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Garden thyme is an aromatic plant with various applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and hygienic-cosmetic industries around the world. In this research, field-cultivated plants were harvested in two cuts and three consecutive stages (pre-flowering, flowering, and post-flowering). The essential oil percentage and compositions were identified in the essential oil samples. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was measured against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents, chain-breaking activity, and IC50 were recorded. The highest essential oil percentage (2.56%) was obtained from the pre-flowering stage. The results of GC/MS revealed that p-cymene, γ-terpinene, thymol, and carvacrol were the most important constituents of the studied essential oil. The lowest antibacterial activity was recorded by the second cut at the pre-flowering stage. The highest antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus were recorded by the second cut during the flowering stage and the first cut during the flowering stage, respectively. The lowest MIC was 15.75 μg mL-1 related to the second cut during the flowering stage. The plants had the highest total phenol (16.64 mg GAE g-1 DM) and total flavonoid contents (2.88 mg QE g-1 DM) at the pre-flowering stage. The highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 134.05 μg mL-1) was observed at the pre-flowering stage. It can be said that phenological stages and cuts can affect essential oil antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as its chemical characteristics.

The effects of winter and spring sowing and chemical, organic, and biological fertilizer sources were studied on yield components and antioxidant properties of dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica (M. Bieb.) Fisch. & C. A. Mey) in a field experiment in the 2017–2018 growing season with three replications and six treatments. The fertilizer treatments including (i) manure (6.3 ton ha−1), (ii) NPK fertilizer (urea: 110 kg ha−1 + triple superphosphate: 60 kg ha−1 + potassium sulfate: 50 kg ha−1 + micronutrients: 23 kg ha−1), (iii) vermicompost (6.8 ton ha−1), (iv) humic acid (400 kg ha−1), and (v) thiobacillus (2%) + granular sulfur (400 kg ha−1) were recorded. The winter sowing was advantageous over the spring sowing, as better results were obtained for seed yield per plant, essential oil content and yield, mucilage content and yield, and antioxidant components of dragon’s head. The measurement of biochemical traits showed that the growth and nutritional conditions of dragon’s head can affect its antioxidant activity so that the winter-sown plants fertilized with thiobacillus, vermicompost, or NPK fertilizer had higher antioxidant activity. It was also found that different parts of the dragon’s head plants varied in antioxidant properties so that this activity was greater in seeds than in the leaves. In total, the results showed that the winter sowing of this plant would be better for its yield in the Azerbaijan region (Iran) and it is recommended to fertilize this plant species with vermicompost and thiobacillus.

Salinity is one of the most important environmental stresses affecting the growth and yield of the plants. The effect of salicylic acid (SA) on growth, germination, and some physiological traits of bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia L.) exposed to salinity was studied in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental treatments were composed of salinity at three levels of 0, 50 and 100 mM and SA priming at three rates of 0, 0.1 and 0.2 mM. The results showed that as salinity was increased, germination and the related traits, seedling growth, and the Hill reaction rate were declined, but mean germination time and cell death were increased. SA application at the rates of 0.1 and 0.2 mM improved these parameters as compared to control. At the salinity levels of 50 and 100 mM, SA rates of 0.2 and 0.1 mM imposed the strongest effect on germination parameters and plant growth. At the salinity level of 100 mM, SA rate of 0.2 mM was more effective on leaf relative water content, seedling fresh weight, root and stem length, and root and stem fresh weight. At different levels of salinity, 0.2 mM SA increased the Hill reaction rate and cell death of bitter vetch. The application of SA under salinity stress for improvement of germination parameters, seedling growth, and physiological traits of bitter vetch could be recommended.

Increasing the ability of crops to maintain growth and productivity under saline conditions is of paramount importance. The effect of salicylic acid (SA) priming on germination and physiological traits of Lathyrus sativus under salinity stress was studied in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments composed of SA at three levels (0, 0.1, and 0.2 mM) and NaCl salinity at three levels (0, 50, and 100 mM). The effect of salinity level and SA priming was significant on all recorded factors, except from final germination percentage. As salinity level increased, all germination and physiological traits declined compared with control, whereas the mean germination time and percentage of cell death were increased. Moreover, as salinity was intensified, the Hill reaction was decreased significantly. Salinity exhibited the strongest effects at NaCl rate of 100 mM. Seed priming with SA increased germination speed index, reduced mean germination time, and increased leaf relative water content, seedling fresh and dry weight compared with plants from non-primed seeds. Seedling vigor index was increased by 23.4% in primed seeds with 0.2 mM SA. SA priming especially at 0.2 mM rate increased the Hill reaction rate and reduced percentage of cell death. SA priming could be regarded as a practical approach to improve germination traits, seedling growth, and physiological traits of Lathyrus sativus L. under salinity stress conditions.

Nowadays, the extract of seaweeds has drawn attention as a rich source of bioactive metabolites. Seaweeds are known for their biologically active compounds whose antibacterial and antifungal activities have been documented. This research aimed to study the profile of phenolic compounds using the HPLC method and determine biologically active compounds using the GC-MS method and the antifungal activity of Gracilariopsis persica against plant pathogenic fungi. G. persica was collected from its natural habitat in Suru of Bandar Abbas, Iran, dried, and extracted by methanol. The quantitative results on phenolic compounds using the HPLC method showed that the most abundant compounds in G. persica were rosmarinic acid (20.9 ± 0.41 mg/kg DW) and quercetin (11.21 ± 0.20 mg/kg DW), and the least abundant was cinnamic acid (1.4 ± 0.10 mg/kg DW). The GC-MS chromatography revealed 50 peaks in the methanolic extract of G. persica, implying 50 compounds. The most abundant components included cholest-5-en-3-ol (3 beta) (27.64%), palmitic acid (17.11%), heptadecane (7.71%), and palmitic acid methyl ester (6.66%). The antifungal activity of different concentrations of the extract was determined in vitro. The results as to the effect of the alga extract at the rates of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 μL on the mycelial growth of four important plant pathogenic fungi, including Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, and Pyricularia oryzae, revealed that the mycelial growth of all four fungi was lower at higher concentrations of the alga extract. However, the extract concentration of 1000 μL completely inhibited their mycelial growth. The antifungal activity of this alga may be related to the phenolic compounds, e.g., rosmarinic acid and quercetin, as well as compounds such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, and other components identified using the GC-MS method whose antifungal effects have already been confirmed.

Salinity is considered as the main factor limiting the yield of crops in arid and semi-arid regions. There are still many uncertainties about the nanotechnology and its potential applications, as w...

The effects of sowing seasons and chemical, organic and biological fertilizer sources were explored on morphological traits of dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Fish.) in a field experiment based on a randomized complete block design in three replications and six treatments. The fertilization treatments included organic fertilizers (vermicompost, manure, and humic acid), biological fertilizer (Thiobacillus mixed with sulfur), chemical fertilizer (macro NPK), and control (no-fertilization). The recorded traits included leaf area index, plant height, number of flower cycles per plant, number of achenes per plant, number of seeds per plant, 1000-seed weight, number of auxiliary branches, plant diameter, and the uptake of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. The results showed that the winter sowing outperformed the spring sowing by a wide margin and results obtained for morphological traits were significantly higher than those of the spring sowing. The fertilization of the plants in both sowing seasons, especially in the winter sowing, improved yield and yield components. The uptake of N and K was not influenced by the sowing season and fertilizer type, whereas the uptake of P, Ca, and Na was influenced by these factors but with a slight difference. It can, so, be inferred that the uptake of nutrients in dragon’s heads is less influenced by the environment. Overall results indicated that the improvement of morphological traits in the ecological conditions of Azerbaijan region (Iran) was most notable for winter sowing of dragon’s heads with the use of Thiobacillus and vermicompost fertilizers.

The effects of sowing season and nano-fertilizer source were studied on the morphological traits, biochemical compounds, and elements of dragon’s heads in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University in the 2017–2018 crop year. The experimental treatments were composed of two sowing seasons including spring and winter and six fertilization treatments including control, soil-incorporated NPK (NPK-s), nano-NPK (NPK-n), nano-chelated Fe (Fe), nano-NPK + nano-chelated Fe (NPK-n + Fe), soil-incorporated NPK + nano-NPK + nano-chelated (NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe). Based on the results, the interaction of the winter sowing and NPK-n + Fe produced the highest leaf area index, 1000-seed weight, and biological yield. In addition, the winter-sown plants treated with NPK-n + Fe exhibited higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and NPK contents. But, proline content was higher in the interaction of the spring sowing and the control. The same treatment also produced the highest carbohydrate content. Overall, the results indicate that the sowing season and fertilizer source have a significant impact on the quantitative and qualitative yield of dragon’s heads in Azerbaijan. Therefore, sowing season and fertilizer source should be simultaneously taken into account to attain a superior crop considering the environmental conditions.

The effects of Cd application alone or along with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and maleic acid (MA) were explored in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus.L.). Okra plants were planted in hydroponic conditions and in the 4-leaf stage, they were exposed to cadmium nitrate at three levels (0, 50, and 100 mg/L) and/or EDTA and MA at two levels (0.5 and 1.0 mM) and the combined application of different Cd concentrations with EDTA and MA for one month. The results showed a decrease in shoot and root dry weight and length and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), cell death, Cd accumulation, anthocyanins, and phenol and total flavonoid contents in the Cd-treated plants. The application of EDTA and MA alleviated the detrimental impacts of Cd on the okra plants by the improved management of translocation, compartmentation, and tolerance index. HPLC method revealed that rosmaric and coumaric acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds among the studied compounds. The variations of the phenolic compounds in the Cd-treated plants versus the control showed that the greatest increase was in chlorogenic acid (101.91%) and the greatest decline in coumaric acid (60.90%). The highest increase and decrease in the plants exposed to Cd with EDTA or MA versus the plants only exposed to Cd were related to coumaric acid (106.60%) and chlorogenic acid (43.45%) related to the treatment of 100 mg/L Cd +1 mM MA, respectively. In conclusion, okra has good potential for the phytoremediation of Cd and the EDTA and MA increased the phytoextraction efficiency.

The present study aimed to explore the effect of synthetic and naturally occurring chelators, EDTA and citric acid (CA), respectively, on changes in physiological and biochemical factors including cell death, level of mercury ions accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenol and total flavonoids, anthocyanins and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, in the leaves of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) plants exposed to mercury stress. In addition, polyphenolic compounds profile was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The okras were planted in completely controlled hydroponic conditions (Hoagland solution). After they reached the four-leaf stage, they were treated simultaneously with different concentrations of HgCl2, EDTA and CA chelators, and their combination for one month. At the stage of maturity, the physiological and biochemical factors of the plant leaves were measured. The results showed that with the application of higher concentration of HgCl2, cell death, level of shoot and root Hg2+ content and root MDA, total phenols and total flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and DPPH free radical scavenging activity were increased. Also, the results indicated that okra plants have high biomass and a high rate of Hg mobilization and accumulation in the shoot versus the roots (TF = 2.152 for the plants treated with 60 mg L−1 Hg2+), hence, can be considered as Hg hyperaccumulator plant for the phytoremediation of Hg-polluted soils and waters. In the Hg-treated plants changes in their phenolic profile were induced, and the increase of chlorogenic acid, rosmaric acid, apigenin, quercetin and rutin content was observed. The application of EDTA and CA improved the toxic effects of Hg2+, by modifying phenolic compounds, chelating Hg2+, and its proper compartmentation, while EDTA outperformed CA in this respect. Based on the results, it could be concluded that due to the high biomass and growth of okra in the presence of Hg2+, this plant is suitable for phytoremediation of soil and water contaminated with mercury. In addition, EDTA and CA can play a significant role in removing this toxic metal through transferring it from the culture medium to the plant.

It is imperative to assess the potential of halophyte plant species, such as quinoa, in resisting high salinity levels in arid and semi-arid regions where the productivity of crops is dramatically affected. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted to explore the effect of integrated biofertilizer, on morphological traits, antioxidants, and polyphenol compounds of quinoa under salinity stress. The studied factors included NaCl salinity stress at three levels of 0, 150, and 300 mM (S0, S150, and S300, respectively), Trichoderma (T) fungus at two levels (its use and non-use), and biofertilizer at three levels (control, nitrogen (FN), and phosphorus (FP). The means of the studied traits showed that the highest shoot length and dry weight was related to S0T0FN, the highest root length to S150TFN, the highest root dry weight to S0T0FN, and the highest phenol and flavonoid contents to S300TFP and S0TFN treatments. Among polyphenols, the highest caffeic acid, rutin, coumaric acid, and quercetin were observed in S0TFP, and the highest levels of chlorogenic, rosmarinic, cinnamic acids, and apigenin (mg/kg) were observed in S0TFN. To sum up, Bacteria and fungi biofertilizers were effective on the studied traits at the three salinity levels.

Nigella sativa L. is a medicinal plant with extensive, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and health applications. Nowadays, reducing the application of chemical fertilizers (synthetic fertilizers) is one of the main goals of sustainable agriculture to allow the production of safe crops. Therefore, the combined effect of urea and biofertilizers was studied on the quantitative and qualitative traits of N. sativa L. in a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments included control (no fertilization), U (100% chemical fertilizer as urea at 53.3 kg ha−1, Nb (Biofertilizer, Azotobacter vinelandii), Pb (Biofertilizer, Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida), Kb (Biofertilizer, Bacillus spp.), NPKb (NPK, biofertilizer), Nb + 50% U, Pb + 50% U, Kb + 50%U and NPKb + 50% U. The NPK(b) + U50% was related to the highest quantity of plant height, branch diameter, capsule (follicle) number per plant, auxiliary branches, seed yield per plant, thousand-seed weight, essential oil content, total phenolic compounds, flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, chain-breaking activity, phosphorus content, and potassium content, along with U for the highest biological yield and (Pb) + U50% for the highest essential oil percentage which is close to (NPKb) + U50%. The lowest value was observed in all traits related to the control treatment except for branch diameter that was related to (NPKb). Hence, the application of (NPKb) + U50% as bio-chemical fertilizers improved N. sativa L. Traits, so it can be recommended.

Salinity is one of the most important environmental factors which have a significant effect on the growth and fertility. Manganese is an essential element that plays a key role as a nutrient in many plant metabolic processes. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of manganese (1ppm) on Yaghoti and Ghara uzum - two cultivars of grapevine - which were planted and grown under salt stress (0, 50 and 100mmol L-1 NaCl) using greenhouse and hydroponics methods. Results on saline concentration showed led to a significant decrease in length, fresh and dry weight, photosynthesis pigments content, K+ and nitrate content, and K+/Na+ ratio of the plants. It also caused a significant increase in Na+ and Cl- ion concentration and soluble sugar content in shoots and roots of both cultivars. Ghara uzum was more sensitive than Yaghoti to salinity stress. Applying manganese to the medium, resulted in low level of salinity toxicity and sodium ion accumulation in the shoots for Ghara uzum cultivar. For Yaghoti, however, the application of manganese did not reduce the sodium ion accumulation in the shoots, but increased the salinity toxicity. Our findings suggest that Ghara uzum and Yaghoti cultivars had different responses to salinity, manganese and their interaction.

Balangu (Lallemantia sp.) is a medicinal herb with a variety of applications, all parts of which have economic uses, including leaf for extraction of essential oils, as a vegetable and potherb, seed for extraction of mucilage and edible or industrial oil. To investigate the effect of cultivation season and standard chemical and nano fertilizers (n) on the yield components and antioxidant properties of Dragon&rsquo, s head, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted with 12 treatments and three replications. Experimental treatments consisted of two seasons (spring and winter cultivation) and six levels of fertilizer (control, NPK-s, NPK-n, Fe-chelated-n, NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n, NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n). The traits included grain yield per plant, essential oil percentage and yield, mucilage percentage and yield, antioxidant properties in the seeds and leaves, including total phenols and flavonoids content, DPPH radical scavenging, and nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging. The results showed that winter cultivation had a noticeable advantage over spring cultivation across all of the traits. The highest grain yield per plant was obtained in winter cultivation using NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizer treatment. The highest essential oil percentage was in NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n. The highest mucilage percentage was observed in NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizer treatment, which was not statistically different to NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n treatment. The combined effects of winter cultivation and NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizers resulted in improving antioxidant activity traits. Overall, the results indicated that the combination of winter cultivation and NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizers are the most appropriate treatment to acquire highest qualitative and quantitative yield of Dragon&rsquo, s head, in the Azerbaijan region (Iran).

Dragon's head is a multifunctional plant with diverse applications so that all its parts, including its leaves and seeds, have nutritional value. For the sake of appropriate agricultural management to enhance plant quality and quantity, the effects of sowing season and chemical-nano-fertilizer sources were explored on plant oil content and fatty acid compositions in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments included two sowing seasons (spring and winter) and six fertilizer treatments (control, NPKsoil, NPKnano, chelated-Fe-nano, NPKnano + chelated-Fe-nano, NPKsoil + NPKnano + chelated-Fe-nano). The studied traits included grain yield, oil percentage and yield, unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids), and saturated fatty acids (stearic and palmitic acids). The results showed that the interactive effects of sowing season (winter) and NPKnano + chelated-Fe(nano)were significant on the grain yield. Moreover, the simple effects of winter sowing and NPKsoil, NPKnano, chelated-Fe(nano)treatments showed the highest oil percentage and yield among which NPKsoil + NPKnano + chelated-Fe(nano)and NPKnano + chelated-Fe(nano)had similar effects, so regarding these traits, it is recommended to exclude NPK(soil)from the fertilizer combination. However, the treatment of NPKsoil + NPKnano + chelated-Fe(nano)performed well in enhancing unsaturated fatty acids as an advantage of this fertilizer combination. In general, the combined use of the growing season and nano-fertilizer is recommended to increase the quantity and quality of plants, which is consistent with the goals of sustainable agriculture as well.

Nanotechnology is an exciting field of research; numerous versatile nanoparticles can be synthesized into a range of sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions, ultimately offering extensive applications for humans. Correct synthesis, manipulation, and use of metal NPs grant them with unique thermal, optical and electronic properties. In material science, ‘green’ synthesis has been considered a reliable, sustainable and environmentally-friendly protocol. Non-toxic and environmentally-friendly methods have been developed for synthesis of metal/metal oxide NPs. These techniques use live organisms such as bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, and plants and their tissues and extracts. The biomolecules of natural extracts, such as enzymes, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids can be used as reducing agents of metal ions to metal NPs. Whilst the physical and chemical techniques used in traditional synthesis methods have raised environmental concerns due to use of hazardous chemicals and their possible emissions to the environment, green methods have made it possible to develop a simple, rapid, and environmentally-friendly means of synthesizing NPs. NPs produced by green methods are usually more stable and do not require application of chemical stabilizers; as a result, toxic residues do not enter the environment. Green-synthesized NPs have extensive applications for their antibacterial and antifungal properties and may be used as either plant growth stimulators or inhibitors, depending on their type, size, and shape, as well as the specific plant species.

Balangu (Lallemantia sp.) is a medicinal herb with a variety of applications, all parts of which have economic uses, including leaf for extraction of essential oils, as a vegetable and potherb, seed for extraction of mucilage and edible or industrial oil. To investigate the effect of cultivation season and standard chemical and nano fertilizers (n) on the yield components and antioxidant properties of Dragon’s head, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted with 12 treatments and three replications. Experimental treatments consisted of two seasons (spring and winter cultivation) and six levels of fertilizer (control, NPK-s, NPK-n, Fe-chelated-n, NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n, NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n). The traits included grain yield per plant, essential oil percentage and yield, mucilage percentage and yield, antioxidant properties in the seeds and leaves, including total phenols and flavonoids content, DPPH radical scavenging, and nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging. The results showed that winter cultivation had a noticeable advantage over spring cultivation across all of the traits. The highest grain yield per plant was obtained in winter cultivation using NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizer treatment. The highest essential oil percentage was in NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n. The highest mucilage percentage was observed in NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizer treatment, which was not statistically different to NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n treatment. The combined effects of winter cultivation and NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizers resulted in improving antioxidant activity traits. Overall, the results indicated that the combination of winter cultivation and NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizers are the most appropriate treatment to acquire highest qualitative and quantitative yield of Dragon’s head, in the Azerbaijan region (Iran).

This paper explores the salt-tolerance response of Melilotus species, a forage legume, based on tolerance/susceptibility indices, leaf water relations, leaf/root ion concentrations and multivariate...

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles has drawn attention due to their application in different scientific and industrial fields. Various types of green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are produced from medicinal and agricultural plant species. The effects of AgNPs on yield, selected morphological traits and biochemical composition of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) exposed to UV stress were explored in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design in three replications with two factors including biosynthesized AgNPs at three rates of 0, 50, and 100 mg L− 1 and UV-B exposure for 0, 30 and 60 min in 2018–2019. The effect of UV radiation was significant on morphological and biochemical traits. The comparison of means revealed that as UV-B exposure time was increased from 0 to 60 min, shoot length, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, and total dry weight were adversely influenced, but essential oil percentage was increased. The interaction of UV-B radiation and AgNPs significantly affected root length, root weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and essential oil yield. Meanwhile, UV-B enhanced the biochemical composition in some of the studied traits, but it is a sort of stress that decreased plant growth and yield. On the other hand, AgNPs had an alleviating impact on UV-B stress and improved plant growth and yield. Eventually, the interaction of the two factors improved growth and yield in addition to increasing biochemical compounds.

The present study evaluated the effects of biofertilizers on qualitative and quantitative traits of Nigella sativa L. The experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments included control (no fertilization), U (100% chemical fertilizer as urea at 53.3 kg ha−1, Nb (Biofertilizer, Azotobacter vinelandii), Pb (Biofertilizer, Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida), Kb (Biofertilizer, Bacillus spp.), NPKb (NPK combined biofertilizers), Nb + 50% U, Pb + 50% U, Kb + 50% U, and NPKb + 50% U. The highest oil percentage was 46.33 percent related to NPK(b) + U50%, and the highest oil yield was 466.43 kg/ha related to NPK(b) + U50%. The highest seed yield (1006.64 kg/ha) was observed in the plants treated with NPK(b) + U50%. The treatment of K(b) + U50% increased myristic acid by 0.35%. The NPK(b) + U50% treatment reduced palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acid by 11.3, 2.01, and 0.31%, respectively. The highest oleic acid (27.85%) and linoleic acid (56.6%) were obtained from the treatment of NPK(b) + U50%, respectively. The plants treated with NPK(b) + U50% showed the highest seed N percentage (%), P content (mg g−1) and K content (mg g−1). In general, NPK(b) + U50% is the best treatment in line with sustainable agriculture.

Mycorrhizal fungi are known to modulate the destructive effects of environmental stresses on plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis increases growth and stimulates the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, thereby influencing polyphenolics content in medicinal plants under salt stress. The present study investigated the effects of AMF on growth traits, cell death, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and changes in the profile of phenolic compounds of Dracocephalum moldavica L. by HPLC analysis under different salinity concentrations. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design including salinity treatment at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl) and mycorrhizal fungus treatment at three levels including non-inoculation and inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Claroideoglomus etunicatum with three replications. The experiment was performed in sterile controlled conditions in laboratory. The results showed that salinity reduced root colonization compared to the control conditions. Inoculation with AMF increased growth parameters and salinity tolerance of Deracocephalum Moldavica under all salinity levels. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, nine phenolic acids and flavonoids were analyzed in all treatments. Salinity and AMF inoculation altered the polyphenol profiles of Moldavian balm. F. mosseae inoculation increased most of the polyphenols at 50 and 150 mM NaCl, and C. etunicatum inoculation increased polyphenols at 100 mM NaCl more than F. mosseae. suggesting that F. mosseae and C. etunicatum mitigated the adverse effects of salinity, triggering non-enzymatic antioxidant activity by the accumulation of the flavonoid in roots and shoots and phenol in roots, enhancing growth parameters and reducing root cell death compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. As a positive point, salinity and mycorrhizal inoculation influenced the polyphenol content of D. moldavica and improved the production of phenolic compounds.

Most of Melilotus Miller species, a forage legume, contain coumarin, an unfavorable component in their shoot. There is no information concerning coumarin on Iranian Melilotus germplasms. It is crucial for plant breeders to know the concentration of this component in the breeding materials, its relationship with other traits and with genotype geographic origin. In a two-year field study a total of 196 accessions of biennial Melilotus were planted in two replications in March 2014. Thirty-nine agro-morphobiochemical traits were recorded according to standard descriptors. Fluorescencemetery assay was applied to detect free, conjugated, and total coumarin concentrations in plant leaves. The data were subjected to correlation, path, regression, factor, and cluster analyses. Total coumarin concentration varied from 0.09 to 5.27% of leaf dry weight (LDW) with a mean of 1.63 ± 0.08% of LDW among accessions. In M. officinalis, correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between coumarin concentration and cotyledon, hypocotyl, and stem colors. Therefore, no early predicting trait was determined to estimate coumarin concentration in the early growth phases of the germplasms. A positive linear relationship between leaf area and total coumarin concentration was observed by path and regression analyses. Based on factor analysis and extracted bi-plot, the scatter of accessions with low coumarin and high forage yield was determined. Materials were divided into three groups by k-means cluster analysis. There was no clear pattern between coumarin concentration and genotype geographic origin. The findings could be utilized by Melilotus breeders to apply in their breeding programs.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most commonly known and expensive medicinal and aromatic plants in the world from which dried stigmas are consumed. Saffron includes 85 species and has a special place among industrial and export commodities. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation causes the generation of oxygen free radicals, which disrupt the balance of metabolism in cells. The present study aimed to explore the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on saffron exposed to harmful UV-B radiation, in order to evaluate their effect against photo – oxidative stress. Saffron plants were grown in the hydroponic system in a greenhouse for 45 days. After the three-leaf stage, they were exposed to UV-B radiation for 30 and 45 min on a daily basis for one month. TiO2 NPs were used at two concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/L as the foliar application before UV-B exposure every day. The plants were harvested 75 days later and their growth, chemical and antioxidant parameters were measured. The results showed that UV-B exposure was related to lower plant length, fresh and dry weight, and leaf number. The simultaneous UV-B exposure and TiO2 NPs application resulted in the loss of dissolved sugars and the increased content of total anthocyanins and malondialdehyde (MDA) in saffron leaves. Besides, content of UV-B absorbents (total phenolics and total flavonoids) and radical scavenging activity ((DPPH) in saffron stigmas were increased. The foliar application of TiO2 NPs counterbalanced some plant traits impaired by UV-B exposure as compared with plants only exposed to UV-B radiation. Due to the increased antioxidant activity of saffron stigmas, it could be assumed that the use of TiO2 NPs enhances the nutritive value of saffron.

Salinity is a major constraint to crop productivity. This study aimed at a better understanding of the molecular adaptation mechanisms of salinity stress was carried out on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Early Urbana Vf cultivar, using proteomic analysis. Seedlings of tomato were cultivated in the hydroponic culture system. The salt stress (NaCl) was applied (0 mM and 90 mM) and sustained for two weeks. Protein content was extracted from the seedlings roots of both non-saline control and salt-stressed plants, and separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. 22 protein spots were identified and classified into seven categories. Obtained results from two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and proteome analysis indicated that some proteins exhibited expression variations strictly related to salt stress which could be related to genotype tolerance or biochemical Compatibility. The proteins identified with up-regulation belonged to the Heat-shock proteins, ATP synthase, Carbohydrate metabolism, Transcription/translation, Detoxification enzymes, and 4 unidentified protein categories. Furthermore, expression pattern analysis of the expressed proteins under salt stress is an important step in identifying mechanisms of stress resistance in different plants including tomatoes.

There is increasing attention being paid to metallic nanoparticles because of their intensive applications in different areas of science such as medicine, chemistry, agriculture, and biotechnology. In addition, there has been growing interest in using environmentally friendly methods of synthesizing nanoparticles without making or using substances risky to the environment and human health. Biological methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles have been considered as possible ecofriendly alternatives to chemical synthesis. In the present study, biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using marshmallow flower (Althaea officinalis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) leaf extracts is reported for the first time. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were formed by reduction of CuCl2 with L-ascorbic acid. The antibacterial and antifungal effects of SNPs and CuNPs in comparison with silver nitrate (AgNO3) and copper chloride (CuCl2) (respective nanoparticle constrictive salts) and synthetic antibiotics and fungicides were studied. Fungi (A. flavus and P. chrysogenum) and bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) showed clear hypersensitivity to silver and copper nanoparticles, and the effects of SNPs were more notable than those of CuNPs. Data analysis showed that copper chloride and silver nitrate had a lower inhibitory effect in their nanoparticles, especially against the tested fungi.

Maize seedlings treated with various concentrations (25-100 microM) of copper for 15 days. A progressive decrease of root length and biomass with increasing Cu in nutrient solution was observed. The roots accumulated significantly higher amounts of Cu than the above ground parts. Accumulation of copper resulted in more active lipid peroxidation in both roots and shoots, which was attributed to copper-induced additional oxidative stress. Activities of APX (ascorbate peroxidase), GPX (guaiacol peroxidase), GR (glutathione reductase) and CAT(catalase) were higher in both roots and shoots in response to copper accumulation. Changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities suggest that oxidative damage may be involved in copper toxicity.

Growth parameters and biochemical changes were studied in roots and leaves of 15 day old maize grown in a nutrient solution containing various copper concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 microM). An accumulation of H2O2 was observed in roots and shoots. The leaf chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid contents decreased with increasing Cu concentration. The results demonstrated adverse effects of Cu on N metabolism and plant growth. Cu exposure elevated Cu concentration and decreased Nitrate Reductase (NR) activity in the roots and shoots. However, Cu exposure increased total free amino acid content in the leaves.