Davood Hashemabadi’s research while affiliated with Islamic Azad University, Tehran and other places

Currently, with the growing interest in and emphasis on a healthy lifestyle, the acceptance of edible flowers has increased significantly. Edible flowers serve various purposes, including as decorative elements in food, therapeutic agents, and nutrient-rich food sources. Chrysanthemum, one of the top ten cut flowers globally, is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its medicinal and culinary applications. This study evaluated 20 modified chrysanthemum genotypes at the Mahallat Research Institute to identify the best-performing genotypes. The research, conducted from November 2022 to October 2023, comprised two phases: experimental and survey based. Data were collected on the nutritional value, biological properties, antioxidant capacity, and consumer preferences of the 20 genotypes. Using the multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) method, weights were assigned to these four indicators via the CRITIC method. The genotypes were then ranked using three MADM techniques: TOPSIS, ARAS, and WASPAS. The rankings derived from these methods were combined and analyzed using the average rank method. In the experimental phase, Code 110 emerged as the top genotype for nutritional and biological values,while Code 751 exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. During the survey phase, factors such as flower appearance, usage, consumer preferences, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle influenced the evaluation. Codes 674, 562, and 354 received the highest scores for consumer preference. By integrating the findings of the four indicators through the MADM method, Codes 110 and 603 were ranked first and second, respectively, while Codes 684, 138, and 801 received the lowest ranks. Furthermore, the combined results of the experimental and survey phases highlighted chrysanthemum as a suitable and valuable food source, widely appreciated by consumers for its diverse and appealing characteristics.

Orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis have high economic value in the floriculture industry and market and high potential for breeding programs. In vitro propagation makes it possible to clonally mass proliferate and conserve this valuable plant. In the current research, efficient protocols, some reported for the first time, for in vitro propagation of Phalaenopsis circus through organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (SE) are presented. We used protocorms obtained from seeds and thin cell layers (TCLs) prepared from leaves as explants. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium enriched with various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators. Protocorms were cultured on media fortified with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in combination with N-phenyl-N´-1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl-urea (TDZ), and α-naphthalene-acetic acid (NAA) in combination with N⁶-furfuryl adenine or kinetin (Kin) for organogenesis, as well 2,4-D in combination with NAA for SE. These protocorms produced either protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) or somatic embryos. Results showed that the highest number of PLBs (75.0) was obtained on medium enriched with 1.0 mg l–12,4-D. Maximum number of somatic embryos (12.3/explant) was obtained on medium containing 0.5 mg l–12,4-D together with 2.0 mg l–1NAA. The use of transversal TCLs with 2–3 cell layers as explants cultured on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg l–1IBA combined with 1.0 mg l–1TDZ produced the highest number of plantlets. Plantlets were transferred to pots and acclimatized in ambient greenhouse conditions with 100% survival rate.

Drought stress and water crisis is a great limiting factor for the production of horticultural crops. The present study was carried out during 2021 and 2022 at Horticultural Science Research Institute, Kamalshahr, Karaj, Iran to identify the effect of drought stress in physiological and photosynthetic characteristics of Prunus spp. rootstocks and varieties of 4-year old Prunus spp. The factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) having 3 factors and 3 replications. Factors included 8 rootstocks, viz. Myrobalan 29C, Penta, Tetra, St. Julien, Mariana 2624, GF 677, GN 15 and Seedling as the first factor; 4 cultivars, viz. Greengage, Simka, NO 16 and Zochelo as the second factor; and drought stress conditions in two levels namely with interruption of irrigation for 14 days and without interruption of irrigation as the third factor. Drought stress decreased relative water content of leaves, stomatal conductance, transpiration, CO2 content in substomatal chamber, and water use efficiency. Zuchelo and Greengage varieties and GN 15 rootstock had the highest and Simka variety and Mariana 2624 and Myrobalan 29C rootstocks had the lowest stomatal exchanges and photosynthesis, respectively. Among the rootstocks; GN 15, GF 677 and Mariana 2624 showed better physiological stability under stress, and the most tolerant variety against drought stress was NO 16. Totally, grafting combination of cv. NO 16 and rootstock GN 15 has been identified as the most tolerant to drought stress.

Violet, with its pleasant scent and attractive flower color, is also important for its medicinal and edible uses, in addition to ornamental uses. Proper nutrition of the plant (violet) with essential nutrients and growth hormones improves the quantitative and qualitative characteristics and can increase the economic value and popularity of these flowers. In this regard, the current research aims to investigate the combined effect of nitrogen (N) and gibberellic acid (GA) on the morphophysiological traits of two native Iranian violet species (Viola tricolor and Viola odorata), as a factorial experiment with three factors including two species of violets, three levels of GA (0, 150 and 300 mg/L) and three levels of N (0, 100 and 200 mg/L) in a completely randomized design with 18 treatments, 3 replications and a total of 216 plants. Some characteristics of planting medium, morphophysiological traits and activity of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. The results of ANOVA showed that the three-way effect of experimental treatments on all evaluated traits is significant. According to the results of comparing the averages the N application reduced the soil electrical conductivity (EC) versus its non-application in both violet species and at all GA levels. The highest soil N in both species was obtained from the application of 0 mg/L GA × 100 or 200 mg/L N. In two species of violets, the highest number of leaves, flowers, and stolons was obtained from the treatment of 300 mg/L GA × 200 mg/L N. The highest chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll among the treatments were related to V. odorata × 150 mg/L GA × 200 mg/L N. The application of GA and N in both species increased peroxidase activity versus the control. The highest level of this enzyme activity was related to 300 mg/L GA × 200 mg/L N. V. odorata had higher peroxidase activity than V. tricolor. The lowest and highest levels of catalase activity were recorded by control × V. tricolor (0.13 nM/g FW/min) and V. odorata × 300 mg/L GA × 200 mg/L N (0.676 nM/g FW/min), respectively. According to the results, with the application of 300 or 150 mg/L GA × 200 mg/L N, the ornamental and edible properties of these two types of violets are improved, and their economic value and marketability are increased, and there will be a change in the sales market of these flowers. Keywords: Viola tricolor; Viola odorata; foliar application; growth stimulator; ornamental-edible plants; seedbed acidity

One of the most important abiotic stresses and limiting factors (closing pores, lack of CO2 entry, reduced photosynthesis, and reduced yield) of plant products around the world is water-deficit stress. This study aimed to examine the water deficit stress and foliar application with anti-stress compounds (ASC) on characteristics of Viola odorata. The study was carried out as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete design. The factors consisted of water deficit and the foliar application of ASC at six levels [zinc-nano oxide (ZnO, 1000 and 1500 mg l–1), salicylic acid (SA, 200 and 300 mg l–1), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 200 and 300 μM)], and the control. The water deficit reduced the leaf water potential, cell membrane stability, and the shoot and root fresh weight but increased electrolyte leakage and soluble sugar accumulation. However, foliar applications, particularly SA and SNP, positively affected the measured parameters. The activities of superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase at all three field capacity levels were higher in the plants treated with SA and SNP than in the control and plants treated with ZnO. In sum, using 200 mg l–1 of SA as a foliar application, in addition to improvement of the growth and developmental conditions of the aromatic violet plant, moderated the adverse effects of water deficit stress and increased the plant resistance to water deficit stress. Based on the results, the application of SA, SNP, and ZnO reduced electrolyte leakage and enhanced the plant’s resistance to water deficit by increasing the compatible osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activity.

The citrus trade market welcomes cultivars with different characteristics such as being totally seedless or having fewer seeds, having thin and vividness skin, high ratio of sugar to acid, being watery, easy peeling and relatively large fruit. Furthermore, a wide range of cultivars should be available according to fruit ripening time from very early (precocious) to very late (serotinous). ‘Yashar’ mandarin is a hybrid obtained by crossing of the ‘Minneola’ tangelo and ‘Changsha’ mandarin. The fruits of this cultivar grow in the northern regions of Iran, and it ripen in May, thus, they are considered the late-ripening mandarin cultivars. One of the deficiencies of this cultivar is that it is full of seeds (25-30). Two separate experiments were performed to reduce the number of seeds in ‘Yashar’ mandarin. In the first experiment; the effect of pollen grains of different citrus cultivars (‘Valencia’ orange, ‘Hamlin’ and sour orange) and a free-pollination treatment as a control group was evaluated. In the second experiment, the effect of foliar application of copper sulfate at the rate of 25 mg·L-1 was conducted in stages 30, 60 and 80 % of open flowers. One free pollination treatment as a control group was evaluated as well. The results showed that the highest index of fruit technology (multiplication of the percentage of the extract in the soluble solids divided by 100) was obtained by pollination with ‘Hamlin’ and sour orange pollen grains. The foliar spraying with copper sulfate, when 30 % of the flowers had opened, among all the treatments evaluated in the study, reduced the number of seeds in the Yashar mandarin cultivar.

Global consumers want more from their food, and adding edible flowers may improve the appearance of certain dishes. In Iran, some flowers, such as roses and saffron, have been utilized for over 3000 years. However, consuming editable flowers is a novelty and remains underutilized due to several socio-economic factors. Accordingly, this paper aims to determine the factors determining the acceptance and consumption of edible flowers in Iran and highlight the most popular of five edible flowers identified in Rasht County, Iran (chrysanthemum, marigold, gladiolus, yucca, and hibiscus). A four-stage investigation was carried out from 7 to September 30, 2020 to gather information on the evaluation of the flowers. The visual, aroma, and ability to consume and taste the flowers were all evaluated throughout these stages. After being chosen randomly, 82 residents of Rasht county, both male and female, from various socio-economic backgrounds, were invited to participate in the study. The research was based on a questionnaire consisting of six sections. The survey results suggested (i) most participants had previously consumed edible flowers, usually as herbal distillates and food garnishing; (ii) the viewing phase influenced the purchase and eating of edible flowers the most; (iii) the purple chrysanthemum was the most attractive flower, followed by orange marigold, white gladiolus, purple hibiscus, and yucca; (iv) the visual appeal of edible flowers was the essential element in the acceptability and readiness to eat these novel food resources; (v) the selection of edible flowers is influenced by a variety of factors, including product type, consumer experience, personal taste, budget, and social and cultural influences. Our findings indicated that edible flowers, such as those specified in the study, have several uses in cooking, promotion, and media representation beyond just being used as garnish or in salads. They can also be processed into valuable components and ingredients for desserts, aperitifs, and sweets. This highlights the potential for using edible flowers in beverages as well.

African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is one of the most well-known ornamental, medicinal and edible flowers in the world. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 20 treatments in 3 replications, 60 plots and 5 plants per plot were conducted in order to investigate the effect of amino acids on growth, nutritional parameters and antioxidant capacity in African marigold. Experimental treatments included two cultivars of African marigold (‘Yellow’ and ‘Orange’) and foliar application of three amino acids (arginine, glutamine and proline) each one at three levels (100, 500 and 1000 μM). Distilled water was used as control. The results showed that the application of amino acids increased plant height, display life, fresh weight and dry matter of flower, leaf total chlorophyll and petal carotenoid compared to the control in both African marigold cultivars. Petal protein content and malondialdehyde (MDA) were not affected by the above treatments, but the use of amino acids, especially arginine and proline, increased proline and calcium, zinc and iron in the petals of both African marigold cultivars. Treatments of 100 μM arginine and 1000 μM proline induced the highest vitamin C in both African marigold cultivars. In ‘Orange’ cultivar, the highest enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) belonged to 1000 μM proline and the highest peroxidase (POD) activity belonged to two treatments of 100 μM arginine and 1000 μM proline. In ‘Yellow’ cultivar, all three levels of arginine and proline together with 1000 μM glutamine significantly increased SOD and POD activity compared to other treatments. Also, the highest APX enzyme activity was recorded for 100 μM arginine. The results of the present study showed that external application of amino acids, especially arginine and proline, improved the nutritional properties of both African marigold cultivars by increasing the activity of antioxidants.

The effects of postharvest blue light exposure have never been studied on cut flowers, so the present study aimed to explore the effects of blue light exposure duration (6, 12, 18, and 24 h) and silver nanoparticle (SNP) application (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg l−1) on the quantitative and qualitative traits of cut Alstroemeria ‘Napoli’ flowers. The control flower received distilled water without blue light exposure. The longest vase life (22.66 days) was related to 10 mg l−1 SNP, not differing from 12 h of blue light exposure (22.00 days) and 20 mg l−1 SNP (21.66 days), significantly. The highest water uptake and total chlorophyll and the lowest ethylene were obtained from the flowers treated with 10 mg l−1 SNP or exposed to 12 h of blue light. These two treatments outperformed the control in reducing MDA accumulation too. APX activity was significantly higher in the flowers treated with 12 h of blue light exposure, 18 h of blue light exposure, or 15 mg l−1 SNP. Except for the blue light exposure for 6 h, all treatments reduced stem-end bacteria versus the control. The lowest bacterial population (57.3 Log10 CFU ml−1) belonged to the flowers treated with 15 mg l−1 SNP. Blue light outperformed SNP in stopping the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and yeast. Based on the results, blue light is introduced as a physical factor to improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of cut Alstroemeria ‘Napoli’ flowers.

Olea europaea L. is a tree that is adapted to different soil conditions and can grow and produce fruits in relatively saline soils so that it has been mentioned as a plant species that is semi-resistant to salinity. Today, attention is increasingly drawn to the use of organic fertilizers to enhance yields with no environmentally destructive impacts. This study investigated the biochemical characteristics of three olive cultivars subjected to the foliar application of organic acids in a two-factor factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design. The three cultivars included Zard, Arbequina, and Manzanilla, and the organic acids were applied at nine levels including control, arginine, glutamine, humic acid, fulvic acid, arginine + humic acid, arginine + fulvic acid, glutamine + humic acid, and glutamine + fulvic acid. The results showed that the highest fruit yield was obtained from Arbequina and Zard, the highest Brix value, membrane stability index, and Mg content from Zard, and the highest Ca content from Zard and Manzanilla. The plants treated with humic acid exhibited the highest electrolyte leakage and the lowest proline content. Based on the comparison of the means for the interaction of ‘cultivar × organic acid’, the highest yield was obtained from ‘Zard × control’, ‘Arbequina × control’, and ‘Zard × glutamine + fulvic acid’, the highest proline content from ‘Arbequina × arginine’, and the lowest electrolyte leakage and proline content from ‘Zard × control’. Also, ‘Zard × arginine + humic acid’ exhibited the highest Ca content, ‘Zard × control’ exhibited the highest K content, and ‘Arbequina × control’ exhibited the highest N content.