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Theeffect of salt stress on the pysiological and biochemical responses of the seedlings of eight Eucalyptus species viz. E. kingsmillii, E. tetragona, E. salubris, E. occidentali, E. microtheca, E. camaldulensis, E. globules and E. sargentii was analyzed. Four month-old seedlings grown in greenhouse were watered by five levels of salt solution (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM of NaCl) in five replications with a factorial experimental design. The results indicated that salinity delayed and inhibited the seedlings’ growth after one month, and induced gradual decline in most of the criteria such as leaf area, relative water content and specific leaf area. Moreover, a significant reduction of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content was observed. Salinity stress raised the content of soluble sugars, proline and glycine betaine. Eucalyptus sargentii as the most tolerant species had the optimum growth up to 200 mM NaCl but E. globulus presented the most sensitive speciesto salinity stress. At 200 mM NaCl, proline and glycine beatine raised to 10.57 and 27 µg g^-1 in the tolerant species (E. sargentii), respectively while proline in the sensitive species (E. globulus) dropped to 0.003 µg g^-1. These results suggest that high tolerance of E. sargentii to salinity stress is closely related to lower specific leaf area and enhancement of compatible solutions such as proline, soluble sugar, glycine beatine. This would encourage the possibility of propagating E. sargentii in the southern coastal area of Iran. Furthermore, these results provided further biochemical support for the specific abiotic stress tolerance mechanism of Eucalyptus species.

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In a completely randomized design, the effect of the extract from Trifolium alexandrium (0, 0.2 and 0.4%) on the germination, some morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, and nutrients uptake of Prosopis cineraria was evaluated. The highest germination rate and percentage (9.16 and 21%, respectively) were recorded in the 0.2% treatment. The maximum and minimum lengths of radicle (6.58 and 3.16 cm) and pedicel (6.56 and 14.23 cm), and dry weight were recorded in the control and 0.4% treatments, respectively. The highest level of chlorophyll a (16.80 mg g^-1 fresh weight) was found in the control. The highest and lowest chlorophyll b (9.65 and 7.96 mg g^-1 fresh weight) were measured in the 0.2%and control, respectively. The extract adversely affected the nutrient uptake by P. cineraria, the minimum and maximum of which were recorded at the 0.4%and control treatments, respectively. In general, although the extract of T. alexandrium increased the P. cineraria germination in the 0.2% treatment, the increased concentrations led to its reduced growth and nutrient uptake. Therefore, the simultaneous cultivation of these two species in the dry lands is not recommended.

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A 30-day experiment was carried out to comparison the effect of carrot and beetroot as natural pigments and synthetic astaxanthin on growth performance, hematological parameters, and tissue color in rainbow trout fingerlings. 150 juvenile rainbow trout with initial mean weight of 21.44 ± 1.25g fed diets containing 50 and 100 mg/kg carrot; 100 mg/kg beetroot; 100 mg/kg synthetic astaxanthin and a control diet. Body weight increasing and specific growth rate were higher in fish fed the diet containing 100 mg beetroot than those of the control diet. Hematological study including red blood cell, white blood cell, hematocrit and hemoglobin showed significant differences between treatments (p<0.05). Carrot and beetroot had higher values of red blood cell, white blood cell, hematocrit and hemoglobin than those of the synthetic astaxanthin and control diet. Triglyceride and cholesterol value were significantly higher in diet containing 100 mg beet (p<0.05). Carotenoid content analysis from skin, tissue and blood revealed that inclusion of plant source of carotenoid including carrot and beetroot resulted in a significant increase in carotenoid concentration (p<0.05). The study concluded that plant source of carotenoid such as carrot and beetroot could improve immune systems in rainbow trout by increasing white and red blood cells and also, fish fed diet supplemented with natural carotenoid (carrot and beet) showed better coloration.

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In the present study, the effect of phytohormone gibberellin on some physiological parameters of Tetraselmis suecica microalgae was investigated. Algae culture was performed under standard conditions with Gillard culture medium, temperature 25 ± 2 C°, light intensity 16: 8 (light/dark), salinity 25 ± 2 mg / l, and 24-hour aeration for ten days. Concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg / l were added to the algae culture medium. Growth factors, pigments, photosynthetic factors, and biochemical composition were measured in the log phase. Based on results,  the highest rate of cell growth was observed in the treatment of 60 mg / l, although in other treatments there was a significant difference with the control (P <0.05). The highest amount of protein and carbohydrates was observed in the treatment of 60 mg / l (P <0.05). ). Total lipid content increased from 15.23 in control to 18.53 in 60 mg / l (P <0.05). Antioxidant potential, pigments, photosynthetic factors, and dry weight also showed a significant difference in the concentration of 60 mg / l compared to the control (P <0.05). The highest amount of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b was observed at concentrations of 60 mg / l (P <0.05). Based on the results, gibberellin has a high potential for cell division, final density, antioxidant potential, cell size, and biochemical composition of Tetraselmis suecica. Also, Tetraselmis suecica can be a good candidate for marine aquatic larvae, drugs, antioxidants, and a rich source of compounds in biofuels.

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The use of nanotechnology can create new important applications in various fields of agricultural resulting in improvement of plant yield, and increase of growth and photosynthesis. Using this technology, the techniques in product management can be improved. The absorption rate of nanoparticles varies in plants, depending on type of plant, chemical composition and size of particles. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are widely used in agricultural industries to enhance plant growth properties. In this case, the aim of this study was to study the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on photosynthetic pigments and some biochemical properties and antioxidant enzymes of Rosmarinus officinalis L. This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the greenhouse of Sana Institute of Higher Education of Sari in 2017-2018. Different concentrations of titanium nanoparticles in seven levels (0, 20, 40, 80, 100, 200 and 400 ppm) were sprayed onto rosemary plants in three stages with a one-hour interval. The results showed that the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were increased by increasing the concentration of titanium nanoparticles, since the highest total chlorophyll content and carotenoids were related to 200 ppm nanoparticle titanium concentration. Also, the effect of titanium nanoparticle on the amount of soluble sugar indicated that by increasing the concentration of titanium nanoparticles as 100, 200 and 400 ppm nanoparticles, there was an increasing trend in this trait. In addition, there was a significant increase in the amount of antioxidant enzymes studied in high concentration of titanium nanoparticles (80, 100, 200 and 400 ppm).

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Pistachio is one of the most popular nuts in the world because of its taste and nutritional properties. Mostly, its consumed dry in harvest period. Major factors limiting for shelf life of pistachios are browning and water accumulation. In this study, the effects of citric acid (1, 1.5 and 2%) and ascorbic acid (15, 25 and 35 ppm) and two types of plastic packs (polyethylene and polystyrene) on storage life (days 0, 25 and 45), Ahmad aghaie pistachio was studied. According to panelists, the use of acid treatments for 25 day of storage was able to maintain the appearance and taste characteristics of pistachio and since then there was no significant difference between treatment and the control sample. Pistachios treated with 15 ppm ascorbic acid in polystyrene pack were more favorable in appearance and browning than polyethylene pack. The maximum of phenol was related to ascorbic acid treatments (15 ppm) in polyethylene pack. Anthocyanin and chlorophyll amount decreased during storage, but carotenoids first increased and then decreased. Pistachio pigments such as chlorophyll, anthocyanin and carotenoids were preserved in polyethylene packages than polystyrene. Citric acid treatment (1.5%) had the maximum percentage of fat. Overall, the polyethylene pack and ascorbic acid 15 and 25 ppm and citric acid 1.5% concentration maintained the qualitative and quantitative properties of pistachio.

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In order to determine the best growing media for Gerbera jamesonii under alkaline conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors, namely: (i) Growing medium, and (ii) Concentrations of bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) in nutrient solution. Results showed that increasing the concentration of NaHCO₃ from 0 to 40 mM in nutrient solution significantly decreased plant growth, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F_v/F_m), photosynthesis Performance Index (PI), Glutamine Synthetase (GS) activity, Leaf Relative Water Content (LRWC), Chlorophylls (Chl a, b and total Chl) and carotenoids. Under alkalinity stress, reduction in vegetative growth, F_v/F_m, PI, LRWC, GS activity and photosynthesis pigments content was the lowest in Coconut Fiber (CF) substrate compared to the other substrates. Furthermore, plants grown in CF substrate had higher soluble sugars and proline content than those in other substrates. On the other hand, plants grown on Perlite (P) substrate had the highest reduction in growth and physiological characteristic in alkaline conditions. The alleviation of alkalinity-induced growth inhibition of plants by CF substrate may be related to improvement of photosynthesis, enhancement of GS enzyme activity and osmotic regulation. It is concluded that the use of CF substrate could provide a useful tool to improve alkalinity tolerance of gerbera plants under NaHCO₃ stress.

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In this research, two field crops(Zea mays L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L.), two medicinal plants(Hyssopus officinalis L. and Nigella sativa L.)and two weeds(Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg) were separately treated with three concentrations of SiO₂ nanoparticles (400, 2,000, and 4,000 mg L^-1). The effects of these treatments on morphological and biochemical characteristics of the plants were assessed, including germination, root and shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrates, total protein, total amino acid, and proline content. In the crops and medicinal plants, 400 mg L^-1 SiO₂ NPs significantly increased seed germination, root and shoot lengths, fresh weights (except for H. officinalis) and dry weights, photosynthetic pigments, total protein, and total amino acid (except for H. officinalis). In weeds, as SiO₂ NP concentration increased from 400 to 4,000 mg L^-1, germination, root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights, and photosynthetic pigments as well as total protein decreased. Total carbohydrates in all plants decreased significantly, except for A. retroflexus at 400 mg L^-1 SiO₂ NPs. In all plant species, with increasing SiO₂ NP concentration, proline content increased significantly. According to these results, a lower concentration of SiO₂ NPs can have beneficial effects on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of plants.

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Possibility of improving physiological traits and minituber yield of potato cultivars (cvs. Agria and Fontane) was investigated by application of plant growth regulators (BAP, ABA and BAP+ABA) at tuber initiation stage. Regardless of the cultivars, Net photosynthesis rate (Np), actual quantum yield (Φ), stomatal conductance (g_s) and Transpiration rate (T_r) of BAP-treated leaves were superior to those of the control. For Agria, the greatest Chlorophyll content (Chl) was observed in BAP-treated plants, while the highest Chl for Fontane was observed in ABA-treated plants. Increasing Np and Chl content were associated with higher Soluble Carbohydrate content (SC). BAP+ABA application increased SC of leaflets in both cultivars compared with the control. Tuber Yield per Plant (Y/P), Mean Tuber Weight (MTW), and Tuber Number (TN) were stimulated by foliar treatment of plants with PGRs compared with the untreated ones, but there were significant interactions between cultivar and hormone type. Positive correlation between SC and Y/P (r= 0.97*) and MTW (r= 0.97*) were observed in Agria. Leaf area as well as dry and fresh weight of aerial parts of the BAP+ABA-treated plants were more than the untreated plants and other PGR treatments. These results indicate that either of BAP, ABA, or their combination could be effectively used to improve physiological traits and tuber yield of these cultivars, although, Agria responded more prominently to PGRs than Fontane.

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A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effects of Meloidogyne incognita on Psoralea corylifolia at different inoculum levels viz., 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000 J2 per plant in each pot containing 2.5 kg sterilized soil with complete randomized block design. Results indicated significant reduction in all the growth and yield parameters of the plants in comparison to non-inoculated control plants. Biochemical parameters such as photosynthetic pigments viz., Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents and enzymatic activity like nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase were significantly decreased when inoculum levels were increased. Highest and significant (P≤ 0.05) reduction was noticed at 2,000 J_2, in comparison to healthy plants. The number of nematodes in the infected root was higher and the size of the galls was larger at high inoculums levels. The root and the soil populations of second stage-juveniles indicated that M. incognita reproduced successfully on the roots of P. corylifolia. The damages caused due to severe infection might lead to death of the affected plant.

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The present study aimed at assessment of the beneficial role of fungal inoculation [Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma harzianum] and Selenium (Se) treatments (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg kg^-1 soil) on quality of strawberry cv. Camarosa by an emphasis on physiochemical characteristics. Fungal inoculation and Se treatment improved the fruit fresh and dry weights and fruit length, which was related to their capacity to enhance photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoid). Leaves protein, N, and P content as well as fruit total phenolic content and anthocyanin concentration were significantly affected by AMF and T. harzianum inoculation. It was found that strawberry plants inoculated with T. harzianum under 1.0 mg kg^-1 soil of Se treatment had better leaves and fruit physicochemical characteristics as compared with other treatments. Overall, inoculation of T. harzianum along with 1.0 mg kg^-1 soil of Se treatment could be recommended as an environmentally sustainable approach for improvement of the quality of strawberry cv. Camarosa fruit.

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The fifth season of archeological excavation of Konar Sandal Mound Hill in Jiroft (located in southeast of Iran) in 2006 was characterized by discovery of a clay monument on the wall of one of the architectural spaces there. With dimensions of 110 × 95 cm and 18cm thickness, the monument is regarded as the unique and oldest clay relief ever discovered (third millennium BC). On the one hand, historical and artistic values of the unique monument and its location in the site and environmental and human threats causing serious damages to it on the other hand, has made its documentation ever more necessary. The study of constituting materials and building techniques of the monument was done through macroscopic (field and visual study) and microscopic (optical and electron) methods as well as chemical analysis of elements and compounds on the clay foundation and its color layers (FT-IR, XRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS). The results suggest that the clay monument was built in two parts, namely the built-on torso and lower torso (skirt) which was carved out on a cob wall. Then, a delicate finish layer made of clay was put on the colored layer. The finish layer was made by using mineral pigments such as limonite (yellow) for covering the body (i.e. arms, chest and waist scarf), and Ochre hematite (red) and carbon (black) for ornament of embossed skirt. The used clay soil is of montmorillonite type which reacts, expands and contracts significantly due to humidity variation.