Soil salinity induces phosphorus (P) deficiency, limiting crop productivity, yet the combined use of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and phosphorus-enriched biochar (P-biochar) under salinity remains unexplored. This study presents a novel integrated PSB+P-biochar approach to improve growth and secondary metabolite production in Cannabis sativa L. under salinity stress. A completely randomized design with three independent replicates (each replicate containing two pots) was employed. A factorial experiment was conducted with two factors: salinity at two levels (0 and 100mM NaCl) and soil amendment at six levels (control, B. subtilis, P. putida, P-biochar, B. subtilis + P-biochar, and P. putida + P-biochar). Seeds were inoculated with PSB and P-biochar was mixed into soil at 2% (w/w). Salinity decreased plant biomass, chlorophyll (Chl), relative water content (RWC), essential oil (EO) yield, and cannabinoids, while increasing proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the control (no salinity). In plants exposed to salinity stress, P-biochar in combination with B. subtilis and P. putida respectively increased shoot weight (25% and 24%), root weight (28% and 38%), Chl (33% and 29%), RWC (16% and 15%), proline (17% and 19%), EO yield (49% and 37%), cannabidiol (13% and 12%), and tetrahydrocannabinol (16% and 14%), but lowered MDA (23% and 21%) compared to salinity-only treatment. The results are limited to greenhouse conditions and require field validation. Nonetheless, this combined strategy is recommended to enhance plant resilience and optimize pharmacologically active compound production in saline environments.

Mint (Mentha) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is a key species in the Lamiaceae family, with seven varieties found in the Iranian flora. Despite its extensive use in conventional medicine, limited research has focused on the detailed chemical profiling of this species in specific ecological contexts. This study investigates the essential oil composition of M. longifolia ecotypes naturally growing in the northwest region of Iran, highlighting the species' chemical diversity and its potential applications in pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 20 compounds were identified, accounting for 92.82 % to 100 % of the total oil composition. The main compounds were polegune (7.18-52.23 %), menthone (10.18-32.54 %) and piperitenone oxide (0.77-16.01 %). Additionally, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, two isomeric triterpenes with recognized therapeutic potential, were quantified in the ecotype samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.17-8.07 mg/g and 0.24-2.94 mg/ g, respectively. At a 50 % similarity, the essential oil properties were classified into two sub-clusters: Cluster I, which mainly consisted of six ecotypes and Cluster II, which included two. Cluster analysis revealed two subgroups of ecotypes based on their essential oil profiles, suggesting environmental factors may influence the chemical composition. The findings underscore the significant variation in bioactive compounds among M. longifolia ecotypes and provide valuable insights for selecting and cultivating chemotypes with enhanced medicinal or aromatic properties. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on M. longifolia and supports its broader application in natural product development and sustainable agriculture.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin condition affecting adolescents and young adults, with conventional treatments often leading to undesirable side effects. This study developed the formulation of an anti-acne cream based on Ferula gummosa essential oil and evaluated its physicochemical properties, antibacterial efficacy, and effects on sebum production. The formulated cream demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, making it suitable for skin application. It exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Significant reductions in sebum levels were observed in all areas of the face studied at the end of the trial. Participants rated the cream highly on several quality dimensions, although improvements in fragrance were suggested. The anti-acne cream containing galbanum essential oil shows significant potential in the treatment of acne vulgaris, combining effective sebum reduction and antibacterial activity with favorable user acceptability. This study supports further development and clinical testing of F. gummosa based formulations as a natural and effective treatment option for acne.

Foliar spraying of polyamines, such as putrescine (Put) and spermidine (Spd), has been shown to improve plant and fruit yield. However, the optimal time for spraying these polyamines is still uncertain. The present study was conducted to evaluate plant growth, stomatal parameters, and biochemical attributes of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) under Put and Spd application at various spraying times. Plants received spray treatments with doses of 0.5 and 1 mM of Put and Spd during bloom, fruit development, and ripening stages. According to the findings, both Put and Spd enhanced fruit and plant yield, although Put had a greater effect. The best timing to apply foliar spraying was observed during the fruit development stage. In plants sprayed at the fruit development stage, Put at 1 mM led to increased plant height (11%), SPAD value (17%), fruit yield (80%), fruit firmness (34%), anthocyanin (31%), total phenolic content (TPC, 14%), total flavonoid content (TFC, 35%), stomatal length (45%), stomatal width (40%), nitrogen (N, 43%), phosphorous (P, 21%), and potassium (K, 18%), but decreased antioxidant capacity (IC50, 36%) and stomatal density (19%) relative to the control. In response to the management for bloom, fruit development, and ripening stages, fruit yield in plants sprayed with Put at 1 mM increased by 55, 80, and 64%, respectively. Heat map analysis revealed the maximum variability among traits associated with fruit yield under the treatments. The research suggests that strategic foliar application of Put and Spd at specific growth stages can enhance blueberry yield and quality, with the fruit development stage showing promising results.

Water mint (Mentha aquatica L.) is a medicinal plant with significant therapeutic potential for treating a wide range of diseases. Due to its ability to grow in various geological environments, this study aimed to determine the morphological and phytochemical variability of water mint populations in Northern Iran. Identical and equally sized rhizomes of ten water mint populations were collected from their natural habitats and then cultivated at an experimental farm site in Mazandaran province. The root and stem diameters of most populations were not significantly different. The leaf size varied between populations, with three (Marzonabad, Lafoor, and Hassanabad) exhibiting smaller leaves than the others. The populations with smaller leaf sizes demonstrated a higher leaf number. The highest antioxidant potential was observed in Hassanabad (40 m) and Kia-kola (10 m), with the lowest IC50, while the maximum essentical oil (EO) percentage was found in Balamarznak (250 m). The gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry identified 30 components of EOs, and the main compounds were 1,8-cineol (10.7-27.5%), menthofuran (1.4-17.7%), trans-caryophyllene (1.7-15%), germacrene D, and viridifloro (0-8.08%). Four chemotypes of water mint were distinguished based on biochemical features. Principal component analysis and heat map analysis revealed that leaf size and 1,8-cineol exhibit the minimum variability. However, smart and sensitive morphological traits with the maximum variability were root weight, shoot weight, and the number of leaves and branches. In general, water mint populations with the highest antioxidant capacity and EO content can be obtained within the altitudinal gradient range of 250-300 m.

Strawberries are highly perishable, with a short shelf-life, so it is necessary to use high technologies to prevent post-harvest damage by using edible coating. Consumption of probiotic foods has increased in recent years as a result of consumer concern about healthy food products. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of inulin, gelatin, and the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus in edible coatings on the physicochemical characteristics of strawberry. The current study was carried out using a completely random statistical design, with the probiotic L. rhamnosus and inulin mixed with gelatin base coatings and applied to fresh strawberries. The strawberries were treated with 5% gelatin coatings (G), 5% gelatin + L. rhamnosus probiotic (G-L), and 5% gelatin + L. rhamnosus + 2% inulin (G-L-I) and distilled water (control: C). According to the results, the presence of (G-L-I) improved some physicochemical properties of coated strawberries compared to control samples by reducing the weight loss (WL), decay, and slowing the deterioration rate of vitamin C (41 g/Kg FW), antioxidants (45.4 mmol Trolox/Kg) and phenolic compounds (TPC: 2400 GAE/Kg) during the storage time, whereas (G-L) coating produced the lowest concentration of total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), and firmness. The fruit's surface decaying rate (10.7%) and WL were reduced by coatings (G-L). These findings demonstrated that probiotic-containing gelatin coating can be used as an alternative to chemical substances to enhance the fruit's nutritional value compared to the control. It can be concluded that is a novel method to design new functional foods and helps to improve the shelf life of strawberries.

The present study investigated the effects of five Iranian male palm pollen grains as pollen sources on the fruit quality of two cultivars, 'Barhee' and 'Piyarom' (offshoot- derived and tissue culture-derived). The biochemical and enzymatic properties of fruit dates at the Tamar stage (full maturity) enabled the evaluation of pollen source effects on fruit quality. The research location was Jahrom Research Station, Fars Province, Iran, from 2018 to 2019. The pollen sources were genotypes '7001' (control), '7005', '7013', '7030', and 'B11'. Pollinated with 7013 pollen, Offshoot-erived (OFS) trees of the 'Barhee' cultivar had the highest fruit flesh pH (7.07). In contrast, the lowest pH value (5.84) occurred in fruits of Tissue Culture-Derived (TCD) trees of the 'Piyarom' pollinated with the 7030. In the OFS 'Piyarom' the pollen source 7001 caused the highest fruit TSS (68.83%). When pollinated with the B11, 'Barhee' had the lowest fruit TSS (44.90%). In TCD 'Piyarom' trees, the 7030 pollen caused the highest TSS (62.53%). By receiving pollen from B11, the 'Barhee' produced fruits with the lowest TSS (44.23%). Regardless of being OFS or TCD and of the pollen source, on average, 'Barhee' produced fruits with more moisture content than fruits of the 'Piyarom'. In OFS 'Piyarom' trees, pollen from the 7030 caused the highest Fruit Dry Matter (FDM) (87.40%), whereas the 'Barhee' pollinated with the 7001 produced fruits with the lowest FDM (67.15%). In TCD 'Piyarom' palms, pollen from the 7030 caused the highest FDM (85.19%), compared to the 'Barhee' pollinated with the 7013, which showed the lowest FDM (67.87%). Pollen from the 7030 caused the highest total sugar content in the fruits of OFS and TCD 'Piyarom' trees. The fruits of OFS 'Piyarom' trees had more Fe and Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) activity than TCD 'Piyarom' trees.

Background Consecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, including strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibility of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost (30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa cultivars. Results The results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield. Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/ peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar. Conclusion Expriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricultural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resistant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost.

In vitro propagation, cold preservation, and cryopreservation are three essential approaches to preserve the genetic resources of red-listed plants, including English yew (Taxus baccata L.). Different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and different pre-treatments of cold preservation and cryopreservation are the prerequisites of these three approaches. Apical bud as explant and Murashige and Skoog (MS) as the culture medium for all three sections of the research, kinetin (Kin) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) as PGRs for the micropropagation section, and encapsulation-dehydration as pre-treatment for the sections of cold preservation and cryopreservation were used. The results of the micropropagation section indicated that the highest number of shoots (5.40 per explant) and roots (5.98 per explant) were obtained from the culture of the explants on the media containing 1 mg L–1 IBA together with 1 and 2 mg L–1 Kin, respectively. The results of the cold preservation section revealed that the highest percentage of survival of germplasms (100%) after storage in the refrigerator was observed in the apical buds pre-treated by dehydration of encapsulated explants with 0.75 M sucrose for two hours, followed by dehydration under a laminar airflow cabinet for two hours. The results of the cryopreservation section demonstrated that the highest percentage of survival of germplasms (100%) after storage in liquid nitrogen was obtained in the apical buds pre-treated by encapsulation-dehydration under a laminar airflow cabinet for two hours. At the acclimatization stage, 100% of the plantlets acclimatized suitably with ex vitro conditions.

While previous studies have addressed the desirable effects of biochar (BC) or magnesium nanoparticles (Mg NPs) on salinity stress individually, there is a research gap regarding their simultaneous application. Additionally, the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of BC and Mg NPs on salinity in Physalis alkekengi L. remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of BC and Mg NPs on P. alkekengi L. under salinity stress conditions. A pot experiment was conducted with salinity at 100 and 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl), as well as soil applied BC (4

The study investigates the efficacy of foliar spraying with melatonin at various concentrations (100, 200, and 300 µM) on the quantitative and qualitative attributes of Takdaneh Mashhad cherry subjected to different irrigation levels (100

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.

There are 16 species in the genus Satureja L. (Lamiaceae), of which 10 are native. This research aimed to investigate the effect of gamma rays and storage conditions and duration on the percentage and components of the essential oil and some biochemical characteristics of Satureja mutica Fisch & C.A. Mey at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands. Plants were collected at the full flowering stage and exposed to different doses of gamma rays (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kGy) at the Atomic Energy Organization, Iran. The samples were kept in a refrigerator (4 °C) and in the shade (25 ± 2 °C) for 0, 120, and 240 h. This experiment was performed in a completely randomized design. Essential oil extraction was done by water distillation for 2 h. The composition of their essential oil components was identified using GC and GC/MS. Some biochemical traits, including phenol content, antioxidant capacity, and carbohydrate content, were measured. The results indicated that irradiation on the percentage of essential oil showed a statistically significant difference. In addition, the interaction effect of irradiation × storage conditions, irradiation × duration of storage, on the percentage of essential oil was significant. According to a comparison of the means, 2.5 kGy irradiation produced the highest percentage of essential oil (0.4%); in contrast, a significant decrease was detected in components with 7.5 and 10 kGy irradiation. It was observed that the percentage of some essential oil compounds decreased with the gamma-ray intensity increase. 2.5 kGy of gamma rays and shade storage conditions for 240 h led to the highest content of p-cymene and carvacrol. Nevertheless, the highest thymol content was obtained under refrigeration conditions without irradiation. The maximum phenol content and antioxidant capacity were obtained when the plants were irradiated with 2.5 and 7.5 kGy gamma rays. However, the maximum carbohydrate rate was observed in non-irradiated plants. It was concluded that low-intensity gamma rays could improve the percentage of essential oil and main components like p-cymene and carvacrol in S. mutica Fisch & C.A. Mey.

The increasing pollution of the environment by toxic metals has become a public concern. Heavy metals may enter the plant through the soil where agricultural and horticultural crops are grown. Many methods have been investigated to solve this problem. As a new method, the almond shell has been used for the bio-sorbent of heavy metals in this study. Almond shells untreated and treated with phosphoric acid at different concentrations were added to the soil of the studied plant. Harvested parsley samples were prepared according to AOAC standards. The amount of heavy metals in parsleys were measured with an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed positive effects of almond shell, treated with 1% phosphoric acid, and added to soil at 10% (w/w) concentration. Results indicated a 93% reduction in lead of contaminated parsley. Bio-sorbents start their activity as soon as they are added to the soil and continued without the conflicting and destructive effect of the environment.

In this study, the physiological and developmental response of ten promising almond genotypes to deficit irrigation was investigated. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications during 2019 and 2020 at the Temperate Fruit Research Center, Horticultural Research Institute. The first factor was ten almond genotypes, and the second factor was three levels of drought stress (–0.33 MPa as a control, 0.9 and 1.6 MPa as moderate and severe stress, respectively). The results showed that growth and physiological characteristics, such as plant height, trunk diameter at the top of the plant, length of new branch growth, and leaf yellowness, as well as chlorophyll index based on the SPAD criterion, relative leaf water content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and activity of leaf enzymes including SOD, POD, CAT, and APX, varied among the ten almond genotypes under different levels of drought stress. Higher proline, RWC, and F v / F m values indicated a higher ability to tolerate drought stress in almonds. The study conducted a heatmap clustering analysis to classify 10 almond genotypes based on their response to drought stress. The results showed that the genotypes were divided into three groups, with two genotypes in the first group being more sensitive to drought stress. Also, the A-7-100 genotype in the third group was found to be more tolerant and adapted to drought stress than the other genotypes.

The use of green and eco-friendly materials is growing in agriculture day by day. Nanoparticles (NPs) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) are the most applied agents in food and fruit preservation. This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of AgNPs, SiNPs, epibrassinolide, and methyl jasmonate on the several postharvest physiological traits and decay of M. domestica var. Fuji (apple) fruits at ambient conditions. Results showed that antioxidant-related traits including total phenols, catalase, and peroxidase activity increased in NPs and PGRs-treated fruits. Total protein content was also found to be higher than control. Total sugar content and pH value were observed to be low in NPs and PGRs-treated fruits, while titratable acidity was higher than control. Decay, one of the important indicators of postharvest quality, was highly lower in both NPs and PGRs-treated fruits, improving its shelf life during storage. The results of the current study revealed that both NPs and PGRs can be used as an alternative tool in fruit preservation.

Melatonin has been widely used to modulate the deleterious effects of drought stress on plant growth and productivity. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of foliar melatonin treatment on photosynthetic and water content, antioxidant potential, and fatty acid composition of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) under irrigation regimes. Melatonin was sprayed on leaves at 100, 200, and 300 µM in trees which exposed to drought at 100, 75, 50, and 25

The use of abiotic elicitors in in-vitro culture has provided a useful strategy for the rapid and massive propagation of valuable orchid species. In this research, the effects of different concentrations of melatonin (ML, 0–25 μM), methyl jasmonate (MJ, 0–200 μM), and salicylic acid (SA, 0–200 μM) on the biomass of PLBs, the accumulation of anthocyanin in PLBs and the induction of PLBs from leaf explants of Phalaenopsis pulcherrima in dark and light conditions were investigated. The results showed that adding certain concentrations of ML (1–5 μM), MJ (50–100 μM), and SA (100 μM) increased the fresh and dry weight of PLBs, the induction of PLBs, and the number of PLBs per explant. However, high concentrations of these elicitors caused a negative effect on the growth and reduced induction of PLBs, which indicates their toxicity at high concentrations on P. pulcherrima in in-vitro conditions. For the first time, the accumulation of anthocyanin in PLBs of P. pulcherrima has been reported in this research, and the highest accumulation of anthocyanin was found under high concentrations of ML (10–25 μM), MJ (200 μM), and SA (50–200 μM). The findings of the present research can be considered for creating an improved protocol for the propagation and regeneration of P. pulcherrima as well as a commercial strategy for anthocyanin production from PLBs.

An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with factorial arrangement with three treatments of salinity (0 or check, 150, and 300 mM), and five bacterial elicitors treatments (fungal consortium (bioactive) (BFC), fungal elicitor at 1,000 ppm concentration (EL1), fungal elicitor at 2,000 ppm concentration (EL2), bacteria (BS) (Bacillus safensis), and bacteria (BP) (Bacillus pumilus)) in the Horticultural Science Laboratory to evaluate the effect of biological elicitors, including fungi and bacteria, on resistance to salinity stress in the date palms. The results showed that the lowest hydrogen peroxide content (278 µmol/g) was found in the elicitor of B. safensis at the zero salinity level. Catalase enzyme activity was higher in the treatments of fungal elicitor at 2,000 ppm concentration and the zero salinity level, B. safensis at the 150 mM salinity level, and fungal consortium at the 300 mM salinity level. The hydrogen peroxide content in the plant decreased as the activity of PAL and PPO enzymes increased. Applying an elicitor may reduce the effects of salinity stress in the date palm, but the stress level could determine the impact of each elicitor.