Showing 83 results for Quality
M. R. Pordel, R. Ebadi, M. Mobli, B. Hatami,
Volume 11, Issue 40 (7-2007)
Abstract
Pollination and fertilization of canola flowers are the main factors of canola seed production. In order to study the effects of insect pollinators on seed quantity and quality of three chosen cultivars of canola, namly, S.L.M., Okapi and Talaye, a split plot experiment in a complete randomized block design with four replications was carried out in Isfahan region. Main plots consisted of canola cultivars, and subplots consisted of open pollination and non-pollination by insects. Results indicated that the time to seed ripening in pollinated plots was 10.5 days less than those of non-pollinated plots. Pollination by insects increased the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and weight of 1000 seeds, by 14.3%, 23.5% and 10%, respectively. Grain yield also increased by 53% in pollinated plots. Pollination decreased seed moisture percentage by 3.15%, but its effect on seed oil percentage and germination percentage were not significant. Time to seed germination of plants of pollinated plots decreased three hours. Cultivars were significantly different in seed oil percentage and time to seed germination. Talaye cultivar produced the highest amount of oil (45.5%), while Okapi produced the lowest (40.8%). There were significant interactions between cultivars and pollination in terms of seed ripening, oil percentage and moisture of seeds, and the effects of pollination was different in different cultivars.
N. Mirghaffari, H. Shariatmadari,
Volume 11, Issue 41 (10-2007)
Abstract
Concentration of soluble fluoride in groundwater, soil, and some crops in Isfahan region was determined by Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) method. The mean fluoride concentration of water samples in the study area was 0.3 and 0.05 mg L-1 in the spring and summer, respectively. These values are in an acceptable limit for irrigation, whereas for drinking water, they are in deficiency range. The average and maximum concentrations of soluble fluoride in soil samples were 1.0 and 3.2 mg kg-1, respectively. In general, the spatial distribution of fluoride in soils showed that fluoride content around major industrial centers such as Isfahan Steel Factory, Mobarakeh Steel Co., and Isfahan oil refinery was higher than other sites. The minimum and maximum fluoride contents of crops were observed in alfalfa as 0.2 and in corn as 4.2 mg kg-1, respectively. Tomato had the highest mean concentration of fluoride as 3.6 mg kg-1. The fluoride concentration in plants positively correlated with the fluoride concentration in irrigation water and soil (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with cation exchange capacity of soil (P < 0.05).
M. Sheklabadi, H. Khademi, M. Karimian Eghbal, F. Nourbaksh,
Volume 11, Issue 41 (10-2007)
Abstract
The effect of overgrazing on vegetation changes in central Zagros has been studied by a few scientists, but there is no detailed information on the impact of such practices on soil properties. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of climate and grazing management on selected soil biochemical properties. Fourteen experimental range sites protected against grazing as well as their adjacent overgrazed sites in Chadegan, Pishkuh and Poshtkuh were selected. In each site, samples were collected from the depths 0-5 and 5-15 cm. Soil organic C (OC), microbial biomass C (MBC), total nitrogen (TN), organic C to total N ratio (C/N), microbial biomass C to organic C ratio (Cmic/Coc) and metabolic quotient (qCO2) were measured and/or calculated. The results showed that the lowest SOC, MBC, TN and Cmic/Coc occur in Chadegan due to low fresh materials input. The above parameters in Pishkuh and Poshtkuh regions are 2.5 to 3 times greater than those in Chadegan area. Grazing intensity in Pishkuh is less than that in Poshtkuh region and there is no significant difference between grazed and protected sites in Pishkuh. But, there is a significant difference between grazed and protected plots in Poshtkuh due to a higher grazing intensity. Higher Cmic/Coc and lower qCO2 suggest that the quality of organic matter is better in Poshtkuh and Pishkuh. In conclusion, highly degraded rangelands in Pishkuh and Poshtkuh seem to be able to recover very quickly with proper management, while Chadegan region needs a much longer period of time to restore.
F. Kamiab, A. Vesvaei, A. Ebadiand, B. Panahi,
Volume 11, Issue 41 (10-2007)
Abstract
This research was conducted in order to select male genotypes of pistachio with good performance. The study was performed on 10 genotypes in regard to their flowering time, pollen quantity and quality. The results indicated that flowering times of P1, P2 genotypes were simultaneous with Kallehghochi P3, P4, P5 genotypes with Ahmad Aghaii P6 and P7 genotypes with Ohadi and P8, P9, P10 genotypes with Akbari. Inflorescence weight showed big differences between them, ranging from 4.5gr for P6 to 1.66gr for P8. The amount of pollen per inflorescence also showed big difference, ranging from 71mg for P2 and 267mg for P5. In order to determine the percentage of pollen germination, a medium consisting of sucrose, agar and boric acid was used. The percentage of pollen germination also showed big difference, ranging from 30%for P3 and P4 and 85% for P10. Stored pollen at 4°C temperature showed 30% germination after one month and 0% germination after three months. The results also indicated that the percentage of pollen germination in culture medium without boric acid was lower, compared with other treatments. The viability of pollens collected from cutting inflorescences kept in water bottle was higher than that obtained from dried inflorescences maintained in room condition.
F. Kiani, A. Jalalian, A. Pashaee, H. Khademi,
Volume 11, Issue 41 (10-2007)
Abstract
To investigate the degree of forest degradation and the effect of land use change on selected soil quality attributes in loess-derived landforms, samples were taken from different land uses including forest, rangeland, degradated rangeland and farmland in Pasang watershed located in the Galikesh area of Golestan province (37°16'N, 55°30'E). The annual average temperature and mean precipitation of study area were 15°C and 730 mm respectively. Organic matter, pH, EC, CaCO3 and nutrients (N, P, K) as chemical indicators, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and porosity as physical indicators and soil respiration as biological indicator were measured. The results showed that the amount of organic matter decreased three percent when it was turned from forest to farmland, and increased two percent from farmland to rangeland. The amount of CaCO3 in surface layer of deforested area was more than in the forest soils. The amount of soil N in forest and soil P and K in rangeland were higher than in other land uses. Bulk density and porosity in forest and MWD in rangeland were higher than in other land uses because of the decrease in organic matter due to farming activities. Soil respiration in forest was highest as compared to in other land uses. Difference of enzymes activities (L-asparaginase and Dehydrogenase) compared to microbial respiration indicates that enzymes activity is related to specific biological processes while soil microbial respiration basically depends on the general activity of soil microbial population. It could be concluded that amount of organic matter, soil N, bulk density, porosity, MWD, soil respiration and enzymes activities are suitable indicators for soil quality evaluation in this area.
M. Modaraye Mashhoud, M. Esfahany, M. Nahvi,
Volume 11, Issue 42 (1-2008)
Abstract
In order to reduce the rainfall damages on rice yield at harvest stage, a field experiment was conducted at Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht, in 2004 by using Sodium Chlorate as a chemical desiccant. Five seed moisture contents of Dorfak rice cultivar were considered as experimantal treatments [24 - 28% (M1), 22 - 24% (M2), 20 -22% (M3). 18 - 20% (M4) and control (M5= conventional harvesting)]. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications and the effects of treatments on grain yield, head rice yield,seed germination rate and percentage, kernel breakage, kernel cracking, amylose content, gelatinization temperature and gel consistency were evaluated. Results showed that the whole plant and grain moisture contents were significantly reduced in all experimental treatments compared with control. M2 and M3 both cosiderably reduced the plant moisture content in which harvesting occurred 12 and 8 days respectively sooner than the control. In M1, due to high grain moisture and non - simultaneous grain filling in different tillers, many of panicles desiccated prior to maturity lost their quality. In M4, the crop harvested was only 2 days earlier than the control. Analysis of variance showed that there were no significant effects of treatments on evaluated traits. It seems that rice plant could be reliably desiccated by Sodium Chlorat and harvested earlier without any adverse effects on its quality and quantity.
M. Yoosefi, H. Shariatmadari, M.a. Hajabbasi,
Volume 11, Issue 42 (1-2008)
Abstract
Adopting proper agricultural management and conserving soil organic matter are important components of sustainable agriculture. Soil organic matter content is a key attribute in soil quality. Labile organic matter pools can be considered as suitable indicators of soil quality that are very sensitive to changes in soil management practices. This research was carried out to investigate some organic carbon labile pools as an indicator evaluating the effects of different managements on some quality parameters of two calcareous soils. The study was conducted in 2 locations: 1- plots that receiving 0 (C1), 25 (C2), 50 (C3) and 100 (C4) Mg/ha of manure for five years successively with a cropping rotation of wheat –corn every year and plots under three cropping rotations (C5, C6 and C7) at Lavark experimental farm and 2- inquiry research station of Fozveh at different plots with three different cropping rotations (C8, C9 and C10) with a given cropping history recorded for the last 5 years. Soil samples were taken from the center of each plot and the depths of 0-5 cm and 5-15 cm. Their organic carbon, hot water soluble carbohydrate, particulate organic matter (POM), organic carbon and hot water soluble carbohydrate of POM, mean weight diameter of water stable aggregates were determined. Different managements consisting of different levels of manure and types of cropping rotation had significant effects on the soil characteristics measured. The greateast amount of carbohydrate and aggregate stability was obtained in the plots of 100 Mg/ha of manure in Lavak and in alfalfa plots in Fozveh station. Also, the results showed that aggregate stability has a better correlation with hot water soluble carbohydrate in comparison with other soil organic pools. Therefore, the carbohydrate extracted by hot water may be used as an index to assess the impacts of different agricultural management systems on soil quality.
A. Moshgeli , J. Pourreza, A. Samie,
Volume 12, Issue 43 (4-2008)
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to determine the phosphorus relative bioavailability of eight samples of dicalcium phosphate. Bioavailability of Samples of dicalcium phosphate was evaluated and their effects on performance of laying hens were investigated. Commercial samples of Dicalcium Phosphate were provided from the following manufacturers: Iran Phosphate, Partove Bashash, Godaze, Poya Khojaste, Dan Razy Kimia, Phosphore Iran, Golbar Shimi and Dan Avar. The Parameters measured were shell strength, shell thickness, shell ash percentage, shell percentage, shell calcium and phosphorus percentage, Haugh unit, egg weight, egg production, egg output, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, tibial ash, and tibial calcium and phosphorus. One hundred and six, and 36 weeks old white Leghorn hens, from strain Hi-line W-36, were randomly allocated to 8 dietary treatments and 4 blocks in a completely randomized block design. The experiment lasted for 3 months, starting in the 36th week and ended in the 48week of age. Shell thickness, shell ash percentage, shell percentage, feed consumption, tibial ash and tibial calcium percentage were significantly different (P< 0.05) among treatments. Effect of experimental period on shell calcium and phosphorus percentage, egg weight, egg production, feed consumption, egg output was significant (P< 0.05). Relative bioavailability of samples ranged from 85 to 105.7%. Overall, samples of Phosphate Iran (F) were considered most effective with regard to relative bioavailability and performance.
M. Gholamhoseini, M. Aghaalikhani, M.j. Malakouti,
Volume 12, Issue 45 (10-2008)
Abstract
In order to study the effect of various amounts of nitrogen (N) and Iranian natural zeolite on the quantitative and qualitative forage yield of winter canola (Brassica napus L.) in light soil, a field experiment was conducted on research farm of Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, during 2006-2007. Treatments were arranged in the form of RCBD with 3 replications. The experimental treatments were based on factorial various levels of zeolite (0, 3, 6 and 9 t.ha-1) and nitrogen (90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1) in urea form. Seeds of canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Okapi) were sown on October 2, and fresh forage was harvested at the time of silique formation (170 DAP). Results showed that the effect of N and zeolite on forage quantitative attributes including biomass, leaf and stem dry weight and leaf area index were statistically significant. In addition, forage qualitative traits including crude protein percentage and calcium percentage in plant mass were significantly affected by N and zeolite. Increasing application of N fertilizer caused increase in N leaching, and with increasing zeolite application, N leaching reduced. The interaction of two factors for all parameters was not significant. The most increasing effects on forage yield and quality were gained using 270 kg N ha-1 in combination with 9 t. Zeolite ha-1. More detailed studies are strongly recommended to investigate the effects of integrated application of chemical fertilizer and natural zeolite.
S. Jannat, M. Chizari, S. Abbasi,
Volume 12, Issue 45 (10-2008)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate dairy farmers' attitudes regarding the quality of milk and role of training in improving the quality of milk. The study was implemented in two parts. The first part was survey research and 6200 dairy farmers were the target population for this study in Golpayegan Township, Iran. Dairy farmers were selected using stratified randomization sampling method (n= 130). In the second part, 12 dairy farmers were selected. Plate count and lipid percentage of milk in 12 dairy farms were determined in a completely randomized block design with 2 treatments and 3 replications. The results of the study showed positive and statistically significant relationship between independent variables (sex, educational level, membership in dairy :::union:::s, knowledge and participation in educational programs) and dependent variable (attitude). Results of analysis of variances showed that plate count and lipid percentage in the two treatments were significantly different.
F Goodarzi,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Because of its tenderness, long distance between field and consumer locations and unsuitable condition of transportation, 30 – 40 percent of strawberry fruits is wasted during the transportation between field to markets. One of the recommended ways for cutting down the wastes of strawberry is application of calcium salts after harvest stage to increase the content of Ca2+ in fruit flesh. For this reason, the selected fruits were treated by immersing them in 0, 25, 50 and or 75 mmol/lit concentrations of CaSO4, CaCl2 or Ca(NO3)2 for 4 min. After drying in atmospheric tempetature, fruits were stored at 5°C for 5 and for 10 days. To evaluate the effect of calcium solutions on fruit quality, some quantitative and qualitative tests were carried out on them. The results showed that by increasing the concentration of calcium salts, the amount of acidity and calcium of fruits is significantly increased, but the percentage of mouldy fruits is decreased. In most cases, the 50 and 75 mmol /lit concentrations of CaSO4 showed similar effects. Among the different calcium solutions, Ca(NO3)2 had the best effect on improvement of fruit quality, such as increasing the calcium and firmness of fruit , but CaSo4 prohibited the moulding of fruits better than other solutions. By increasing the period of storage from 5 to 10 days, the amount of acidity and firmness decreased significantly, while mouldness percentage increased. The organoleptic test showed that when the concentration of CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2 solutions is increased, the acceptability of treated samples is decreased by consumers. Because of the bitter taste, the least score was given to the samples treated by 75 mmol/lit concentration of Ca (NO3)2 solution. The panelists didn’t recognize any difference in taste between control and samples treated by 25 mmol/lit concentration of CaSO4 and CaCl2 solutions. None of the treatments showed initial attributes (tenderness and shape) of fruits after storage period. This method isn't recommended to increase the strawberrys' shelf life for home use, but it can be used for the ones which are to be consumed in food processing industries.
M Naseri, M Rezai, M Abasi, S Jam, H Hosseini, O Sabzevari,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Common kilka were chilled during 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days to determine the influence of such storage times of fish over the quality of the final canned product. For this propose, common factors for determination of fish quality (moisture, total lipid, free fatty acid, peroxide, thiobarbituric acid and fatty acid profile) were selected and compared with the formation of fluorescence compounds in fish tissue and filling media of canned kilka. In this work common indices showed higher oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity of canned samples compared to raw material but the trend of deterioration with the increase of chilled storage time was not well shown. However, filling media fluorescence compounds was significantly increased with the increase of chilled storage time and the decrease of fish primary quality (P< 0.05). According to the present results, fluorescence detection of interaction compounds can provide a good technique to assess quality differences in the final product as its relates to the quality of the raw material used.
B Siahsar, A Taleei, A Peyghambari, M Naghavi, A Rezaee, Sh Kohkan,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
In order to map the genomic regions affecting barley forage quantity and quality, two experiments were conducted with 72 doubled haploid lines and their two parents (‘Steptoe’ and ‘Morex’), at the Research Farms of the Faculty of Crop and Animal Sciences, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran and Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Station of Sistan, in 2007. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Each plot consisted of six rows that were 3m in length and spaced 25cm apart. QTL analysis was conducted by Composite interval mapping (CIM) method separately for each trait in each location. The main effect of genotype was high significant for all the studied traits. Transgressive segregation in both directions (positive and negative) was observed for all the studied traits. There was a negative relationship between forage qualityrelated with quantity-related traits. Thirty-three QTLs controlling different studied traits were identified. Phenotypic variance explained by these QTLs varies from 7.07 to 39.04%. Highest LOD scores were obtained for the leaf to stem ratio on chromosome 2H. QTLs of forage quality (total digestible nutrient, dry organic matter digestibility, leaf to stem ratio, seed to forage ratio and number of tiller per plant) and quantity (plant height, forage wet and dry matter) indexes were found on chromosomes 1H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H and 7H. Most of mapped QTLs appear to be fairly stable between locations and can become candidates for marker-assisted selection.
Sh Rofigari Haghighat, S Sabori Helestani, K Cheraghi, S.a.t Shokrgozar,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
Changes in black tea quality were studied for three subsequent years and in different times of plucking (spring, summer and autumn) in the form of two leaves and a bud. Percentage of waste, total sensory scores, total soluble solid, caffeine, theaflavin, thearobigin, total color and brightness were evaluated in black tea. The data were analyzed in split plot design based on randomized complete blocks. In hybrid tea, quality parameters in second time of plucking (summer) were high. In clone 100, total soluble solid and caffeine were in summer 1.85, 0.18 and 6.14, 0.79 more than spring and autumn tea, respectively. Total sensory scores, thearobigin and total color were more in spring and summer than autumn. The waste in autumn was more than spring and summer. Hybrid tea and clone 100 were significantly different in quality characters but not in waste amount (P<0.05).
Sh Kiani, N Babaeeian Jelodar, Gh Ranjbar, S.k Kazemi Tabar, M Norouzi,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
In order to study gene action in rice for traits related to quality (gelatinization temperature, gel consistency and amylose content), four varieties of rice (Sang-e-Tarrom, Gerdeh, IRRI2 and IR229) were investigated. Ten different generations including P1, P2, F1, RF1, BC1, RBC1, BC2, RBC2, F2 and RF2 were evaluated using generation mean analysis. In generation mean analysis, one of non-allelic interaction components, [i], [j]1, [j]2, [l]1, [l]2, [l] was significant indicating the genetic model of these characters were described by additive-dominance model with non-allelic gene interaction (except for gelatinization temperature trait in Sang-Tarrom × Gerdeh cross). The cross IRRI2×IR229 showed duplicate epistasis for gel consistency trait. Cytoplasmic effects and interactions between cytoplasmic and nuclear effects in two crosses were significant for amylose content and gel consistency traits. The estimation of narrow and broad-sense heritability for two crosses were 0.77 to 0.99 and 0.05 to 0.93, respectively. The predominantly additive nature of the genetic variability was further revealed by the variance components. Component D was detected significant in all the crosses. The covariance component and , however, showed indirectly that dominance contributed significantly to variability at the variance level. Therefore, according to the obtained results, selection can be effectively done in later segregation generations for gel consistency and amylose content and in early generation for traits.
M.m Majidi, A Arzani,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume widely adapted to environmental conditions and has been successfully used as a pasture and hay forage in Iran. This experiment was carried out to investigate yield potential and genetic variation of morphological, agronomic and qualitative traits using 10 Iranian sainfoin populations. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with four replications ON Research Farm, Isfahan University of Technology. Results indicated that there are significance differences between populations for most of the traits. The estimates of heritabilities for forage yield, number of stem per plant, number of node and qualitative traits were over 50 percent. The high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variability for economic traits showed that a broad genetic diversity in this germplasem can be exploited in breeding programs. Significant differences were found among cuts and cut × population interaction for all characters. The third harvest produced 41.6 percent of total hay yield. Evaluation of traits related to forage quality revealed that the highest proportion of leaf to stem belong to Sarab and Oromieh populations (6.28 and 6.82, respectively). Crude protein percentage was significantly different among cultivars and Golpayegan population had the highest value for Crude protein percentage. Feridan, Khonsar and Golpayegan populations produced the highest dry matter yield in the first, second and third cut, respectively. These populations were found as the high potential accessions, which can be used as a source for agronomic and plant breeding research in the region.
B Kavoosi, S Eshghi, A Tafazoli,
Volume 13, Issue 48 (7-2009)
Abstract
Overcroping, shading and short growing season can reduce the pool of carbohydrate reserves, and consequently reduce the quality of crop in grapevines. An experiment was conducted in order to study the effects of cluster number and different levels of cane topping on balanced yield and qualitative traits of table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Askari. The design of experiment was factorial in completely randomized blocks with four replications. Factors included cluster number (Control, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 cluster per vine) and cane topping included (Control, removal 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 length of shoot). Results showed that decreasing the number of cluster to 25-35 per vine, significantly increased %TSS, TSS/TA and pH but with increasing cluster number, these traits were significantly reduced. Thinning treatment to 25 cluster showed significant difference from the viewpoint of %TA compared with untreated control. Also topping treatment significantly increased %TSS, %TA, TSS/TA ratio and decreased % TA compared with untreated control. Reducing the cluster to 25-45 per vine significantly increased cluster weight, however, no significant difference was observed between control and 50 clusters per vine and/or 25 to 50 clusters. Yield per vine was reduced in all treatments in comparison with untreated control. However, no difference was shown between 25 to 35 and or 40 and 50 clusters per vine. According to the results obtained, cluster thinning combined with topping can be recommended for increasing fruit quality and balanced yield of Askari table grapes in cold climate of Cisakht region.
N Vahedi, M Mazaheri Tehrani, F Shahidi,
Volume 13, Issue 48 (7-2009)
Abstract
In this study, the effect of “Osmodehydrofrozen” fruit addition on sensory, physical, chemical and microbiological properties of concentrated yoghurt and its quality during storage was evaluated. This research was done in two stages. At the first stage, fruit percentage, type and addition time (before and after fermentation) was determined. The results indicated yoghurts containing 10% apple or 13% strawberry, which was added before fermentation had a better quality. Because of high osmotic activity of apple, the synersis was lower in apple yoghurt in comparison with strawberry yoghurt. According to osmotic activity of both fruits, the synersis value was much lower than that of fruit yoghurts, which contained untreated fruits. Taste value was higher in strawberry yoghurt and texture and mouth feel values were higher at low percentages of fruit. The results of the second stage (quality evaluation during storage) indicated that storage had a significant effect on pH, acidity, synersis, taste and texture (P<0.05). In samples which contained apple, coli forms disappeared after 7 days of storage. In samples that contained strawberry, coli forms disappeared after 7 days of storage.
F Ahmadloo, M Tabari, A Rahmani, H Yosefzadeh,
Volume 13, Issue 48 (7-2009)
Abstract
This research was carried out to improve the growth and performance of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) and Medite cypress (C. sempervirens var. horizantalis) seedlings in different combinations of organic matter in nursery of Koloudeh, located in Amol city (north of Iran). Seeds in plastic pots were sown as a completely randomized design (RCD) with four replications at different soil treatments including: T1) nursery soil (control), T2) control soil: cattle manure (5:1), T3) control soil: decomposited litter (5:1), T4) control soil: cattle manure: decomposited litter (5:1:1). The results after one year showed that the seedlings of both species grown on T4 obtained the greatest shoot height, collar diameter, seedling Vigor Index, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, total dry weight and seedling Quality Index (QI) among all the soils examined. The response of most attributes to soil was better in Cupressus arizonica than in C. sempervirens. It is concluded that organic matter caused the increase of growth and biomass of seedlings in both species. It can be proposed that in order to enhance the performance and improvement of Quality Index of seedlings in nurseries, the status of physico-chemical of soil-media should be seriously evaluated.
A. Sanaei Ostovar , A.h. Khoshgoftarmanesh , M.h. Mirzapour ,
Volume 14, Issue 54 (1-2011)
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate nutritional status and some quality aspects of greenhouse cucumber in Qom province. After selecting 20 greenhouses, concentrations of macro- and micronutrients as well as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil and plant were measured. In addition, some fruit quality attributes were determined. Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) concentrations in soils were much higher than their critical levels. The mean concentrations of soil DTPA-extractable iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) were 12.0, 1.98, and 14.5, respectively. The mean concentration of calcium (Ca) in cucumber leaf was high while in fruit was lower compared to its sufficiency level. Most fruit samples were deficient in K, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn. The mean nitrate (336 mg kg-1) and Pb (0.34 mg kg-1) concentrations in cucumber fruits were higher than their acceptable levels. Ascorbic acid concentration of fruits showed positive correlation with Fe concentration. Also, fruit Mg concentration had a positive correlation with the total dissolved solids and negative correlation with fruit moisture content. The results indicated that improper nutrition management in Qom cucumber greenhouses has caused micronutrients deficiencies and high nitrate and Pb concentration, which are important to consumers' health.
