Browsing by Author "Najafi, Solmaz"

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Aegilops Crassa Cytotypes in Some Regions of Türkiye
(Mdpi, 2024) Najafi, Solmaz
A new hexaploid cytotype of Aegilops crassa has been identified in T & uuml;rkiye. To assess the ploidy levels of native populations, 50 samples from Ad & imath;yaman, Batman, Bitlis, Diyarbak & imath;r, Hakkari, Mardin, Siirt, & Scedil;anl & imath;urfa, & Scedil;& imath;rnak, and Van were analyzed using flow cytometry and cytogenetic techniques. DNA content was determined by comparison with standard plants. Results confirmed two cytotypes in T & uuml;rkiye: tetraploid populations from Batman, Bitlis, Diyarbak & imath;r, Hakkari, Mardin, Siirt, & Scedil;anl & imath;urfa, and & Scedil;& imath;rnak, and hexaploid accessions from Ad & imath;yaman and Van. Ten metaphase plates were analyzed. The tetraploid cytotype exhibited chromosome lengths of 8.95 +/- 0.27 to 13.96 +/- 0.13 mu m, a total genome length of 165.51 +/- 0.34 mu m, and nuclear DNA content of 18.53 +/- 0.29 to 20.37 +/- 0.49 pg. Most chromosomes were metacentric, except for chromosomes 7, 8, 10, and 12, which were submetacentric. Two satellite pairs were found on chromosomes 4 and 10. The hexaploid cytotype showed chromosome lengths of 8.90 +/- 0.16 to 14.06 +/- 0.06 mu m, a total genome length of 230.47 +/- 0.23 mu m, and nuclear DNA content of 33.40 +/- 0.52 to 35.01 +/- 0.31 pg. Most chromosomes were also metacentric, with three satellite pairs on chromosomes 3, 6, and 10. In conclusion, both tetraploid (2n = 2x = 28) and hexaploid (2n = 6x = 42) cytotypes of Ae. crassa exist in T & uuml;rkiye, with the hexaploid cytotype having potential for wheat breeding programs.
Analysis of Nuclear Dna Content and Karyotype of Phaseolus Vulgaris L
(Mdpi, 2023) Kulaz, Haluk; Najafi, Solmaz; Tuncturk, Ruveyde; Tuncturk, Murat; Albalawi, Marzough Aziz; Alalawy, Adel I.; Sayyed, R. Z.
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), whose annual production is 26 million tons worldwide, is one of the main sources of protein and is known as one of the most important food sources. In this study, the karyotype variations and the genome size of four common bean genotypes in Turkey were investigated to determine whether the geographic variables in these regions affected the genome size and the karyotype parameters. In addition, it is known that as that the cytological and chromosomal parameters change under the influence of the climatic conditions of each region, appropriate and stable cytological methods for each plant facilitate and enable the determination of the chromosomal structure and the identification of specific chromosomes in the genotypes of the relevant region. Correct and valuable information such as this enables breeders and researchers to determine the correct shape and actual size of chromosomes. The genome size of the genotypes was measured with a flow cytometer, and chromosome analyses were performed with the squash method. For each genotype, the karyotype parameters, such as the number of somatic chromosomes, the Mean Total Chromosome Length (MTCL), the Mean Centromere Index (MCI), and the Mean Arm Ratio (MAR), were measured. The results showed that the highest and the lowest amounts of DNA per nucleus (3.28 pg and 1.49 pg) were observed in the Bitlis and Elazig genotypes. In addition, all genotype chromosome numbers were counted to be 2n = 2x = 22. The Mean Total Chromosome Length varied from 15.65 mu m in Elazig to 34.24 mu m in the Bitlis genotype. The Mean Chromosome Length ranged between 1.42 mu m and 3.11 mu m in the Elazig and Bitlis genotypes. The Hakkari and Van genotypes consist of eleven metacentric chromosomes, while the Bitlis and Elazig genotypes consist of ten metacentric chromosomes and one sub-metacentric chromosome. However, the Mean Centromere Index and Arm Ratio differed considerably among the genotypes. The highest (46.88) and the lowest (43.18) values of the Mean Centromere Index were observed in the Hakkari and Elazig genotypes, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest (1.15) and the highest (1.36) values of the Mean Arm Ratio were obtained in the Bitlis and Elazig genotypes, respectively. Eventually, intraspecies variations in genome size and chromosomal parameters were observed, and it was determined that the changes in nuclear DNA content and different chromosomal parameters among the four Phaseolus genotypes from four different regions of Turkey indicate the effect of climate change in the regions on these parameters. Such information in these areas can be used as useful information for the improvement of this plant and breeding programs.
Ascorbic Acid Enhances Growth and Dualex Parameters in Arachis Hypogaea L. Under Salt Stress
(Springernature, 2024) Tunctuerk, Ruveyde; Oral, Erol; Tunctuerk, Murat; Nohutcu, Luetfi; Najafi, Solmaz; Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Pace, Loretta
Salt stress limits crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions, posing a significant challenge to agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the potential of ascorbic acid (AA) to alleviate the harmful effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) in Arachis hypogaea L. by applying AA concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 300 ppm and NaCl levels of 100 and 200 mM under controlled conditions. Results showed that the application of 300 ppm AA under 200 mM NaCl notably mitigated salt-induced reductions, enhancing stem and root lengths by 33% and 14% and increasing stem fresh and dry weights by 67% and 39%, respectively. Comparative analysis showed a 3% decrease in plant temperature, a 56% increase in leaf area, and a 59% reduction in malondialdehyde, underscoring AA's protective effects. Although not all measured parameters responded significantly to AA under salt stress, these findings highlight the compound's potential to counteract growth reductions in A. hypogaea, demonstrating its value for sustainable agricultural practices under saline conditions.
Biofertilizer Application Enhances Drought Stress Tolerance and Alters the Antioxidant Enzymes in Medicinal Pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo Convar. Pepo Var. Styriaca)
(Mdpi, 2021) Najafi, Solmaz; Nazari Nasi, Hossein; Tuncturk, Ruveyde; Tuncturk, Murat; Sayyed, Riyaz Z.; Amirnia, Reza
The effects of mycorrhiza, Thiobacillus and Nitroxin (Azotobacter and Azospirillum sp.) biofertilizers under drought stress conditions with four levels of field capacity (FC) (control(100%), 85%, 70%, and 50%) on the antioxidant enzyme activities of medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo convar. pepo var. Styriaca) were evaluated during the years 2018-2019. Irrigation levels exhibited significant effects on all studied variables, except for the catalase (CAT) enzyme. A significant correlation was observed between the effects of irrigation levels and biofertilizers on antioxidant enzymes, soluble protein content, and grain yield. The highest activity of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes was achieved using mycorrhiza in 50% FC. Increasing drought intensity and mycorrhiza stimulated glutathione reductase (GR) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities by 32% and 66%, while Nitroxin increased them by 16% and 43%, respectively. Under severe drought stress conditions, only mycorrhiza exhibited a positive effect on GR and GPX enzymes. Under moderate and severe drought stress conditions, Nitroxin increased grain yield by 13% and 12.6%, respectively. The irrigation regimes and bio-fertilizers had a significant effect on beta-sitosterol percentage. The highest amount was observed at the highest level of drought stress. Among the various bio-fertilizers treatments, the application of Thiobacillus yielded the highest percentage of beta-sitosterol. The results of the present study demonstrate that the application of biofertilizers is beneficial in coping with drought stress.
Characterization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities Associated With Vineyards in Northwestern Iran
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2022) Rezaee Danesh, Younes; Kariman, Khalil; Keskin, Nurhan; Najafi, Solmaz
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish beneficial symbiotic associations with plants, enhancing their nutrient uptake, growth, and stress tolerance. The present study was aimed to investigate AMF spore density, species composition, mycorrhizal colonization patterns, and correlation of these indices with soil physicochemical parameters at four vineyards located in one of the most important grape-producing regions of Iran (West Azerbaijan province). Forty-three soil samples were collected from four grape-producing regions during July-August 2019. The total spore abundance ranged from 39-647 spores per 100 g dry soil. Twelve AMF species, representing six genera (Rhizophagus, Funneliformis, Glomus, Septoglomus, Claroideoglomus, and Scutellospora) were identified. Rhizophagus fasciculatus was the most frequently found species, with a frequency of 75%. Two of the identified species, G. glomerulatum and Scutellospora calospora are new for the mycoflora of Iran. Significant negative correlations were detected between AMF attributes [spore density, AMF colonization frequency (F%) as well as AMF colonization intensity (M%)] and soil phosphorus content. The results provide insights into the AMF communities and dynamics in vineyards as influenced by soil parameters, improving our understanding of soil biological fertility in grape production systems.
Chromosome Analysis of Some Phaseolus Vulgaris L. Genotypes in Turkey
(Bangladesh Botanical Soc, 2022) Kulaz, Haluk; Najafi, Solmaz; Tuncturk, Murat; Tuncturk, Ruveyde; Yilmaz, Hilal
Karyotypes parameters in four selected Turkish bean genotypes (BT, HK, VN, and EL) were studied. Genotypes (4 levels) and chromosomes (11 levels) were compared in factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with five replications. Genotypes showed significant differences in long arm, short arm and total chromosome length and divided into three separate groups. Genotypes BL and HK were placed together in a separate group, probably showing the weaker kinship with the other genotypes. Also, the significant differences in all recorded parameters were observed among chromosomes of each genotype. All genotypes were diploid 2n = 22 with no satellite and differed significantly in karyotypic parameters. The most and the least chromatin length (34.24 mu m and 15.65 mu m) were observed in BT and EL genotypes, respectively. Also, all genotypes showed high chromosomal symmetry and categorized in Stebbins's Class 1A. The karyotype of genotype BT was found to be more symmetrical than others.
Effects of Hazelnut Husk Waste on Quality Parameters of German Primrose (Primula Obconica Hance)
(Bangladesh Botanical Soc, 2023) Najafi, Mina; Kutuk, Cihat; Najafi, Solmaz; Balci, Meric
The study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using hazelnut shell waste as a growth medium for German primroses (Primula obconica Hance) under greenhouse conditions. Five different media combinations were prepared using sphagnum moss peat (SMP) and hazelnut husk waste (HHW). Some quality and growth parameters of P. obconica appeared to be significantly different depending on the growth medium. Results showed that HHW had a statistically significant impact on two parameters, namely aesthetic appearance score and mean flower weight, but had no impact on the other qualitative traits. The highest (8.94) and lowest (4.70) esthetic appearance scores were observed at 100% HHW and control treatments, respectively. In addition, the maximum (0.15 g) and minimum (0.097 g) mean flower weights were observed in HHW2 treatment and control plants, respectively.
Estimation of Nuclear Dna Content in Some Aegilops Species: Best Analyzed Using Flow Cytometry
(Mdpi, 2022) Najafi, Solmaz; Ulker, Mehmet; Oral, Erol; Tuncturk, Ruveyde; Tuncturk, Murat; Sayyed, R. Z.; Cseh, Andras
The genera Triticum and Aegilops have been considered as the main gene pool of wheat due to their features, such as tolerance of all types of abiotic and biotic stresses. This study was conducted to evaluate the cytogenetic analyses in 115 native and wild populations from eleven Aegilops species using their nuclear DNA quantification. Mean 2C nuclear DNA contents of different ploidy levels in the wild wheat of Turkey and Iran were measured using the flow cytometry technique. The obtained results showed that the mean nuclear DNA content in diploid species varied from 10.09 pg/2C (Ae. umbellulata) to 10.95 pg/2C (Ae. speltoides var. ligustica) in Turkey. In Iranian diploids, the mean nuclear DNA content varied from 10.20 pg/2C (Ae. taushii) to 11.56 pg/2C (Ae. speltoides var. ligustica). This index in the tetraploid species of Turkey varied from 18.09 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica) to 21.65 pg/2C (Ae. triaristata), and in Iranian species, it was from 18.61 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica) to 21.75 pg/2C (Ae. columnaris). On the other hand, in the hexaploid species of Turkey, this index varied from 31.59 pg/2C (Ae. crassa) to 31.81 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica); in the Iranian species, it varied from 32.58 pg/2C (Ae. cylindrica) to 33.97 pg/2C (Ae. crassa). There was a significant difference in the DNA content of Turkey and Iran diploid as well as tetraploid species; however, in hexaploid species, the difference was not significant. It was concluded that the variation in intraspecific genome size was very low in diploid and tetraploid populations; this means that the low variation is not dependent on geographic and climatic parameters. On the other hand, the interspecific variation is significant at the diploid and tetraploid populations. It is generally very difficult to distinguish Aegilops species from each other in natural conditions; meanwhile, in this study, all species could be, easily, quickly and unambiguously, distinguished and separated using the FCM technique.
Foliar Applications of Zno and Its Nanoparticles Increase Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) Growth and Yield Under Water Stress
(Mdpi, 2023) Ghiyasi, Mahdi; Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Amirnia, Reza; Najafi, Solmaz; Mulet, Jose M.; Porcel, Rosa
Foliar application or minerals is a methodology to promote growth and/or yield and to protect plants against different kinds of stresses. Currently there is a great interest in evaluating the effect of nanoparticles for enhancing the effect of these treatments. This study was performed to evaluate and compare the effect of foliar application of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the growth and yield of safflower under different irrigation regimes. Foliar applications of ZnO in all concentrations (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 g L-1) led to an increase in biomass yield, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, and grain yield of plants compared with control plants. The maximum increase in the studied traits was obtained with a ZnO concentration of 6, 8, and 10 g L-1. In a second round of experiments, we observed the effect of nanoparticles and found that spraying with ZnO and ZnO-NPs at a concentration of 10 g L-1 may ameliorate the deleterious effects of water deficit. The results of the present study support the idea that foliar application of ZnO improves safflower yield, especially under drought stress, and showed that using of nanoparticles increases the efficiency of the application.
Genetic Diversity of Trichoderma Harzianum Isolates in Sunflower Rhizosphere: the Application of the Urp Molecular Marker
(Mdpi, 2022) Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Pellegrini, Marika; Kariman, Khalil; Boyno, Gokhan; Djebaili, Rihab; Farda, Beatrice; Najafi, Solmaz
The genetic diversity of 77 Trichoderma harzianum isolates collected from sunflower rhizosphere soils in Urmia, Khoy, and Salmas in West Azerbaijan province, Iran, was evaluated by using the Universal Rice Primer (URP) molecular marker. The DNA band pattern of the isolates was developed using seven primers of this marker. These primers produced 186 gene loci, out of which 182 loci were polymorphic. Accordingly, the genetic diversity of the isolates was calculated, and their kinship relations were determined by cluster analysis using the NTSYS software package. URP-6R had the highest marker index among the studied primers, followed by URP-1F, URP-4R, and URP-25F, implying their higher efficiency in discriminating between the isolates. The results showed that the URP marker could discriminate between isolates using macroscopic morphological characteristics, such as color and colony type, potential of pigment production in the culture medium, and colony growth rate. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between the geographical distribution of the isolates and the band patterns generated by the primers except for a few cases. The results generally revealed that the URP marker was an efficient tool for determining the genetic diversity of T. harzianum.
Halotolerant Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated From Saline Soil Improve Nitrogen Fixation and Alleviate Salt Stress in Rice Plants
(Frontiers Media Sa, 2022) Khumairah, Fiqriah Hanum; Setiawati, Mieke Rochimi; Fitriatin, Betty Natalie; Simarmata, Tualar; Alfaraj, Saleh; Ansari, Mohammad Javed; Najafi, Solmaz
Salinity is one of the most damaging abiotic stresses due to climate change impacts that affect the growth and yield of crops, especially in lowland rice fields and coastal areas. This research aimed to isolate potential halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria from different rhizo-microbiome and use them as effective bioinoculants to improve rice growth under salinity stress conditions. Bioassay using rice seedlings was performed in a randomized block design consisting of 16 treatments (control and 15 bacterial isolates) with three replications. Results revealed that isolates S-3, S-5, and S-6 gave higher shoot height, root length, and plant dry weight compared with control (without isolates). Based on molecular characteristics, isolates S-3 and S-5 were identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri and Klebsiella pneumonia. These isolates were able to promote rice growth under salinity stress conditions as halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. These three potent isolates were found to produce indole-3-acetic acid and nitrogenase.
Identifying Amf-Rich Tir Wheat Rhizospheres To Foster Microbial Inoculants Useful in Sustainable Agriculture: Evidence From the Van Lake Basin
(Mdpi, 2025) Najafi, Solmaz; Ulker, Mehmet; Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Demir, Semra; Oral, Erol; Altuner, Fevzi; Pellegrini, Marika
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing nutrient efficiency and reducing the dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Developing these sustainable, effective products requires knowledge of the target plant and its associated microbial communities in the production landscape of interest. This study focused on AMF populations associated with Tir wheat in six main locations of T & uuml;rkiye's Van Lake Basin. The Er & ccedil;ek-& Ouml;zalp-Saray region exhibited the highest organic matter values. Higher available phosphorous contents were found for Erci & scedil;-Patnos and Muradiye. The Erci & scedil;-Patnos region exhibited the highest AMF density (120 spores/10 g soil) and frequency (75%), while the lowest AMF density (45 spores/10 g soil) was recorded in Muradiye. Sand contents correlated positively with spore number and mycorrhizal frequency and negatively with silt and clay. Based on these results, Erci & scedil;-Patnos was elected as the best location for the isolation of AMF spores suitable for the development of microbial-based tools for Tir wheat cultivation. These results are very important in the current context of climate change, which mandates the use of low-impact environmental strategies. Further research should explore the interactions of AMFs with other microorganisms to optimize their ecological benefits. However, the results of this study provide a valuable basis for future investigations of AMF-based products for use in sustainable Tir wheat cultivation.
Machine Learning Insights Into Ascorbic Acid-Enhanced Germination of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa L.) Under Cadmium Stress
(Springer, 2024) Ghiyasi, Mahdi; Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Amirnia, Reza; Sharifi, Leila; Najafi, Solmaz; Mulet, Jose M.; Porcel, Rosa
The objective of the present work is to study the impact of seed priming with varying concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the germination process of black cumin (Nigella sativa) under cadmium (Cd) stress. As expected, Cd had a great effect on germination rates and seedling growth. However, the application of ascorbic acid during seed priming effectively alleviated Cd stress and significantly increased seed vigor. Primed seeds exhibited markedly elevated final germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling length, seedling vigor index, and reduced abnormal seedling percentage. Additionally, vitamin priming reduced membrane lipid peroxidation, in treated seeds. Moreover, seed priming elicited a considerable increase in peroxidase and catalase activity, thus mitigating stress effects and augmenting seed vitality. Our experimental data allowed us to establish 100-150 mg/L as the optimal concentration range for ascorbic acid in seed priming of black cumin. These insights were further corroborated through modeling techniques based on supervised machine learning. Notably, XGBoost emerged as a proficient tool for predicting final germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling vigor index, abnormal seedling percentage, and peroxidase activity, while SVR demonstrated aptitude in forecasting catalase activity and germination index. The Gaussian method exhibited superior performance in predicting malondialdehyde content. These comprehensive findings substantiate the premise that vitamin priming with ascorbic acid serves as a promising strategy to ameliorate germination outcomes under Cd-induced stress conditions.
Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) Response To Cadmium Stress: Morpho-Physiological Traits and Mineral Concentrations
(Mdpi, 2023) Tuncturk, Murat; Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Tuncturk, Ruveyde; Oral, Erol; Najafi, Solmaz; Nohutcu, Lutfi; Teixeira Filho, Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto
Cadmium is a widely distributed heavy metal in agricultural soils that affects plant growth and productivity. In this context, the current study investigated the effects of different cadmium (Cd) doses (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L-1 of CdSO4) on the growth and physiological attributes of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) including plant height (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight (g) of root, stem, and leaves, leaf number, macro and micro-nutrients, Se, and heavy metal (Cd, Cr, and Pb) content. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. The results showed that Cd stress significantly negatively affected all growth indices, macro- and micro-nutrients, and heavy metal content. In addition, it increased the MDA and APX activities. The highest amounts of Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, K, Na, Cd, Cr, and Cu were determined in plant roots, while the highest values of Ca and Mg were detected in plant stem tissues. High Cd doses decreased the content of Ca, K, Mg, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in safflower plant tissues by 45.47%, 39.33%, 79.28%, 68.21%, 37.06%, 66.67%, 45.62%, 50.38%, 54.37%, 33.33% and 65.87%, respectively, as compared to the control treatments.
Using Chromosomal Abnormalities and Germination Traits for the Assessment of Tritipyrum Amphiploid Lines Under Seed-Aging and Germination Priming Treatments
(Mdpi, 2023) Taghvaei, Mansour; Maleki, Hamideh; Najafi, Solmaz; Hassani, Hossein Shahsavand; Danesh, Younes Rezaee; Farda, Beatrice; Pace, Loretta
Primary Trans Chromosomal Tritipyrum (PTCT) amphiploid is a new cereal grown in saline soil and brackish water for grain and forage production. We evaluated the tolerance to seed deterioration in 13 promising PTCT lines, assessing accelerated aging (AA) tests by using AA boxes with 100% relative humidity at 40 & DEG;C for 72 h. The (Ma/b)(Cr/b)F4 and (St/b)(Cr/b)F4) PTCT lines, more sensitive to seed aging, were primed with NaCl, Salicylic Acid (SA), and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) to increase the seed vigor of artificially aged seeds. Germination and emergence traits, biochemical parameters, and chromosomal abnormalities induced by artificial aging were measured in deteriorated and not-deteriorated seeds. The highest reduction percentages related to seed vigor were observed in (Ka/b)(Cr/b)F2 (34.52) and La(4B,4D)/b (28.15) lines, while the lowest was found in (Ma/b)(Cr/b)F4 (7.65) and (St/b)(Cr/b)F4 (7.46) lines. Seed aging also increases electrolytes, potassium, and protein leakages. Chromosomal abnormalities are caused by seed aging that interferes with chromosome behaviors during cell division. Seed priming on aged seeds revealed an increase in the germination percentage (GP) with PEG treatment, while the priming by SA showed an increase in seedling traits, such as the seedling length (SL2). In conclusion, we highlighted the potential use of different PTCT lines and the effective use of seed priming on deteriorated seed to enhance seed viability and seedling vigor as a useful tool for sustainable agriculture.