About the journal
Recent Articles
-
Open Access Article
1 - Price Movement Influences the Major Coconut Products Production in Fiji
Divnesh Swamy Shamal Kumar William Kerua Owais Wani Natasha RajIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024The major coconut products produced in Fiji are copra and coconut oil. As a consequence, coconut oil is the only product now exported, and price fluctuations have a substantial impact. This study examines the changes in copra and coconut oil prices for Fiji from 2009 to MoreThe major coconut products produced in Fiji are copra and coconut oil. As a consequence, coconut oil is the only product now exported, and price fluctuations have a substantial impact. This study examines the changes in copra and coconut oil prices for Fiji from 2009 to 2019. The present study used secondary data for analysis. Copra pricing information was gathered from Fiji Copra Millers, and coconut oil price information was gathered from the website for palm oil analytics' crude coconut oil price. The price changes for trend, cyclical, seasonal, and irregular fluctuations were computed using a multiplicative model. Both the price of copra and the price of coconut oil displayed poor connections, R2= 0.39 and R2= 0.18, respectively, despite the years' considerable price volatility. The price of copra and coconut oil fluctuated significantly throughout the year and in distinctly diverse ways. Seasonality and erratic price fluctuations were particularly pronounced for coconut oil, which directly affected the price of copra and discouraged farmers from investing in coconut plants, lowering productivity, production, and copra supply. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Physio-Biochemical Changes of Some Pistachio Rootstocks in Response to Drought and Recovery Periods
Mohammad Hosein Shamshiri Mahboubeh Hoseini Mohammad Reza DehghaniIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024The reduction of water resources in pistachio production areas of Iran has led to an increase in the frequency of irrigation, so the pistachio trees are continuously exposed to periods of drought and recovery after irrigation during the growing season. Choosing rootstoc MoreThe reduction of water resources in pistachio production areas of Iran has led to an increase in the frequency of irrigation, so the pistachio trees are continuously exposed to periods of drought and recovery after irrigation during the growing season. Choosing rootstocks that have the highest resistance to drought stress and the highest recovery speed can be considered as one of the basic strategies for facing such conditions. This experiment was carried out as factorial and in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications. The experimental factors were the type of rootstock in five levels and the sampling stage in three levels for destructive biochemical parameters and six levels for non-destructive chlorophyll fluoresce parameters. Drought stress was achieved by withholding irrigation for 15 days, and in the recovery phase, the pistachio seedlings were irrigated daily up to field capacity for 10 days. At the end of the experiment, shoot and root dry weights were measured. Evaluation of pistachio seedlings biomass showed that the periods of drought and recovery did not affect the dry weight of shoot and root and rootstock type was the only influencing factor. The highest amount of shoot and root dry weight was observed in lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) and Bane-Baghi respectively, and the lowest amount was recorded in Bane and Sarakhs. Chlorophyll fluorescence indices were completely sensitive to drought stress and recovery. Dry period caused the measured biochemical parameters known as osmolytes to increase and the changes in these parameters were different in different rootstocks. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - The Effects of Various Concentrations of IBA Hormone on Rooting of ‘TF92’; New Peach-Almond Hybrid under Ex- vivo and In - vitro Conditions
Ruhollah Haghi Ali Imani Ali Torkashvand Marzieh Ghanbari JahromiIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024One of the main problems of fruit cultivation, especially peaches and almonds, is the lack of the application of the existing clone rootstocks such as the promising hybrid of peaches and almonds and its unavailability due to its propagation in Iran. So the seedling root MoreOne of the main problems of fruit cultivation, especially peaches and almonds, is the lack of the application of the existing clone rootstocks such as the promising hybrid of peaches and almonds and its unavailability due to its propagation in Iran. So the seedling rootstocks are inevitably used. However these rootstocks cause many problems for the growers due to the lack of uniformity. In order to solve this problem, the effect of different concentrations of indole butyric acid on the rooting of hardwood cuttings ‘TF92’ (promising hybrid of peach and almond) was tested in a private sector greenhouse in Karaj equipped with a heating pad during 2019. In this paper, the effect of 4 different levels of indole butyric acid hormone (IBA) 0, 1500, 2500 and 3500 parts per million in solution on hardwood cuttings was studied in a completely randomized design in three replications. The results showed that there was a significant difference between various concentrations of indole butyric acid in terms of the effect on the characteristics of the mode of investigation such as the percentage of rooting, the number of roots formed, the dry weight of the roots, the length of the roots and the length of the resulting branches in the cuttings. Thus the highest rooting percentage (78.45) was found in the indole butyric acid (IBA) hormone treatment with a concentration of 2500 mg L-1 compared to other treatments. Therefore, this method can be recommended as a suitable treatment for the rooting of wood cuttings of this promising emerging rootstock. Also, the highest percentage of rooted plantlets was obtained on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with 1 mg L-1 IBA. According to this study, the concentrations of 1 mg L-1 IBA results in the maximum rooting, and it has been suggested as a suitable hormone for in vitro rooting of ‘TF92’. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Application of Microwave-Assisted Method for Lutein Extraction from Pistachio Waste
Rama Ahmadi Masoud Honarvar Mehrdad Ghavami yousef DaaliIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024Lutein is a xanthophyll family of carotenoids, found in flowers, vegetables, and fruits either in esterified or non-esterified fatty acid form. It is mainly administered in pharmacological products, dietary additives, the food industry, and animal feeding industries. Th MoreLutein is a xanthophyll family of carotenoids, found in flowers, vegetables, and fruits either in esterified or non-esterified fatty acid form. It is mainly administered in pharmacological products, dietary additives, the food industry, and animal feeding industries. This study was conducted on the ‘Fandoghi’ variety from the Markazi province for pistachio hull lutein extraction and quantification. This study aimed to assess the lutein in pistachio hull and optimize its extraction protocol by new extraction methods with emphasis on microwave-assisted method (MAE). The powder from dried pistachio hulls obtained from fresh raw un-hulled pistachios was applied for further analysis. An experimental design based on the central composite design was applied for the extraction using the MAE method and extraction optimization. The lutein contents were quantitatively analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS method. According to the free form of lutein, Ethyl acetate was applied as an extraction solvent with the MAE method followed by the setting up of the extraction time, temperature, and solvent/sample ratio as variables. Under optimal experimental conditions corresponding to 5 min extraction time at 40°C, and 30 mg ml-1 of the solvent/sample ratio, the amount of lutein obtained from dried pistachio hull was 3.86 mg 100 g-1. The MAE method is a green, time-saving, and cost-effective method for lutein extraction from pistachio hull that can be suggested for lutein extraction from other plant materials and it can be applied in industrial scale. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Physiological, Biochemical, and Developmental Responses of some Pistachio Genotypes under Drought Stress
Mostafa Ghasemi Shiva Ghasemi Mehdi Mohammadi-Moghadam Saeid Kashanizadeh Mansoore ShamiliIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024Pistachio is one of the economic nut fruits in Iran. Water limitation is the most restrictive factor for its production. To overcome the water scarcity crisis, introducing drought-tolerant rootstocks is among the crucial breeding strategies. To investigate the drought t MorePistachio is one of the economic nut fruits in Iran. Water limitation is the most restrictive factor for its production. To overcome the water scarcity crisis, introducing drought-tolerant rootstocks is among the crucial breeding strategies. To investigate the drought tolerance of five Qazvin native pistachio genotypes, an experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with four replications in the greenhouse conditions. The factors were pistachio genotypes (Madari, KalKhandan, Kalehbozi, Sefid, and Ghermez) and irrigation regime (normal conditions and drought stress). The highest relative water content under drought irrigation conditions belonged to the Sefid (59.99%), and Ghermez (59.09%) genotypes. The lowest value (54.68%) belonged to the Madari genotype. The highest electrolyte leakage under drought irrigation conditions belonged to the Madari genotype (55.75%). The lowest electrolyte leakage (42.44%) belonged to the Sefid genotype. Under drought stress, the highest amount of chlorophyll a (2.12 mg g-1 fresh weight), total chlorophyll (3.051 mg g-1 fresh weight), and carotenoid (2.38 mg g-1 fresh weight) was observed in Ghermez genotype. In contrast, the highest amount of chlorophyll b (1.34 mg g-1 fresh weight) was observed in the Sefid genotype. The lowest amounts of chlorophyll and carotenoid in the drought stress belonged to the Madari genotype. According to the results, the Ghermez and Sefid genotypes with lower electrolyte leakage and higher relative water content, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and biomass under water stress, were the more drought-tolerant genotypes. Madari and KalKhandan genotypes with higher electrolyte leakage and lower relative leaf water content, chlorophyll, and biomass were the most drought-sensitive genotypes. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on the Formation of the Separator Layer of Walnut Fruit from the Pedicel and Acetylene Gas as Ethylene Synergism in Accelerating Fruit Ripening
Reza Khosravi Zanjani Majid Abdouss Sholeh KazemifardIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024With the aim of facilitating the harvest and accelerating the formation of the separator layer of the fruit with the peduncle, an experiment was conducted with ascorbic acid as one of the synergists of ethylene. This experiment was conducted in the form of randomized co MoreWith the aim of facilitating the harvest and accelerating the formation of the separator layer of the fruit with the peduncle, an experiment was conducted with ascorbic acid as one of the synergists of ethylene. This experiment was conducted in the form of randomized complete blocks in 3 replications and 8 treatments based on the concentration of ascorbic acid. The present study showed: a significant difference was observed between the design blocks. However, in statistical calculations, ascorbic acid did not show a significant effect on the separation of fruits, but according to observations, the use of ascorbic acid accelerated and increased the production of ethylene in the plant, so that at a concentration of 2500 ppm, the lowest force to separate the fruit from the branch we experienced. In other words, the direct use of ascorbic acid on the fruit-bearing branch with the appropriate concentration was not ineffective in facilitating the separation of the fruit from the tree, and it requires more repeated experiments. To facilitate the separation of mesocarp from endocarp, acetylene gas was used as one of the synergisms of ethylene. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 4 treatments based on acetylene concentration. This study showed that acetylene gas has a significant effect on the ease of walnut mesocarp separation by accelerating fruit ripening. As a result, by using this gas as an ethylene synergy, a higher percentage of quality nuts and walnut kernels with a bright color are obtained. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Comparing Aerodynamic Terminal Velocity of Open and Closed Mouth Pistachio Nuts Using Wind Column
Kobra Heidarbeigi Sadegh SamadiIssue 2 , Vol. 15 , Spring 2024Determining the terminal velocity as one of the important aerodynamic properties of particles and grains is essential for pneumatic separation, grading, and handling. A wind tunnel system was used in the present research to measure the aerodynamic terminal velocity of p MoreDetermining the terminal velocity as one of the important aerodynamic properties of particles and grains is essential for pneumatic separation, grading, and handling. A wind tunnel system was used in the present research to measure the aerodynamic terminal velocity of pistachio nuts. Some physical properties were measured and calculated. The effects of pistachio mouth status at four levels (closed, open, and semi-open mouth, and shell) were investigated on its terminal velocity. The volume, mass and density of that were 1.33±0.37 cm3, 0.97±0.31 g and 0.72±0.18 g cm3-1, respectively. The average aerodynamic terminal velocity of pistachio was 9.43±1.38 m s-1. The aerodynamic terminal velocity of the pistachio had a direct relationship with the studied physical characteristics, except for density. The terminal velocity of open-mouth pistachio nuts (9.50±0.61 m s-1) was significantly lower than that of closed (10.12±0.51 m s-1) and semi-open mouth (10.16±0.62 m s-1) nuts, with the terminal velocity of the shells (6.51±0.65 m s-1) showing the lowest values. The results revealed that terminal velocity can be considered for pneumatic separation of shells from pistachio nuts as well as the separation of open-mouth nuts from closed-mouth ones. Manuscript profile
Most Viewed Articles
-
Open Access Article
1 - Effects of Liquid Soap and Dishwashing Detergent on Pistachio Trees
Nazanin Vahabzadeh Mohammad Reza Hassani Sohrab Imani Hossein Allahyari Mahmoud ShojaiIssue 2 , Vol. 11 , Spring 2020The common pistachio psyllid, Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is the key pest of pistachio trees in Iran. Nowadays, pistachio growers use detergents widely to control this pest in pistachio orchards. Consequently, the study was carr MoreThe common pistachio psyllid, Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt and Lauterer (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is the key pest of pistachio trees in Iran. Nowadays, pistachio growers use detergents widely to control this pest in pistachio orchards. Consequently, the study was carried out to investigate the effects of applying liquid soap (Jonobgan®) 3500 ppm, dishwashing detergent (Rika®) 3500 ppm, and conventional insecticides (spirotetramat (Movento®) 300 ppm and phosalon (Zolon®) 2500 ppm, periodically on some characteristics of “Fandoghi” pistachio trees, including sodium and potassium contents of leaves and bud abscission rate over three years. The field experiments were done in a randomized complete block design with three treatments and three replications in Rafsanjan. The results showed that the application of liquid soap and dishwashing detergent caused no significant variation in sodium and potassium contents of leaves and bud abscission compared to other conventional insecticides. Therefore, detergents can be used safely to control pistachio psyllid. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Assessing Populations Diversity of Small Panel Oak (Quercus brantii) in Western Forests of Iran: a Major Effort in Reforestation Programs
Adele Rafezi Mohammad Reza Azimi Mehrshad Zeinalabedini Mohammad Reza ghaffariIssue 1 , Vol. 15 , Winter 2024Persian oak (Quercus brantii) is a critical, economic, and environmental species of Zagros forests in Iran. The effects of climate change and drought have caused a decline in Persian oak populations, leading to a severe reduction in genetic resources for future conserva MorePersian oak (Quercus brantii) is a critical, economic, and environmental species of Zagros forests in Iran. The effects of climate change and drought have caused a decline in Persian oak populations, leading to a severe reduction in genetic resources for future conservation programs. This study aims to evaluate the diversity and population structure of Persian oak in the western forests of Iran using morphological features. A total of 187 samples were collected from 15 locations in the Ilam province. Twenty phenotypic traits related to leaf, seed, and trunk characteristics were evaluated. Several multivariate statistical analyses were performed. The results revealed significant morphological diversity among the Persian oak ecotypes. Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between leaf length attribute and distance from leaf base to maximum leaf width (0.55) and maximum width of the leaflet (0.64) traits. The leaf width at 50% attribute with the maximum width of the leaflet and distance from leaf base to maximum leaf width have a positive (0.8 and 0.51 respectively) and significant correlation (p≤0.05). According to principal component analysis, the components of leaf and seed traits have the most impact on morphological variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis divided the locations into two groups, with some oak locations distributed in two clusters, indicating higher diversity of this species in different locations. Further research is needed to determine the optimal ecotype; however, the oaks in Ghallaje region have characteristics that can increase their ability to resist water scarcity, making them potentially appropriate for reforestation in Ilam province. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Response of Almond Genotypes/Cultivars Grafted on GN15 ‘Garnem’ Rootstock in Deficit-Irrigation Stress Conditions
Hossein Fathi Ali Imani Mohammad Esmaeel Amiri Jafar Hajilou Jaefar NikbakhtIssue 2 , Vol. 8 , Spring 2017This study was conducted to evaluate the response of Iranian promisinglate blooming almond genotypes to deficit-irrigation stress on GN15 rootstock. One-year old plants subjectedto three deficit-irrigation, including moderate and severe stress (soil water potential, &Ps MoreThis study was conducted to evaluate the response of Iranian promisinglate blooming almond genotypes to deficit-irrigation stress on GN15 rootstock. One-year old plants subjectedto three deficit-irrigation, including moderate and severe stress (soil water potential, Ψsoil = -0.8 and -1.6 MPa, respectively) and a control treatment (Ψsoil= -0.33 MPa), were applied for six weeks to five grafting combinations. A factorial experiment was conducted with a CRD which included three irrigations factors, five genotype factors and three replications. Genotypes/cultivarsincluded: ‘K3-3-1’, ‘H’, ‘13-40’, ‘Sahand’ and ‘Ferragness’ grafted on GN15 rootstock. Deficit-irrigation stress caused a significant reduction in plant growth parameters such as fresh and dry weights of plant organs, leafnumber, and total leafarea and leaf relativewatercontent in all almond genotypes and cultivars. Specific leaf weight (SLW) and leafabscission also significantly increased in drought-treated plants compared to the control group. Total shoot length, individual leaf area, leaf dimension (length and width), stomatal size and frequency were decreased in response to deficit-irrigation treatments. In response to stress, the‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Sahand’ cultivars on GN15 rootstock showed the highest relative water content (RWC) among the genotypes and showed the smallest decrease in fresh and dry weights of organs. The ’13-40’ and ‘K3-3-1’ genotypes showed the greatest leaf abscission and a decrease in the total leaf area, (the most reduction in transpiration area). Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Effect of Kaolin Application on Water Stress in Pistachio cv. „Ohadi‟
A. Azizi H. Hokmabadi S. Piri V. RabieIssue 4 , Vol. 4 , Autumn 2013Effects of kaolin applicati on were evaluated on water stress in pistachio cv. ‘Ohadi’. This experiment was conducted in one of research sites at the Pistachio Research Institute in Rafsanjan (Kerman province) in . The results show that individual and intera MoreEffects of kaolin applicati on were evaluated on water stress in pistachio cv. ‘Ohadi’. This experiment was conducted in one of research sites at the Pistachio Research Institute in Rafsanjan (Kerman province) in . The results show that individual and interaction effects of all treatments were significant on nutrition absorption in leaves, although there was not a steady effect on all the elements. On the majority of the factors, control with days irrigation period and lower kaolin application had more effect on nutrients absorbed by the leaves. Lower irrigation and upper concentration of kaolin application boosted soluble solids content. Increasing of prolin concentration was more impacted by the interaction of kaolin . and low irrigation treatments and also leaf area showed decreasing trend by single kaolin application, but in this regard, interaction of kaolin with low irrigation has boosting effect on this factor. Lower irrigation period decreased total nut production, blankness percentage, and increased fresh weight (nearly ), percentage of split nut, percentage of early split nut, percentage of irregular cracking nuts and ounce index. More kaolin concentration increased fresh weight, percentage of closed nut and lowering the total pistachio production, blankness and early split nut. Interaction effect caused increasing fresh weight, percentage of closed nut, ounce of nut, and decreased total pistachio production, spit nut, blankness and early split nut. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Creating Sustainable Income through the Cashew Nuts Value Chain (Evidence from Ghana)
Nicholas Oppong Mensah Richmond Anaman Kingsford Nyarko- Fordjour Samuel Afotey Anang Anthony Donkor Jacqueline TwintohIssue 3 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2021The study assessed the actors along the Cashew value chain and their influence in making the income derived from cashew sustainable. Primary data for the study were collected from 210 actors using a structured questionnaire. The gross margin and the Herfindahl-Hirschman MoreThe study assessed the actors along the Cashew value chain and their influence in making the income derived from cashew sustainable. Primary data for the study were collected from 210 actors using a structured questionnaire. The gross margin and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) were used to determine the revenue margin and market competitiveness (concentration) among the various actors along the cashew value chain. The results revealed that most of the actors were male and had between 6-10 years of experience in cashew production. Also, the actors’ resort to loans in financing their operations was an interest rate of 24%. Producers had the lowest net margin on revenue of 16.95%, and they indicated that fluctuation in pricing and bushfires were challenges faced in production. Purchasing clerks pointed out that inadequate storage facilities and the high cost of transportation were their challenges. Moreover, processors indicated that lack of government support, high interest on loans, and low demand for processed cashew nuts were their challenges. According to cashew nuts exporters, their significant challenges are high cost of transport and high cost of storage facilities. Furthermore, the Herfindahl-Hirschman index showed that the cashew industry in the study area was highly concentrated. The study recommended that government efforts should be focused on developing a cashew Development Board to enhance marketing and price regulation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Determination of Nutritional Value and Oxidative Stability of Fresh Walnut
Najmeh Chatrabnous Navid Yazdani Kourosh VahdatiIssue 1 , Vol. 9 , Winter 2018Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a tree with significant economic value and usage for human health and various food industries. However, fresh walnut kernels are a less widespread product than the dried kernels. This study aimed to determine the fresh walnut kernel properti MoreWalnut (Juglans regia L.) is a tree with significant economic value and usage for human health and various food industries. However, fresh walnut kernels are a less widespread product than the dried kernels. This study aimed to determine the fresh walnut kernel properties including, fatty acid composition, proximate composition, total phenolics (TPs), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), acidic, peroxide and saponification values of extracted oil and minerals of fresh walnuts kernels. Green walnut fruits were harvested on commercial maturity. The content of different fatty acids (%) was determined as 16:0; 5.91, 18:1; 77.7, 18.2; 11.13 and 18:3; 2.84. Also, the essential nutritional compounds such as protein content (16 ± 0.67), ash (3± 0.32), water (20 ± 0.49), fat (40 ± 0.22) and total carbohydrate (21 ± 0.23) were quantified and reported in percentages. The energy content was 508 ± 0.48 kcal. Acidic values, peroxide values and saponification values in walnut oil were 3 ± 0.14, 0.3 ± 0.06 and 130 ± 0.54 respectively. Furthermore, the average mineral contents were also determined. In general, it can be claimed that fresh walnuts have significant amounts of protein, oil and minerals, and higher water content in comparison with dry nuts. Nonetheless, our results in comparison with the information available about dry walnuts showed that fresh walnuts contained less oil content compared to dried fruits. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Concentration of Some Major Elements in the Kernel of pistacia atlantica desf., p. Vera Variety “sarakhs”, “badami zarand” and Cultivated Pistachio in Iran
Gh Davarynejad T Nagy Peter E DavarynejadIssue 1 , Vol. 3 , Winter 2012Edible nuts have an increasing role in human diet. Pistachio is popular but less known kind of edible nut nevertheless it is rich in health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. This research focused on the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus MoreEdible nuts have an increasing role in human diet. Pistachio is popular but less known kind of edible nut nevertheless it is rich in health benefiting nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. This research focused on the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca), all of which play a key role in the healthy human nutrition and lifestyle in the kernels of various cultivars and several samples, including “Ahmedaghaii”, “Akbari”( 2 different phenotypes), “Sefid”, “Momtaz” “Kallehghuchi ” ( 3 different phenotype), “Ohadi ( 3 different phenotypes), “Garmeh” “Daneshmandi”, and “Badami zarand” which are most important commercially cultivated pistachio in Iran, also wild pistachios such as Pistacia atlantica, Sub sp. mutica Desf. (Baneh), P. vera variety “Sarakhs” and chance seedling as “Non-grafted trees. The amounts of the nutrient elements as well as protein content in 100 g kernel were eliminated. Protein content for examined cultivars varied form 13.75-28.13 gr/100gr, as well as N: 2.2-4.5 gr/100gr, P: 350-550 mg/100gr, K: 500-1100 mg/100gr and Ca: 40-135 mg/100gr. The results revealed wide variation in mineral content among different species and cultivars. In addition to, the results provided important data on the concentration of some major elements, emphasizing that pistachio kernel can be used as a good source of major elements as huge quantity of kernels produced and disposed in pistachio processing terminals. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - The Effect of Roselle Calyx Extract and Nano-ZnO Biofilm on Walnut's Chemical and Sensory Properties
Neda Sadat Aghayan Maede Sadat Abbasi Anna Etemadi Razlighi Atousa Kokabian Neda Fallah Grace MorineIssue 1 , Vol. 15 , Winter 2024Bionanocomposite active films made from tapioca starch and bovine gelatin, with the addition of roselle calyx extract (RCE) and zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO-N), were created as packaging material to protect walnuts against mold, yeast contamination, and lipid oxidation. Thre MoreBionanocomposite active films made from tapioca starch and bovine gelatin, with the addition of roselle calyx extract (RCE) and zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO-N), were created as packaging material to protect walnuts against mold, yeast contamination, and lipid oxidation. Three types of packaging were produced: tapioca starch and bovine gelatin (control sample), tapioca starch, bovine gelatin, and RCE, and tapioca starch, bovine gelatin, ZnO-N, and RCE. Approximately 30 grams of walnuts were packed using each type of packaging and evaluated for acidity value, mold and yeast count, peroxide value, and sensory tests. After 90 days, the mold and yeast count of walnuts packed with RCE/ZnO-N and RCE was 4.49 and 4.65 log cfu/g respectively, compared to 4.95 log cfu/g in the control sample. At the end of the conservation period, the aroma score was 3.59 for walnuts packed with RCE/ZnO-N, compared to 2.5 for those packed with tapioca starch and bovine gelatin. The acidity value indicated that walnuts packed with RCE and RCE/ZnO-N had a positive effect on acidity, with the lowest value found in walnuts packed with RCE/ZnO-N. The study showed that bionanocomposite packaging films containing RCE and ZnO-N are effective in protecting walnuts against fungal contamination and oxidation. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Effects of Various Irrigation Levels and Biochar-Based Fertilizers on Peanut Production
Mahmoud M. Abbas Khalood W. Abooud Amjed Qasim Mohammed Sura Hasan Al-Zubaidi A'laa Hassan Abdul Hussain Noora M. Hameed Ahmed Ayoob Ibrahim Kahtan A. Mohammed Maytham T. Qasim Heba Takleef al salami Salam Ahjel Kholoud Ahmad bataynehIssue 4 , Vol. 13 , Autumn 2022Biochar-based fertilizers, customized to specific soil conditions, have piqued public attention to enhance soil quality and carbon sequestration. The incorporation of biochar into agricultural fields can become a primary factor in the preservation of soil productivity a MoreBiochar-based fertilizers, customized to specific soil conditions, have piqued public attention to enhance soil quality and carbon sequestration. The incorporation of biochar into agricultural fields can become a primary factor in the preservation of soil productivity and fertility. However, there is still no conclusive experimental evidence to support this claim. In this study, a split-plot experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) using three replications to evaluate the influence of irrigation and varied amounts of biochar-based fertilizer on peanut plants' yield to determine the water use efficiency (WUE). The primary treatment with different irrigation cycles and no irrigation, and the sub-treatment with biochar-based fertilizer of 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha-1 and no fertilizer, were performed in Sulaymaniyah which is located in the east of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The results revealed that the seven-day irrigation cycle produces the largest pods and seeds, with 4325 and 2435 kg ha-1 yields, respectively. The 100 kg ha-1 biochar-based fertilizer yielded the highest output, with a pod yield of 3652 kg ha-1 and a seed yield of 1921 kg ha-1. According to the results of the interaction between irrigation management and biochar-based fertilizer, the irrigation treatment had a maximum seed yield of seven-day and the fertilizer treatment had a maximum seed output of 100 kg N ha-1 with an average of 3462 kg ha-1. The variance analysis results indicate that water use efficiency in irrigation management, different levels of biochar-based fertilizer, and their combined effect on total biomass, seed, and pods were significant. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - Effects of Water Salinity on Growth Indices and Physiological Parameters in Some Wild Pistachio
H.R Karimi Z Zamani A Ebadi R FatahiIssue 1 , Vol. 3 , Winter 2012The effect of four water salinity levels (0.75, 5, 10 and 15 dS.m -1 ) on growth indices and physiological parameters in some wild pistachio (P. atlantica, P. atlantica subsp. kurdica, P. atlantica subsp. mutica and P. atlantica subsp. cabulica) were investigated under MoreThe effect of four water salinity levels (0.75, 5, 10 and 15 dS.m -1 ) on growth indices and physiological parameters in some wild pistachio (P. atlantica, P. atlantica subsp. kurdica, P. atlantica subsp. mutica and P. atlantica subsp. cabulica) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Leaf dry weight was reduced to about 30-54% at ECw 10 dS.m -1 . Chemical analysis of shoot and root indicated that the concentration and distribution of Na+ , K+ and Ca2+ in pistachio rootstocks were affected by salinity. The concentrations of Na+ and K+ increased in shoot with a rise in water salinity level. Comparison between Na+ concentration of shoot and root showed that all rootstocks limited the Na+ transportation to shoot tissue up-to 15 dS m -1 , and retained it in the roots. However, this ability was weaker in Kurdica rootstock. Leaf area was affected by salinity, expect in Atlantica. The maximum of leaf area and chlorophyll index were observed in Atlantica rootstock. In Atlantica, leaf area and chlorophyll index were decreased 15.76% and 12.56% at 15 dS. m-1 compare to control respectively, whereas those were 19.95% and 19.08% in Mutica. Relative water content of leaves (RWC) was decreased in all rootstocks at solution 4 (15 dS. m-1 ). The rootstocks were differed considering to stomata resistance of leaves response to salinity, so that; it was gradually increased in Atlantica and Cabulica rootstocks, while those were non-consistent in Kurdica and Mutica. Based on measured parameters Atlantica and Kurdica could be considered as tolerant and sensitive pistachio rootstocks to water salinity, respectively. Manuscript profile