Morphological and pomological assessments of seedling-originated walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees to select the promising late-leafing genotypes.

BACKGROUND: In many parts of the world, including Iran, walnut (Juglans regia L.) production is limited by late-spring frosts. Therefore, the use of late-leafing walnuts in areas with late-spring frost is the most important method to improve yield. In the present study, the phenotypic diversity of 141 seedling genotypes of walnut available in the Senejan area, Arak region, Markazi province, Iran was studied based on morphological traits to obtain superior late-leafing genotypes in the cropping seasons of 2022 and 2023. RESULTS: Based on the results of the analysis of variance, the studied genotypes showed a significant variation in terms of most of the studied morphological and pomological traits. Therefore, it is possible to choose genotypes for different values ​​of a trait. Kernel weight showed positive and significant correlations with leaf length (r = 0.32), leaf width (r = 0.33), petiole length (r = 0.26), terminal leaflet length (r = 0.34), terminal leaflet width (r = 0.21), nut length (r = 0.48), nut width (r = 0.73), nut weight (r = 0.83), kernel length (r = 0.64), and kernel width (r = 0.89). The 46 out of 141 studied genotypes were late-leafing and were analyzed separately. Among late-leafing genotypes, the length of the nut was in the range of 29.33-48.50 mm, the width of the nut was in the range of 27.51-39.89 mm, and nut weight was in the range of 8.18-16.06 g. The thickness of shell was in the range of 1.11-2.60 mm. Also, kernel length ranged from 21.97-34.84 mm, kernel width ranged from 21.10-31.09 mm, and kernel weight ranged from 3.10-7.97 g. CONCLUSIONS: Based on important and commercial traits in walnut breeding programs, such as nut weight, kernel weight, kernel percentage, kernel color, and ease of kernel removal from nuts, 15 genotypes, including no. 92, 91, 31, 38, 33, 18, 93, 3, 58, 108, 16, 70, 15, 82, and 32 were superior and could be used in walnut breeding programs in line with the introduction of new cultivars and the revival of traditional walnut orchards to commercialize them.

The effect of foliar spraying of some micronutrients and lanthanum on the morphological and physiological characteristics of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) under hydroponic and soil conditions.

BACKGROUND: The use of lanthanum (La) as a rare element has increased in agriculture. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is an herbaceous and medicinal plant that has received attention recently. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar application of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and La at different growth stages, including vegetative, reproductive, and vegetative to harvest on morphological and physiological traits of S. hortensis under hydroponic and soil conditions in the greenhouse. The study was arranged in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. RESULTS: Results of hydroponic condition showed that foliar application of Cu, Zn, and Mn were the most effective treatments to improve the measured morphological and physiological traits. Moreover, La was not more appropriate in increasing the quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Also, results showed that in soil cultivation, foliar application of micronutrient elements increased the ratio of leaf-to-stems, antioxidant compounds, and the percentage of essential oils, while the application of Mn, Cu, Zn, and La did not have positive effects on the increase in vegetative characteristics in all three stages of foliar application compared with the control treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Cu, Zn, and Mn in appropriate concentrations can increase growth and physiological characteristics of summer savory in hydroponic systems.

Morphological and biochemical variation of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. ex Benth. in different habitats of Markazi province in the center of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants, such as Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. ex Benth. are a natural and available source of treatment for a wide range of diseases. The objective of the present study was to assess the morphological and biochemical variation of 70 accessions of this species collected from seven geographical areas of Markazi province in the center of Iran. RESULTS: The measured traits exhibited considerable variability across the populations. Positive correlations were observed between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content, as well as total flavonoid content. Principal component analysis showed six components explaining 72.15% of the total variance, and the PC1 explained 20.68% of the total variance. The Ward dendrogram based on morphological variables identified two main clusters. Morphological analysis of A. chamaecistus showed a high variation between qualitative and quantitative traits that help the breeders for selecting the desired genotypes. The accessions collected from the Robat-Mil area showed the highest values for the recorded morphological characteristics. Also, the populations of Robat-Mil, Hassanabad, and Khaneh-Miran were characterized by high values of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity, which can be used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the present results showed that the best place for the growth of A. chamaecistus with the production of significant contents of phenol and flavonoid is in Robat-Mil area.

Fulvic acid foliar application: a novel approach enhancing antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.).

BACKGROUND: The global growth of pistachio production has prompted exploration into sustainable agricultural practices, on the application of humic substances such as fulvic acid in enhancing the quality of horticultural crops. The present study was carried out in Qom province, Iran, on 20 years old pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi) trees and investigated the impact of foliar spraying of fulvic acid at varying concentrations (1.5, 3, and 4.5 g L- 1) on the antioxidant and quality properties of pistachio. The different concentrations of fulvic acid were applied at two key stages: at the initiation of pistachio kernel formation (late June) and the development stage of pistachio kernel (late August), as well as at both time points. Following harvest at the horticulturally mature phase, various parameters, including total phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrate content, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity, were assessed. RESULTS: Results indicated that foliar application of fulvic acid, particularly at 1.5 g L- 1 during both late June and August, effectively increased phenolic compounds (31.8%) and flavonoid content (24.53%). Additionally, this treatment also augmented antioxidant capacity and heightened the activity of catalase (CAT) (37.56%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (63.86%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (76.45%). Conversely, peroxidase (POX) (41.54%) activity was reduced in fulvic acid-treated nuts compared with controls. Moreover, the content of chlorophyll (45%) and carotenoids (46.7%) was enhanced using this organic fertilizer. In terms of mineral elements, the increment was observed in zinc (Zn) (58.23%) and potassium (K) (28.12%) amounts in treated nuts. Additionally, foliar application of fulvic acid led to elevated levels of soluble carbohydrates and proteins in treated nuts. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, application of fulvic acid resulted in enhancement of antioxidant activity and quality traits of pistachio nut through an increase in total phenol, flavonoids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, K, Zn, and also activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, use of fulvic acid emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the quality and nutritional attributes of pistachios, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop outcomes.

Morphological characterization and interspecific variation among five species of Ziziphus genus to select superiors in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Several species of the genus Ziziphus are used worldwide for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phenotypic variation of five species of the Ziziphus genus, including Z. jujuba Mill. (25 accessions), Z. mauritiana Lam. (25 accessions), Z. spina-christi L. (25 accessions), Z. nummularia L. (10 accessions), and Z. xylopyrus Willd. (10 accessions) from Markazi, Sistan-va-Baluchestan, and Khuzestan provinces, Iran. RESULTS: The investigated accessions have significant differences in terms of all the measured as revealed using analysis of variance (ANOVA, P < 0.01). The range of fruit weight was 0.43-1.29 g in Z. jujuba, 17.85-29.87 g in Z. mauritiana, 0.94-3.44 g in Z. spina-christi, 0.93-2.02 g in Z. nummularia, and 0.91-3.02 g in Z. xylopyrus. All the measured traits showed significant and positive correlations with each other. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) results showed that fruit length, stone width, stone weight, stone length, and fruit width have significant effects on fruit weight, and thus their fluctuations have a significant effect on increasing or decreasing fruit weight. The accessions were grouped into two main clusters using hierarchical cluster analysis. The first cluster (I) included all the accessions of Z. mauritiana, while the second cluster (II) contained the accessions of the rest species forming two sub-clusters. CONCLUSION: Based on the commercial characters, accessions no. 12, 13, 17, 23, and 24 in Z. jujuba, accessions no. 3, 9, 17, 18, 20, 22, and 23 in Z. mauritiana, accessions no. 5, 6, 8, 13, 19, 22, and 24 in Z. spina-christi, accessions no. 3, 7, and 9 in Z. nummularia, and accessions no. 2, 4, 7, and 10 in Z. oxyphylla showed the highest fruit weight and thus can be suggested as superior for cultivation or use in breeding programs due to having larger fruits.

Selecting the superior late-leafing genotypes of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) using morphological and pomological evaluations.

BACKGROUND: Late-spring frost is one of the major factors limiting and reducing yield of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) in temperate regions, including Iran. Therefore, in the present study, seedling-originated genotypes of walnut were investigated to identify late-leafing genotypes with high-quality kernels for direct cultivation in orchards or as parents in breeding programs. In the first step, the variation of the selected trees was investigated in terms of traits related to phenology, vegetation, and fruit. In the second step, late-leafing trees were identified and their traits related to kernel quality were investigated to identify superior genotypes. RESULTS: Strong variabilities were exhibited among the studied genotypes based on the traits recorded. The genotypes showed high variation based on dates of leafing, full male flowering date, and full female flowering date, including very early, early, moderate, and late. After recording the leafing date, 21 late-leaf genotypes were identified and evaluated to select the superiors among them in terms of kernel quantity and quality. Among them, the values of nut-related traits ranged as follows: nut length: 30.12-49.74 mm, nut width: 29.31-37.17 mm, nut weight: 8.77-16.47 g, and shell thickness: 1.15-2.25 mm. The values of kernel-related traits ranged as follows: kernel length: 22.35-35.73 mm, kernel width: 21.79-29.03 mm, kernel weight: 3.22-8.17 g, and kernel percentage: 35.08-53.95%. CONCLUSIONS: According to the ideal values and situations of commercial characteristics of walnut, twelve promising late-leafing genotypes (No. 9, 13, 32, 33, 72, 77, 78, 82, 83, 86, 92, and 98) were identified and are recommended for cultivation in orchards.

Mechanisms of salinity tolerance and their possible application in the breeding of vegetables.

BACKGROUND: In dry and semi-arid areas, salinity is the most serious hazard to agriculture, which can affect plant growth and development adversely. Over-accumulation of Na+ in plant organs can cause an osmotic effect and an imbalance in nutrient uptake. However, its harmful impact can vary depending on genotype, period of exposure to stress, plant development stage, and concentration and content of salt. To overcome the unfavorable effect of salinity, plants have developed two kinds of tolerance strategies based on either minimizing the entrance of salts by the roots or administering their concentration and diffusion. RESULTS: Having sufficient knowledge of Na+ accumulation mechanisms and an understanding of the function of genes involved in transport activity will present a new option to enhance the salinity tolerance of vegetables related to food security in arid regions. Considerable improvements in tolerance mechanisms can be employed for breeding vegetables with boosted yield performance under salt stress. A conventional breeding method demands exhaustive research work in crops, while new techniques of molecular breeding, such as cutting-edge molecular tools and CRISPR technology are now available in economically important vegetables and give a fair chance for the development of genetically modified organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this review highlights the molecular mechanisms of salinity tolerance, various molecular methods of breeding, and many sources of genetic variation for inducing tolerance to salinity stress.

Morphological variability of wild-growing crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis L.) germplasm in central region of Iran-implications for in-situ conservation initiatives.

BACKGROUND: Crown imperial (Fritillaria imperialis L.) is a threatened bulbous plant which has great ornamental and medicinal values and importance. In the present study, a total of 100 specimens of wild-growing F. imperialis from 10 natural areas of Markazi province, Iran, representing one of the main centers of genetic diversity of this species, were evaluated using 37 phenotypic attributes during April 2021. RESULTS: High level of genetic variation within populations (75%) and low levels of genetic variation among populations (25%) was revealed. The highest coefficient of variation (CV) was found in leaf trichome (82.00%) and then margin of crown leaves (80.44%). In addition, flower color (CV = 50.86%), flower number (CV = 44.61%), peduncle diameter (CV = 33.44%), and plant length (CV = 32.55%)-all important from an ornamental point of view- showed relatively high CV values. The CV was the lowest for flower shape, filament color, bulb shape, bulblet number, and floral scent. Ward cluster analysis identified two main clusters, containing 14 and 86 specimens, respectively. The first group consisted mainly of specimens from the adjacent Shahbaz and Rasvand populations. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), the first six components of data accounted for 88.36% of total variance. The Shahbaz-1, Shahbaz-2, Shahbaz-6, Shahbaz-7, Shahbaz-9, and Bolagh-8 specimens showed the highest variation and were separated from others, which they can be used further in breeding programs, while Sarchal-2, Bolagh-3, and Chepeqli-4 specimens showed the lowest variability. Moreover, the studied populations were clustered into four distinct groups, each including populations that were geographically close to one another. CONCLUSIONS: Although the examined specimens revealed high genetic diversity herein, the results indicated that wild-growing populations of F. imperialis are still at risk suffering from overcollection in the most of studied areas, especially in Deh-Sad and Tureh.

The effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on biochemical traits related to abiotic stresses in pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi).

BACKGROUND: Due to the important economic role of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) the cultivation of this valuable crop has been extended. Various abiotic stresses harm the growth and performance of pistachio. Seaweed extract containing various substances such as pseudo-hormones that stimulate growth, nutritional elements, and anti-stress substances can cause more resistance to abiotic stresses, and increase the quantity and the quality of the fruit. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. seaweed extract on some biochemical traits related to abiotic stress in Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi. The first factor of foliar spraying treatment included A. nodosum seaweed extract at four levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L), and the second factor was the time of spraying solution which was done at three times (1- at the beginning of pistachio kernel growth period at the end of June, 2- at the stage of full kernel development at the end of August, and 3- Spraying in both late June and August). RESULTS: The results showed that all investigated traits were significant under the treatment of seaweed extract compared with the control. The seaweed extract concentrations had a significant effect on all traits except soluble carbohydrates, but the time of consumption of seaweed extract on soluble carbohydrates, protein, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes was significant, while had no significant effect on the rest of the traits. According to the interaction effect of time and concentration of consumption of seaweed extract, the highest values of the biochemical characters were as follows: total phenol content: 168.30 mg CAE/g DW, flavonoid content: mg CE/g DW, catalase: 12.66 µmol APX min- 1 mg- 1 protein, superoxide dismutase: 231.4 µmol APX min- 1 mg- 1 protein, and ascorbate peroxidase: 39.53 µmol APX min- 1 mg- 1 protein. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, it seems that it is possible to use fertilizers containing A. nodosum seaweed extract with a concentration of 3 g/L in August to increase the tolerance of the pistachio cultivar "Kaleh-Ghoochi" to abiotic stresses.

Morphological and pomological diversity of wild Prunus microcarpa Boiss. germplasm.

BACKGROUND: Prunus microcarpa Boiss. is usually found in dry calcareous and rocky mountain slopes and is well adapted to severe winter and dry-hot summer conditions. Morphological and pomological diversity among 81 accessions of P. microcarpa species selected from natural habitats was assessed. RESULTS: The accessions investigated were significantly different from each other in terms of the traits recorded. Tree growth habit was highly variable, including weeping, spreading, open, semi-erect, and erect. Most of the accessions had very small leaves, a probable adaptation to the xerophytic conditions. Ripening date ranged from mid-June to early August. Fruit weight as the first character considering in domestication process ranged from 0.21 to 0.44 g. Principal component analysis (PCA) could describe the evaluated traits as the 11 main components that were able to justify 76.29% of total variance. Also, the accessions were clustered into two major clusters by the Ward dendrogram. CONCLUSIONS: Significant diversity was revealed, regarding the morphological traits in the evaluated P. microcarpa germplasm that reflected the necessity for the conservation of this germplasm, and it is expected that the results gained in this study will assist current Cerasus breeding efforts and will maintain the genetic integrity of P. microcarpa.

Effects of foliar spray of agricultural grade mineral oil in springtime, in combination with potassium and calcium sulfates on the phenological and biophysical indices of clusters, and foliar nutritional levels in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Sultana (Id. Thompson seedless, Sultanina).

BACKGROUND: Improving the nutritional condition of grapevine in spring to regulate bloom, fruit set, and yield is among the management goals of vineyards. METHODS: In the present study, the early season spray of calcium sulfate (C; 0.00 and 2.00%), potassium sulfate (K; 0.00 and 3.00%), and agricultural grade mineral oil (V; 0.00 and 1.00%) on flower and fruit phenology, nutrient concentration, and cluster biophysical indices and yield of Sultana grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) were investigated for two consecutive years. RESULTS: Based on the results, the spray of this nutrient combined with mineral oil significantly affected all the treatments except cluster length, berry length, and phosphorus concentration. The highest concentrations of potassium, calcium, and magnesium were obtained in the vines treated with V0K1C1, and the highest concentrations of zinc and iron were obtained only in the vines treated with mineral oil. In treatments containing mineral oil, especially in combination with the second level of calcium and potassium (V1K1C1), bloom time, berries pea-sized time, and harvest time were delayed by 3, 3, and 6 days compared with control vines. While in vines treated with a combination of the second level of potassium and calcium (V0K1C1), bloom time, berries pea-sized time, and harvest time were advanced by 5, 4, and 1.50 days, respectively, compared with control vines. Regarding the biophysical indices of the cluster, it was found that the vines treated with V1K1C1 had higher cluster weight, berry weight, fruit, and raisins yield than other treatments. Also, the highest berry quality, including total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and total phenol content, were obtained in the vines treated with V0K1C1. However, the lowest berry quality was observed in the vines treated with mineral oil. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the combination of nutrients with mineral oil can alleviate the adverse effect of mineral oil solely on some phenological indices and berry quality-related traits in vineyards.

Physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying salicylic acid-mitigated mercury toxicity in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.).

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals with strong negative effects on the plant growth and functions. Salicylic acid (SA) is an important signaling molecule which confers tolerance to metal toxicities but little is known about the mechanisms of SA-mediated alleviation of Hg stress. Here, physiochemical and molecular responses of Hg-stressed lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) to exogenous SA were investigated to reveal SA-induced tolerance mechanisms. The CHLG gene of lemon balm which encodes chlorophyll synthase was also partly isolated and sequenced for the first time. Hg stress markedly decreased growth, relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic pigments of the plant. However, exogenous SA significantly mitigated the toxic effects of mercury on the growth and RWC and enabled plant to maintain chlorophylls to the similar levels of unstressed plants. Hg-induced oxidative damage was also reduced following treatment with SA and treated plants showed the lower extent of lipid peroxidation which was accompanied with the higher free proline and phenolics contents and elevation of the antioxidant capacity as evidenced by DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. Moreover, SA treatment resulted in up-regulation of CHLG and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) genes as key components of chlorophyll and phenylpropanoid routes, respectively. Our results collectively indicate the ameliorative effects of exogenous SA in mercury toxicity through coordinated alternations in plant metabolic processes which provide insights to better understand mechanisms of Hg tolerance in lemon balm plant.

An alternative impression technique for capturing anatomic undercuts to rehabilitate a patient with a total maxillectomy: A clinical report.

Patients who have undergone a bilateral maxillectomy are particularly difficult to rehabilitate prosthetically by using a conventional obturator prosthesis, mainly because of the extensive loss of tissues for retention and support. In these situations, adapting to existing undercuts within the defect is essential. Traditional impression techniques capture certain anatomic landmarks but may fall short of the needed sinus undercuts. This article describes an alternative impression technique for capturing 3 opposing undercuts to help retain, support, and stabilize a hollow 1-piece obturator prosthesis for a patient who underwent a total maxillectomy.

Determining when to conduct a violence risk assessment: Development and initial validation of the Fordham Risk Screening Tool (FRST).

Techniques to assess violence risk are increasingly common, but no systematic approach exists to help clinicians decide which psychiatric patients are most in need of a violence risk assessment. The Fordham Risk Screening Tool (FRST) was designed to fill this void, providing a structured, systematic approach to screening psychiatric patients and determining the need for further, more thorough violence risk assessment. The FRST was administered to a sample of 210 consecutive admissions to the civil psychiatric units of an urban medical center, 159 of whom were subsequently evaluated using the Historical Clinical Risk Management-20, version 3, to determine violence risk. The FRST showed a high degree of sensitivity (93%) in identifying patients subsequently deemed to be at high risk for violence (based on the Case Prioritization risk rating). The FRST also identified all of the patients (100%) rated high in potential for severe violence (based on the Serious Physical Harm Historical Clinical Risk Management-20, version 3, summary risk rating). Sensitivity was more modest when individuals rated as moderate risk were included as the criterion (rather than only those identified as high risk). Specificity was also moderate, screening out approximately half of all participants as not needing further risk assessment. A systematic approach to risk screening is clearly needed to prioritize psychiatric admissions for thorough risk assessment, and the FRST appears to be a potentially valuable step in that process. (PsycINFO Database Record

Genetic relationships between sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (P. cerasus L.) as revealed using fruit characterizations and chloroplast microsatellites.

In the present study, the genetic diversity as well as the relationship between sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and sour cherry (P. cerasus L.) genotypes were investigated based on fruit traits and chloroplast microsatellites (cpSSRs). Analysis of variance showed that the studied genotypes have significant differences in the studied traits. In sweet cherries, the average fruit weight was 4.49 g with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 15.62%, the average stone weight was 0.34 g with a CV of 15.67%, and the average total soluble solids was 11.90% with a CV of 22.06%. Also, in sour cherries, the average fruit weight was 2.65 g with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 14.27%, the average stone weight was 0.28 g with a CV of 12.27%, and the average total soluble solids was 10.90% with a CV of 19.80%. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 83.80% of the observed variance was explained by the first three components. The cluster analysis separated genotypes of sweet and sour cherries and put them into two main groups. Four cpSSR primers produced distinct and different alleles among sweet and sour cherries. The cpSSR loci separated sweet and sour cherries from each other, which confirms the theory that chloroplast genome of sour cherry is not derived from sweet cherry. The present results provided new insights regarding the extent of diversity of individuals and also determined the relatedness and obtained information on genetic diversity of sweet and sour cherries.

Association between quantitative morphological traits and RAPD molecular markers in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is very important in terms of horticulture and food around the world. The present research aimed to identify the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers associated with morphological traits in pomegranate genotypes. Significant differences were observed among the studied genotypes based on the recorded traits. The 18 RAPD primers produced a total of 154 polymorphic fragments among genotypes. Using multiple regression analysis between each of the morphological traits and 154 RAPD polymorphic bands, RAPD markers associated with each of the morphological traits were identified. In total, 11 markers showed significant correlations with fruit weight, 9 markers with 100-aril weight, 11 markers with anthocyanin, and 8 markers with total soluble solids. Some markers were associated with more than one morphological trait, showing that the association of a marker with more than one trait can be caused by the pleiotropic effects of quantitative trait loci related to each other in different traits. For instance, the BA6-1 marker showed positive correlations with fruit weight, fruit crown width, and leaf length. Also, OPG13-3 and BA6-10 markers showed positive correlations with total soluble solids and anthocyanin content. The informative markers identified related to morphological characteristics in pomegranate can be a suitable guide to identify the genotypes with valuable fruit traits. Also, these markers can be used in selecting suitable parents for population generation for mapping purposes.

Determination of the most appropriate fertilizing method for apple trees using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches.

Appropriate tree fertilization with essential nutrients is considered as one of the major factors in enhancing the quality and quantity of horticultural crops. The most efficient way to fertilize trees is to dig holes around the trunks and fill them with appropriate chemical and organic fertilizer. Doing this operation with mechanized methods reduces costs and increases productivity compared to traditional methods. In the present study, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, including deterministic analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS), and analytic network process (ANP), were used to score and select the appropriate fertilizing method for apple trees based on the growers and expert's perspectives. The criteria, including fertilizing operation cost, crop yield, the percentage of tree damages, ease of entering and moving fertilizing equipment in tree rows, field capacity (with or without machinery), comfort and safety of fertilizing operations, after-sales service, access to the required machinery and implements, crop selling price, and crop quality, were used in the above-mentioned methods. The fertilization methods (Hole digging) considered in the present study were traditional fertilization (Shovel), orchard Trencher, motor hole digger, fixed centerline tractor-mounted hole digger, and off-set tractor-mounted hole digger. Based on the results, the priority of mechanized fertilizing methods was determined as tractor-mounted hole diggers (AHP weight of 0.286, FAHP weight of 0.285, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.65, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.64), fixed centerline tractor-mounted hole diggers (AHP weight of 0.219, FAHP weight of 0.158, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.56, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.62), motor hole diggers (AHP weight of 0.171, FAHP weight of 0.079, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.46, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.31), and orchard trenchers (AHP weight of 0.12, FAHP weight of 0.057, TOPSIS relative proximity of 0.19, and FTOPSIS relative proximity of 0.20), respectively. Based on the ANP method, off-set and fixed centerline tractor-mounted hole diggers had the highest priority (weights of 0.43 and 0.27), followed by trencher (weight of 0.16), motor hole diggers (weight of 0.09), and the traditional method (weight of 0.04). Results showed that applying orchard tractors equipped with mounted diggers, especially off-set types, can play an important role in enhancing the quantity and quality of apples produced, as well as reducing the costs of fertilizing operations.

Selection of superior late-blooming almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) genotypes using morphological characterizations.

Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) is one of the earliest domesticated trees and the evidence dates back to 3000-2000 BC. In the present study, 198 almond seedling origin trees were studied to select late-flowering genotypes having high kernel quality. Significant variabilities were exhibited among the genotypes investigated based on the recorded traits. Full-blooming date ranged from mid-March to mid-April. The Ward dendrogram clustered the genotypes into two major clusters forming several subclusters. After clustering the genotypes based on the full-blooming dates, 68 late-blooming genotypes were recognized and reanalyzed based on the quantitative characters to select the superior ones. Nut-related characters were as follows: nut length: 22.34-43.05 mm, nut width: 14.07-24.34 mm, nut thickness: 9.21-18.00 mm, nut weight: 1.88-6.62 g, and shell thickness: 2.26-4.59 mm. Kernel-related characters were as follows: kernel length: 16.73-25.91 mm, kernel width: 8.50-13.64 mm, kernel thickness: 3.56-7.37 mm, and kernel weight: 0.35-1.41 g. Kernel weight was positively and significantly associated with nut weight, kernel thickness, kernel length, kernel width, nut length, and branch leaf width. Thus, these key variables are the main traits accounting for kernel weight, and they should be considered together in breeding with aiming at increasing the kernel weight. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of almond, such as fruit yield, nut weight, shell hardness, kernel shape, kernel weight, and kernel taste, 19 late-blooming genotypes were promising and are recommended for cultivation in orchards.

Morphological characterization of wild Prunus scoparia Spach accessions in 11 provinces of Iran.

Prunus scoparia (Spach) C. K. Schneid is among the most prevalent species which has the potential of being used as a dwarf rootstock for the cultivated almond. In the present study, the phenotypic variation of 521 wild accessions of this species naturally grown in 29 areas of 11 provinces in Iran was assessed. The accessions investigated showed significant differences based on the measured traits. The majority of the characters measured (90 out of 100) exhibited a coefficient of variation of higher than 20.00%, indicating considerable variation among the accessions. The range of nut-related characters was as follows: nut length: 9.72-22.87 mm, nut width: 5.81-15.54 mm, nut thickness: 5.67-12 mm, and nut weight: 0.18-0.99 mm. The range of kernel-related characters was as follows: kernel length: 6.83-19.23 mm, kernel width: 4.28-10.32 mm, kernel thickness: 2.16-7.52 mm, and kernel weight: 0.03-0.37 g. Kernel weight exhibited positive and significant correlations with nut length (r = 0.57), nut width (r = 0.54), nut thickness (r = 0.42), nut weight (r = 0.69), kernel length (r = 0.75), kernel width (r = 0.78), and kernel thickness (r = 0.58). Cluster analysis based on Ward's method showed two different major clusters among all the accessions. Based on the bi-plot created using principal component analysis of population analysis, the studied 29 natural habitats formed four groups. The studied accessions showed considerable variation in terms of the measured traits within and among populations. This variation is due to cross-pollination, cross-incompatibility, natural hybridization, propagation by seeds, gene flow, and exchange of plant material between the study areas. By using crosses between accessions of different regions, it is possible to increase the amount of variability in different traits of wild almonds.

Morphological characterizations of parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) to select superior genotypes.

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is an edible root that has long been used in cooking and preparing baby food and livestock. The present study was performed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of 69 accessions of this species to select superiors in terms of root quality in Paykan village, Isfahan province, Iran, in the year 2022. There were significant differences among the accessions investigated (ANOVA, p < .01). Coefficient of variation (CV) was more than 20.00% in the majority of measured characters (64 out of 66 characters), indicating high diversity among the accessions. Foliage width (crown) ranged from 10 to 55 cm with an average of 32.32 cm. Root shape was tapering (33), obtriangular (10), narrow oblong (5), wide oblong (5), obovate (13), and fusiform (3). Root length ranged from 81.2 to 294 mm with an average of 166.44 mm. Root diameter at its middle point ranged from 15.58 to 125.12 mm with an average of 51.83 mm. Root weight ranged from 15 to 1200 g with an average of 315.36 g. Inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color was cream yellow (11 accessions), light yellow (12), yellow (42), dark yellow (2), and yellow-light orange (2). In the cluster analysis based on Ward's method, the accessions were divided into two main clusters according to morphological traits. This is despite the fact that parsnip is part of the medicinal plant native and valuable in most farms in tropical cities. Compared with carrots, parsnip plants are more adaptable to different environmental conditions. The accessions studied here showed high phenotypic diversity. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of parsnip, such as root length, root weight, inner core (xylem) pigmentation/color, root shape, flesh color intensity, flesh palatability, and total soluble solids, 14 genotypes, including Parsnip-3, Parsnip-9, Parsnip-24, Parsnip-32, Parsnip-32, Parsnip-48, Parsnip-51, Parsnip-52, Parsnip-58, Parsnip-60, Parsnip-62, Parsnip-65, Parsnip-67, and Parsnip-69, were promising and are recommended for cultivation.