protein was detected in proline 50 mg/L sample. All treatments showed significant differences at 1% and 5% level of control. Conclusion: All treatments had significant effect on the measured variables, but the best improved characteristics were obtained at the concentration of 100 mg/L proline, citric acid and spermidine. The highest longevity was in citric acid 100 mg/L with 9.7 days and the lowest in control with 5.3 days.

Nanoscience paves the way for producing highly potent fertilizers and pesticides to meet farmer’s expectations. This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of soybean seedlings to the long-time application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and their bulk type (BZnO) at 5 mg L -1 under the two application methods (I- foliar application; II- soil method). The ZnO NPs/BZnO treatments in a substance type- and method-dependent manner improved plant growth performance and yield. ZnO NPs transactionally upregulated the EREB gene. However, the expression of the bHLH gene displayed a contrary downward trend in response to the supplements. ZnO NPs moderately stimulated the transcription of R2R3MYB . The HSF -34 gene was also exhibited a similar upward trend in response to the nano-supplements. Moreover, the ZnONP treatments mediated significant upregulation in the WRKY1 transcription factor. Furthermore, the MAPK1 gene displayed a similar upregulation trend in response to the supplements. The foliar application of ZnONP slightly upregulated transcription of the HDA3 gene, while this gene showed a contrary slight downregulation trend in response to the supplementation of nutrient solution. The upregulation in the CAT gene also resulted from the nano-supplements. The concentrations of photosynthetic pigments exhibited an increasing trend in the ZnONP-treated seedlings. The applied treatments contributed to the upregulation in the activity of nitrate reductase and the increase in the proline concentrations. ZnO NPs induced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and catalase by averages of 48.3% and 41%, respectively. The utilization of ZnO NPs mediated stimulation in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and increase in soluble phenols. The findings further underline this view that the long-time application of ZnO NPs at low concentrations is a safe low-risk approach to meet agricultural requirements.

There has long been debate about how nanoproducts meet agricultural requirements. This study aimed to investigate tomato responses to the long-time foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP; 0 and 3 mgl -1 ) or bulk type (BZnO). Both ZnO-NP and BZnO treatments, especially the nanoform, were significantly capable of improving growth, biomass, and yield. The ZnO-NP treatment upregulated the expression of the R2R3MYB transcription factor by 2.6 folds. The BZnO and ZnO-NP treatments transcriptionally up-regulated WRKY1 gene by 2.5 and 6.4 folds, respectively. The bHLH gene was also upregulated in response to BZnO (2.3-fold) or ZnO-NP (4.7-fold). Moreover, the ZnO-NP application made a contribution to upregulation in the EREB gene whereas the bulk compound did not make a significant change. Upregulation in the HsfA1a gene also resulted from the ZnO-NP (2.8-fold) or BZnO (1.6-fold) supplementation. The MKK2 and CAT genes displayed a similar upregulation trend in response to the supplements by an average of 3-folds. While the application of ZnO-NP slightly down-regulated the histone deacetylases ( HDA3 ) gene by 1.9-fold, indicating epigenetic modification. The supplements, especially the nano-product, enhanced concentrations of K, Fe, and Zn in both leaves and fruits. The concentrations of Chla, Chlb, and carotenoids were increased in response to the BZnO or ZnO-NP treatments. Likewise, BZnO or ZnO-NP mediated an increase in activity of nitrate reductase and proline content in leaves. These treatments increased soluble phenols and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity. With a similar trend, the BZnO or ZnO-NP application improved the activities of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. The reinforcement in metaxylem and secondary tissues resulted from the applied supplements. This study provides comprehensive comparative evidence on how ZnO-NPs may remodel the chromatin ultrastructure and transcription program, and confer stress tolerance in crops. This study also underlines the necessity of providing integrated transcriptome and proteome data in future studies.

This study investigated the physiological, molecular, and anatomical responses of soybean to the long-time utilization of nitric oxide (NO; 0 and 25 µM) under two application methods (foliar application or supplementation of nutrient solution). The NO application increased shoot biomass (mean = 49.7%), root dry mass (mean = 38.9%), number of leaves (mean = 28.5%), leaf fresh mass (mean = 29.2%), and number of pods (mean = 59.5%). NO enhanced K (14.5%), Fe (25.2%), and Zn (27%) in both leaves and seeds. Either foliar or soil application of NO upregulated bHLH (mean = 3.3-fold) and EREB (mean = sevenfold) genes at the transcription level. The NO treatments induced expression of HSF34, R2R3MYB, WRKY1, and MAPK1 genes by averages of 14, 8.2, 4.5, and 5.6 folds, respectively. Similarly, the histone deacetylase (HDA) gene was upregulated in response to either foliar (3.2-fold) or soil supplementation (2.6-fold) of NO, indicating that NO can lead to epigenetic modification. The NO treatments also led to the upregulation in the CAT1 gene by an average of 9.2-fold. The applied supplement enhanced photosynthetic pigments, including the concentrations of Chla, Chlb, and carotenoids. Significant upward trends in the activities of nitrate reductase (37%), catalase (39%), peroxidase (52%), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (28.3%) enzymes were found in response to NO. The NO treatments increased soluble phenols and proline concentration in leaves by 52.5% and 32%, respectively. NO utilization also reinforced the differentiation of metaxylem tissue, a clear illustration of how NO can improve nutritional status. Overall, this study makes a significant contribution to the NO-responsive genes, especially transcription factors.

Salinity is one of the most important abiotic environmental stresses which restricts the growth and production of plants. On the other hand, silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element in the soil and alleviates the biotic and abiotic stresses in the plants. For this purpose, a greenhouse experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized statistical design with three replications to investigate the effects of silicon and nano-silicon (50 and 100 mg l-1) on some morphophysiological and phytochemical properties of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under salinity stress at the different levels of sodium chloride (0, 50, and 100 mg l-1) in 2019. The results showed that the salinity stress significantly reduced the fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and root, and chlorophyll, total phenol, and protein contents. The activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes and essential oil percentage differed at the different salinity levels. The amount of proline also increased significantly due to the sodium chloride treatment of 100 mg l-1. The plants treatment with the different levels of silicon and nano-silicon reduced the negative effects of salinity stress on the evaluated indices. The nano-silicon treatment of 100 mg l-1 showed the highest inhibition of salinity stress effects on the growth indices, antioxidant enzymes activity, and essential oil percentage. Therefore, according to the results of this research, the foliar application of silicon and nano-silicon could be recommended to reduce the negative effects of salinity stress on peppermint.

Salinity stress is one of the most important factors in reducing the crop yield in the world. The application of humic acid along with selenium can improve the plant yield under salinity stress conditions by increasing the antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the effects of humic acid and selenium application under salinity stress conditions in Calendula officinalis L., a factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in Islamshahr city in 2018. The experimental treatments included sodium chloride (0, 50, and 100 mg l-1), humic acid (0, 100, and 200 mg l-1), and selenium (0, 5, and 10 mg l-1) and their combined effects. The results showed that increasing the salinity significantly reduced the fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots and number of flowers per plant. The foliar application of 200 mg l-1 humic acid and 10 mg l-1 selenium improved carotenoids content of the petals and total chlorophyll of the leaves at all salinity levels. Also, with increasing the sodium chloride level up to 100 mg l-1, the amount of proline increased significantly. Meanwhile, the interaction treatments of humic acid and selenium had significant effects (P≤0.0.1) on improving the activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes at different salinity levels. The highest amount of essential oil (1.37%) was obtained in the interaction treatment of 200 mg l-1 humic acid and 10 mg l-1 selenium under salinity stress of 50 mg l-1 sodium chloride. In general, the results of this study showed that the foliar application of 200 mg l-1 humic acid and 10 mg l-1 selenium could be effective in reducing the negative effects of salinity stress on C. officinalis.