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The escalating demands of a growing population and rising living standards strain the efficiency of traditional agricultural methods in fulfilling consumer nutritional needs. Technological advancements, particularly the introduction of contract farming models, offer a potential path towards addressing these challenges. However, in Iran, contract farming remains an underdeveloped and under-researched agricultural practice. This study delves into the factors influencing the development of contract farming in Iran. Employing a two-level multinomial logit model and data collected through 380 questionnaires administered to farmers in the Kermanshah region, the research reveals income (measured by the number of employed household members) as the primary driver of contract farming adoption. Additionally, factors such as reduced agricultural risk, higher education levels among farmers, improved product sales prices, and proximity to processing facilities positively impact the expansion of contract farming. Interestingly, "push factors" like land scarcity significantly influence non-contract farming participation, with 30.8% of surveyed households relying on these alternative methods. Geographical factors also contribute, explaining 23% of the observed variance in farming activity choices. These findings inform key policy interventions for sustainable contract farming development in Iran: robust legal frameworks and transparent contracts, contract-specific insurance schemes, training for agricultural extension workers, and farmer awareness campaigns.

To extend the genetic base of Iranian tomato germplasm, 93 landraces were collected from the northwest of Iran and East Anatolian of Turkey, along with three commercial cultivars, and their genetic structure were studied using 39 SSR primers. Thirty-five polymorphic SSR loci generated a total of 118 alleles in the studied germplasm. Number of alleles per locus and effective number of alleles averaged 3.37 and 2.47, respectively. Expected heterozygosity of SSRs varied from 0.227 (TMS24) to 0.773 (LEta016), averaged 0.558. The mean number of alleles per genomic-SSRs (3.61) was more than that of ESTSSRs (2.66). Cluster analysis using Neighbour Joining (NJ) method placed 96 tomato genotypes in eight groups. Little congruence was found between NJ dendrogram and geographical distances. Genetic structure analysis of the germplasm using Bayesian method revealed two sub-populations and separated cherry tomatoes from the other landraces and commercial cultivars. Out of the 21 morphological characters, significant (P= 0.05) marker-trait associations were found for 18 characters. Each of SSR loci TC11, TC948, and Tom236-237 was associated with three characters. The genetic variability, structure, and markers associated with the studied traits in the current study can be used for planning tomato breeding programs and future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive approach was used for the first time to measure NO 3 - risk in tomato paste consumption; besides a robust deterministic and probabilistic method was used. The mean levels of NO 3 - in homemade and industrial tomato paste were 7.36 mg/kg and 43.69 mg/kg, respectively. The Monte Carlo simulation confirmed that these values were below normal levels (HQ less than 1). The sensitivity analysis displayed that FIR was the main factor affecting the risk to human health in both groups. The interactive plot demonstrated the interaction between C and IR for children and adults in both types of tomato paste. This study concludes that NO3- ingestion due to tomato paste consumption poses no significant health risk. However, considering that food and water constitute the primary sources of NO 3 - intake, continuous monitoring is recommended due to potential health risks associated with excessive NO 3 - consumption, including certain forms of cancer.

Tomato is one of the major crops grown in Iran, which is attacked by a large number of pathogens. Early blight is among the most important and harmful diseases of this plant caused by Alternaria spp. This study was conducted to identify Alternaria species causing early blight disease and to evaluate different virulence factors of this fungal pathogen. The samples were collected in Khorassan-Razavi province in Iran from tomato plants showing characteristic symptoms of the disease. Morphological identification of the isolates was done on PCA medium and under controlled conditions. Six Alternaria species, including A. alternata, A. tenuissima, A. arborescens, A. mimicula, A. interrupta and A. infectoria were identified. The ITS1 and ITS4 primers were used for molecular identification of the isolates via sequence analysis. The highest frequency was observed for A. alternata and the least frequent was A. infectoria. All isolates obtained in this study were pathogenic on tomato cultivar Peto Early Ch. The results showed significant differences in pathogenicity of the isolates on tomato plants. A. alternata and A. tenuissima had the highest and A. mimicula and A. infectoria had the lowest level of pathogenicity. In the qualitative analysis of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), all tested isolates were able to produce pectinase, cellulase, amylase, protease and lipase, but production of pectinase and cellulase had direct correlation with pathogenicity of the isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve farming productivity, a large number of pesticides have been used worldwide in recent decades, leading to the pollution of soil, agri-products, and water, directly/indirectly affecting human health. In this regard, many studies were conducted in different countries on residual pesticides in the environment. In the current study, residual pesticides including chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, diazinon, malathion, and metalaxyl in tomatoes were meta-analyzed and health risk of consumers was estimated. For this purpose, based on a systematic review, data from 47 studies were extracted and meta-analyzed, and the health impact of pooled concentrations was assessed via a health risk method. According to the results, metalaxyl had the most concentration followed by malathion, cypermethrin, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The non-carcinogenic risk (n-CR) was calculated from crop consumption also showed that exposure to malathion has the most risk. Among the investigated communities, Iranian consumers were in considerable health risk (THQ > 1). Considering that the potential for the use of pesticides will increase with the need for food in the future, hence, governments must manage the usage by governments via alternative methods such as cultural, biological, physical, and genetic modifications., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Tomato is one of the most economically important vegetable crops in many parts of the world. Turkey and Iran are the main producers of tomatoes in the world. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic variation of 93 tomato landraces from East Anatolian region of Turkey and North-West of Iran, along with three commercial cultivars using 14 ISSR primers. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) for all primers was 100%. The mean of expected heterozygosity (He) for the primers varied from 0.153 (UBC808) to 0.30 (UBC848). The dendrogram placed the landraces and commercial cultivars into nine groups. The genotypes originating from the same region, often located in the same group or two adjacent groups. The highest likelihood of the data was obtained when population were located into 2 sub-populations (K = 2). These sub-populations had Fst value of 0.16 and 0.21. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necrotrophic fungus Thanatephorus cucumeris (anamorph Rhizoctonia solani) is among the most important soil-borne pathogens which causes tomato foot and root rot worldwide. We investigated virulence and genetic relationships among and within different taxonomic groups of R. solani from the tomato-growing regions in the north-east of Iran. Characterization of R. solani taxonomic groups revealed that, of 56 isolates, four were AG-2-1, 16 were AG-3 PT, 21 were AG-4 HG-I and 15 were AG-4 HG-II. Because interprimer binding site (iPBS), which is based on amplification of retrotransposons, is known as novel and powerful DNA fingerprinting technology, we selected four iPBS primers, which can detect polymorphisms of tomato foot root and root rot pathogen, for investigating genotypic variability of the isolates. The iPBS analyses separated various taxonomic groups of R. solani and showed great diversity among the isolates, demonstrating that the R. solani isolates obtained from tomato were not a clonal population. Crop rotation strategies and geographic location seem to be important factors affecting genetic structure of the isolates. Pathogenicity tests on tomato cultivar 'Mobil' showed significant differences in the virulence of various isolates. The overall results indicated that isolates of AG-3 and AG-4 were more virulent than AG-2-1. There was no significant correlation between genetic diversity and virulence of the isolates. This is the first report of R. solani AG-4 HG-II, causing tomato foot and root rot. Also, our research is the first in assessment of genetic diversity in fungal populations using iPBS molecular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted from 2006 to 2007 to identify the causal agent of leaf curling of tomato in eight major tomato-growing areas of Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. Tomato leaf samples showing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunting were collected and screened for the presence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) by TAS-ELISA. Further confirmation was completed using graft transmission onto healthy tomato plants and PCR. Results confirmed that TYLCV is a causal agent of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) and is widely distributed in all the major tomato growing areas in southwest of Iran. The nucleotide sequences of the coat protein (CP) gene of four isolates (Dezfoul, Shoush, Behbahan, and Ramhormoz) were determined and deposited in GenBank (EF199814-7). Phylogenetic analysis of the CP gene further showed that all four Iranian isolates have very close relationship and formed a compact cluster together with previously sequenced Iranian TYLCV isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 30 pesticide residues in 45 fresh-eating cucumber, tomato, and okra fruit samples collected from the Khuzestan province as the main agricultural products in Iran using the QuEChERS extraction method were analyzed. In addition, noncarcinogen and carcinogen health risk assessments were evaluated. Results indicated that 93% of cucumber samples had at least one pesticide, of course, less than the maximum residue limit (MRL). All tomato and okra fruit samples were contaminated by diazinon. All pesticides detected in tomato samples were below national MRL except for thiamethoxam in four samples. In okra fruit samples, all detected diazinon and malathion, but only tebuconazole fungicide exceeded MRL. In addition, the hazard index (HI) was 0.23 and 1.06 in cucumber samples, 0.33 and 1.51 in tomato samples, and 5.5E-03 and 0.025 in okra fruit samples in adults and children, respectively. The use of cucumber and tomato may have notable risks in the short term in children group age. Ranking based on total CR was 1.2E-05 in tomato, 7.7E-06 for cucumber, and in okra 9.1E-11 because of the difenoconazole residue. However, significant carcinogenic risk threatens cucumber and tomato consumers., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Optimum microclimate parameters, including air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) that are uniformly distributed inside greenhouse crop production systems are essential to prevent yield loss and fruit quality. The objective of this research was to determine the spatial and temporal variations in the microclimate data of a commercial greenhouse with tomato plants located in the mid-west of Iran. For this purpose, wireless sensor data fusion was incorporated with a membership function model called Optimality Degree (OptDeg) for real-time monitoring and dynamic assessment of T, RH and VPD in different light conditions and growth stages of tomato. This approach allows growers to have a simultaneous projection of raw data into a normalized index between 0 and 1. Custom-built hardware and software based on the concept of the Internet-of-Things, including Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) transmitter nodes, a multi-channel LoRaWAN gateway and a web-based data monitoring dashboard were used for data collection, data processing and monitoring. The experimental approach consisted of the collection of meteorological data from the external environment by means of a weather station and via a grid of 20 wireless sensor nodes distributed in two horizontal planes at two different heights inside the greenhouse. Offline data processing for sensors calibration and model validation was carried in multiple MATLAB Simulink blocks. Preliminary results revealed a significant deviation of the microclimate parameters from optimal growth conditions for tomato cultivation due to the inaccurate timer-based heating and cooling control systems used in the greenhouse. The mean OptDeg of T, RH and VPD were 0.67, 0.94, 0.94 in January, 0.45, 0.36, 0.42 in June and 0.44, 0.0, 0.12 in July , respectively. An in-depth analysis of data revealed that averaged OptDeg values, as well as their spatial variations in the horizontal profile were closer to the plants' comfort zone in the cold season as compared with those in the warm season. This was attributed to the use of heating systems in the cold season and the lack of automated cooling devices in the warm season. This study confirmed the applicability of using IoT sensors for real-time model-based assessment of greenhouse microclimate on a commercial scale. The presented IoT sensor node and the Simulink model provide growers with a better insight into interpreting crop growth environment. The outcome of this research contributes to the improvement of closed-field cultivation of tomato by providing an integrated decision-making framework that explores microclimate variation at different growth stages in the production season., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The effects of Ajwain essential oil and its major constituents were investigated against newly fourth instar larvae of Tuta absoluta, a major pest of tomato cropping in Iran and other parts of the world. The study included individual efficacy of each compound and determination of their synergistic or antagonistic efficacy. We also determined the activities of detoxifying enzymes in treated insects. According to the results, the Ajwain essential oil and thymol showed the highest toxicity against T. absoluta larvae (LC 50  = 6.14 and 7.72 μL/mL, respectively, and LC 30  = 3.05 and 3.57 μL/mL, respectively). The ɤ-terpinene and p-cymene had lesser toxicity compared to other compounds. The larvicidal potency increased by binary mixtures of active constituents, such as thymol + p-cymene and thymol + ɤ-terpinene. On the other hand, ɤ-terpinene + p-cymene mixture demonstrated antagonistic effect on the larvae. The esterases and glutathione S-transferases were significantly increased in all treatments. Finally, our results revealed a significant inhibition of AChE activity in the treated larvae by all treatments except for ɤ-terpinene + p-cymene. In vitro experiments representing AChE inhibition with IC 50 values were recorded 0.370, 0.457, 0.528, 1.094 and 1.323 μL/mL for thymol + p-cymene, thymol + ɤ-terpinene, thymol, ɤ-terpinene and p-cymene, respectively. Thymol demonstrated significant potential as a controlling agent of T. absoluta larvae, both larvicidal, compatible with other compounds with strong AChE inhibition properties. These finding could pave the way for development of new botanicals based on EO constituents which should be completed with preparation of an efficient formulation and field trials., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.) are well known disease problem causing major losses in vegetable crops. Although, chemical nematicides have been used as one of the primary means for controlling RKNs, reliance on these nematicides is associated with heavy costs and negative effects on human health and environment. In this research, the suppressing potential of 6 Iranian commercial fertilizers on RKNs was investigated in laboratory and greenhouse conditions as an alternative to reduce the use of chemical nematicides. For this purpose, M. javanica inoculum was thoroughly mixed with autoclaved sandy loam soil. Then, 6 fertilizers (biofertilizer, phosphate chemical fertilizer (phosphate), potassium chemical fertilizer (potassium), peat moss, vermicompost, and leaf mold) were added individually to the inoculated soil, according to the defined treatments. The nematicide Cadusafos was used as a positive control. A negative control was also included in the experiment (including no fertilizer and no nematicide). Four-leaf seedlings of the tomato (Super Chief cv.) were transferred to the pots filled using 2 kg of the treated soil. After 60 days, reproduction factor (RF), egg mass, and root galling of the nematode were recorded. The results showed that, fertilizer-treated soils had significantly (P≤0.05) lower root galling, egg mass, and RF compared to the negative control. After the nematicide treatment, the highest suppression capability on the RKN was obtained in treatments of phosphate, biofertilizer, potassium, vermicompost, peat moss, and leaf mold, respectively. It can be concluded that, replacing chemical nematicides with fertilizers may be considered as a successful nematode management in tomato fields.

Tomato bacterial canker caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis is one of the most important seed-borne tomato diseases around the globe. The disease was initially reported in 1993 in Iran, and it became a rising threat for the multibillion dollar tomato industry of the country during the last decade. In this study, using phylogeographic analyses, we determined genetic diversity and geographic distribution of C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis in Iran. Our field surveys showed that the pathogen is expanding into the southern and eastern areas of the country. Furthermore, multilocus sequence analysis and typing (MLSA/MLST) using the sequences of five housekeeping genes ( atpD , gyrB , ppk , recA , and rpoB ) revealed that 37 C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis strains isolated in Iran had high genetic diversity and placed in 15 sequence types (STs), while all the available 184 worldwide C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis sequences were placed in 43 STs. MLSA divided the worldwide C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis strains into two phylogroups (I and II). Among the 37 strains isolated in Iran, 30 strains clustered in phylogroup I, while 7 strains clustered in phylogroup II. Phylogeographic data inferred from the allelic profile of the five housekeeping genes suggested multiple introductions of C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis inoculum into Iran, while the geographic origin of the Iranian C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis strains remains undetermined. Further analyses using higher numbers of strains are warranted to decipher the evolutionary history of C. michiganensis subsp . michiganensis in Iran. Additionally, stricter seed/transplant inspections are recommended to reduce the risk of pathogen expansion to areas with no history of the disease. IMPORTANCE Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis , the causal agent of tomato bacterial canker disease, is one of the economically important pathogens of solanaceous crops (e.g., eggplant, pepper, and tomato) around the world. The disease occurs in many countries, with a particular importance in regions characterized by high precipitation and humid environmental conditions. As a seed-borne pathogen, C. michiganensis is included in the A2 (high risk) list of quarantine pathogens by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Bacterial canker disease was reported for the first time in 1993 in Iran, while the geographic distribution, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic position of the causal agent remain undetermined. In this study, using the multilocus sequence analysis and typing (MLSA/MLST) approach, we provided a phylogeographic scheme for the . michiganensis is included in the A2 (high risk) list of quarantine pathogens by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Bacterial canker disease was reported for the first time in 1993 in Iran, while the geographic distribution, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic position of the causal agent remain undetermined. In this study, using the multilocus sequence analysis and typing (MLSA/MLST) approach, we provided a phylogeographic scheme for the C. michiganensis strains isolated in Iran. Furthermore, global-scale phylogenetic analyses led to determination of phylogenetic position of Iranian . michiganensis strains isolated in Iran. Furthermore, global-scale phylogenetic analyses led to determination of phylogenetic position of Iranian C. michiganensis strains among worldwide population of the pathogen. Based on diversity parameters and population structure, we suggest relatively higher genetic diversity of the bacterial canker pathogen in Iran than has so far been observed in the other areas of the world. Results obtained in this study provide a novel insight into the genetic diversity and population structure of the bacterial canker pathogen on a global scale.. michiganensis strains among worldwide population of the pathogen. Based on diversity parameters and population structure, we suggest relatively higher genetic diversity of the bacterial canker pathogen in Iran than has so far been observed in the other areas of the world. Results obtained in this study provide a novel insight into the genetic diversity and population structure of the bacterial canker pathogen on a global scale., (Copyright © 2019 American Society for Microbiology.)

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a globally important economic insect pest of tomatoes that has rapidly expanded in range. The pest is generally controlled by insecticides; however, reduced susceptibility of T. absoluta to many recommended insecticides has been reported. The aims of this study were to determine the efficacy of diazinon, spinosad, abamectin, and Bt on second instar larvae of Iranian greenhouse populations of T. absoluta from Soufian (SF) and Qom (QM) and a susceptible (SS) population originally from Bonab, and assess the possibility of resistance in the populations. The results showed that spinosad was the most effective insecticide, whereas in contrast, Bt was ineffective against the populations. Abamectin was effective, but susceptibility in SF population was lower than in QM and SS. Susceptibility to diazinon was low in SF and QM populations. Mediation of diazinon resistance by metabolic mechanisms and activity of detoxifying enzymes and acetylcholinesterase on resistance were assessed. The results showed that enhanced activity of monooxygenases and esterases may have played a role in resistance of T. absoluta to diazinon. Our results will be useful in resistance management in this injurious pest and reduce the negative impacts of high rates of insecticide use on the environment., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Findings of epidemiologic studies on the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and prostate cancer (PCa) risk have been inconclusive. We therefore examined the association between intake of fruits and vegetables and PCa risk in Iran., Materials and Methods: In this hospital based, case-control study, a total of 50 patients with PCa and 100 controls underwent face-to-face interviews. Regression analysis was used to examine the relation between fruit and vegetable intake and PCa risk., Results: A protective independent effect was observed for the highest tertile of total fruit and vegetable (OR: 0.33, CI: 0.04-0.30, p value<0.001), total fruit (OR: 0.30, CI: 0.06-0.4, p value=0.03) and total vegetable (OR: 0.31, CI: 0.02-0.21, p value<0.001) consumption. Within the group of fruits, a significant inverse association was observed for apple and pomegranate (p trends were 0.01 and 0.016, respectively). In the vegetable group, a significant inverse association was observed for tomatoes (p trend<0.001) and cabbage (p trend=0.021)., Conclusions: The results of the present study suggested that fruits and vegetable intake might be negatively associated with PCa risk.

Tomato yellow ring virus (TYRV), first isolated from tomato in Iran, was classified as a non-approved species of the genus Tospovirus based on the characterization of its genomic S RNA. In the current study, the complete sequences of the genomic L and M RNAs of TYRV were determined and analyzed. The L RNA has 8,877 nucleotides (nt) and codes in the viral complementary (vc) strand for the putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of 2,873 amino acids (aa) (331 kDa). The RdRp of TYRV shares the highest aa sequence identity (88.7 %) with that of Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), and contains conserved motifs shared with those of the animal-infecting bunyaviruses. The M RNA contains 4,786 nt and codes in ambisense arrangement for the NSm protein of 308 aa (34.5 kDa) in viral sense, and the Gn/Gc glycoprotein precursor (GP) of 1,310 aa (128 kDa) in vc-sense. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that TYRV is closely clustered with IYSV and Polygonum ringspot virus (PolRSV). The NSm and GP of TYRV share the highest aa sequence identity with those of IYSV and PolRSV (89.9 and 80.2-86.5 %, respectively). Moreover, the GPs of TYRV, IYSV, and PolRSV share highly similar characteristics, among which an identical deduced N-terminal protease cleavage site that is distinct from all tospoviral GPs analyzed thus far. Taken together, the elucidation of the complete genome sequence and biological features of TYRV support a close ancestral relationship with IYSV and PolRSV.