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Mesquite is an invasive and problematic weed in warm and dry areas and so its management is very important. In order to study the effective factors on mesquite seed germination, the following studies were conducted to investigate: 1- seed viability; 2- the effect of constant temperatures on seed germination including 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C independent dark and independent light conditions; 3- Effect of temperature fluctuations on seed germination including 10/0, 20/10 and 30/20°C; 4- the effect of scarification with concentrated sulphuric acid and physiacal scarification on seed germination; 5- the effect of planting depth seed on seedling emergence; 6- the effect of drought stress including 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 Mm PEG on seed germination; and finally 7- the effect of salt stress including 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 mM NaCl on seed germination. All experiments were performed as completely randomized designs with 4 replications. The results showed that seed viability of mesquite was 81%. The optimum temperature for seed germination was a constant temperature- 30°C. In general, constant temperature was more suitable than temperature fluctuations for seed germination. The best seed planting depth for seedling emergence was 2 cm. The most seed germination was observed under the effect of 20 min scarification with concentrated sulphuric acid. Physical scarification had no significant effect on seed germination. While the study of salt and drought stresses effect showed that the most seed germination (after control without NaCl and PEG), was due to concentrations of 100 and 200 mM, seed germination decreased with the increase of NaCl and PEG concentrations. Based on the present results, light did not play a crucial role on seed germination. Therefore, mesquite seeds were not photoblastic. These characteristics are very important in making mesquite an invasive weed. Having precise information of these traits, enables us to have a better control over the management of this troublesome weed.

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This paper explores flora of Rudbar Alamut region in NE of Ghazvin province situated in the south slope of central Alborz Chain Mountains. Alamut is divided into two parts, upper Alamut and lower Alamut. The minimum height in the region is 1265 m, located in Shahrak village, while the maximum height is 4175 m, located in Siahlan Mountain. Average of annual precipitation is 368.3 mm and annual average temperature is 14ºC. This reveals that 642 species and subspecies belong to 373 genera and 76 plant families growing in the region. The largest families are Asteraceae with 88 species, Paoilionaceae with 64, Poaceae with 56, Lamiaceae with 48, Brassicaceae with‌ 46, Apiaceae with 41, Charyophyllaceae with 34 and Rosaceae with 30, respectively. Nearly 190 species are medicinal plants, of which 51 are used traditionally by local inhabitatants, 59 species are endemic, 37 species are poisonous for animal and rarely for man, 75 species are weeds, 119 species are forage, and 17 species are cultivated.

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Boujagh National Park, with water ecosystems including Boujagh and Kiashahr wetlands, has an area of approximately 3477.3 hectares. In order to study factors affecting the vegetation in aquatic and wet habitats, 44 releves were implemented in the region. To test the chemical properties of the available water, samples were collected from 22 releves. The results of a two-way species indicator analysis of the modified TWINSPAN suggested that four groups of plants were present in the region. The first group being floating, immersed and submerged and the third and fourth groups being mostly helophytic. The second group of plants grows in areas with sand and mud. The results of comparative DCA analysis of water factors (PH, Depth, P, N, Cl, CO₃, Hco₃, EC, Na, K) showed a significant correlation between the factors and plant groups and the most important factors influencing the distribution and separation of plants was found to be water depth. In addition, Boujagh and Kiashahr wetlands vegetation map, based on the plant groups, was also prepared.

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There is no report on the antimicrobial effects of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.) and borage (Echium amoenum Fisch. & C.A.Mey.). In this research, the seeds of these plants were milled and extracted by chloroform:methanol (2:1). Then, the solvents were evaporated under reduced pressure and temperature to extract the oils. Antimicrobial effects of various concentrations of the oils (10- 1000 mg/l) were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Minimum inhibition concentration of the oils for each strain was measured using Mueller Hinton Broth and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth. The results showed that evening primrose oil increased the growth of C. albicans and A. niger, while it suppressed the growth of S. aureus, S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa even at the minimum concentration level (1mg/l). Borage oil was found to promote the growth of A. niger and S. epidermidis, but at concentration levels equal to or higher than 1mg/l it inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. However, at no concentration level, was it observed to leave any effect on S. aureus. It was also shown that some medical properties of evening primrose and borage could be attributed to antimicrobial effects of their oils. 

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During the infection- while the xylem is colonized by the F. oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici (Fol)- several effector proteins have been secreted into the xylem that suppress the plant’s defense response and enable parasitic colonization. So far, 14 effector proteins have been reported in Fol. However, there are no identified domains in their sequences. LysM effector proteins were identified in some plant pathogenic fungi and involved in sequestering chitin oligosaccharides. Here, considering the role of LysM effector proteins in plant-pathogen interactions, we searched for candidate effector proteins possessed Lysin (LysM) domains in the genome of FOL. Hence, the LysM domain was searched in the WGS data bank of Fol using Pfam tool and 17 proteins were identified. Two proteins, Fol-LysM1 and Fol-LysM3, were selected based on low molecular weight and present of signal peptide in their sequences. Prediction of the gene structures preformed using FGENESH tools and domain structures and effector characters including signal peptide, number and position of cysteine residues, disulfide bond connectivity and molecular weight of proteins were predicted. The entire nucleotide sequences of the coding region of their genes were determined by PCR and phylogeny of lysM effector proteins was studied. Furthermore, the domain organization of these proteins was compared with that of other lysM effector proteins. This is a first report of detection of lysM effector genes in Fol.

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This paper concerns itself with the study of sand beaches of the Boujagh National Park with an area of 3477 ha. The purposes of this study include the determination of the plant species diversity and plant groups. In ad-dition, the determination of the impact of environmental and specific variables on the presence or absence of certain species and their communities is another aim that the study follows. In order to attain those purposes, 52 plots across 6 transects of the district were used. In each plot, the materials were identified and abundance-dominance of species by using Braun-Blanquet criteria were obtained and their life forms were determined according to Raunkiaer clas-sification. To determine the plant groups, a Two-way analysis of significant modified species (Modified TWINSP-AN) was utilized. Detrended Canonical Analysis (DCA) was used to determine factors affecting plant groups. The results showed that four plant groups exist in this district: Convolvulus persicus-Crepis foetida subsp. Foetida grou-p, Argusia sibirica group, Eryngium caucasicum-Juncus acutus group and Rubus sanctus group. The first and seco-nd groups consist of higher percentages of therophytes and spread in areas where the soil contains more sand. Plants in the third and fourth groups spread in areas with stabilized sand and high percentage of silt. DCA analysis results showed that soil factors (texture, OC, Na, K, N, Ca, Mg) have significant relation with plant groups were studied. Among the plant groups, the percentage of silt and sand, species richness and life forms of therophytes and geop-hytes show significant relations. Therefore it can be concluded that these factors affect on the separation and distri-bution of plant groups.

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Application of some chemical components including plant hormones such as methyl jasmonate causes resi-stance to increase in environmental stresses. In this study, the effect of metyl jasmonate in different concentrations (10, 20 and 30 uM) on the elevation of the plant resistance was investigated in drouht stress. Tobacco seedlings were studied under drought stress caused by polyethylene glycol (20%) during periods of 3, 6 and 9 days. The results revealed that the imposed stress significantly increased soluble sugar content, MDA and non-enzymatic defense factors such as ant-hocyanin and proline. In contrast, it is reduced the amount of photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids and flavonoids. On the other hand, the use of methyl jasmonate decreased malondialdehyde as a marker of lipid peroxidation and values of some detent factors such as proline, beta-carotene and MDA. Meanwhile, it increased the amount of soluble sugars and photosynthetic pigments, anthocyanins, flavonoids and flavonols. As a result of the simultaneous reduction of lipid pe-roxidation and some antioxidants, it seems that using exogenous methyl jasmonate can help the plant withstand against drought stress conditions.

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Heavy metals reduce the plant growth and adversely affect plant performance potential. Heavy metals also induce the formation of reactive oxygen species leading to cell damage. Plants deal with heavy metal stress by activating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems such as Superoxide Dismutase which converts superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide. Then Peroxidase and Catalase convert hydrogen peroxide to water. Another method employed by pl-ants to deal with heavy metals is mycorrhizal symbiosis. In this study, mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgar), var. Rayhan, grown in a greenhouse were treated with four concentrations of nickel (0,100,200 and 400 µg/g). Results showed greater antioxidant activity in mycorrhizal plants compared with non-mycorrhizal plants.  Also, it was determined that the accumulation of nickel in roots of mycorrhizal plants was greater compared with non-mycorrhizal plants.

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Considering fundamental changes in the classification of angiosperms, based on phylogenetic studies, makes revising and updating Floras inevitable. Hence, in this paper, changes in the flora of Afghanistan have been listed and compared with the flora of Iran. As the latest studies indicate, according to APG IV system, the flora of Afghanistan comp-rises 40 orders, 130 families, about 1030 genera and 5065 species of angiosperms. In comparison the flora of Iran comprises 42 orders, 139 families, nearly 1252 genera and 8090 species of angiosperms. Moreover, the two countries share 39 orders, 124 families, 844 genera and about 1800 species. In Afghanistan the largest number of families belongs to Lamiales and in Iran to Caryophyllales. Asteraceae contains the largest number of genera in both countries. As far as the number of species in concerned, the largest angiosperms family in Afghanistan is Asteraceae, but in Iran it is Fabaceae. The most diverse ge-nera of both countries are Astragalus and Cousinia respectively. Gymnosperms have two orders, four families, seven genera and 22 species in Afghanistan, while in Iran they have two orders, three families, five genera and 17 species. By adding 58 species of pteridophytes and 311 species of bryophytes to Afghanistan’s flora and 60 species of pteridophytes and 534 spec-ies of bryophytes to Iran’s flora, in total, Embryophyta have approximately 5460 species in Afghanistan and 8700 species in Iran.

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Hairy root induction in plants is the result of the insertion of T-DNA from Agrobacterium rhizogenes into the plant genome. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of bacterium strain and plant species type on hairy root induction in two endemic (Salvia eremophila and S. reuterana) and five non-endemic (S. macrosiphon, S. multicaulis, S. nemorosa, S. verticellata and S. virigata) Salvia by four bacteria strains including 1724, 2659, ATCC-15834 and A4. Petiole and stem explants were not capable of inducing hairy roots, while almost all leaf segments produced it. Confirmatory studies were carried out by direct detection of inserted rol C by the PCR. The results showed that different Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain and Salvia spices had significant effect on hairy roots number and frequency. The infection of S. macrosiphon via A. rhizogenes strain ATCC15834 showed the highest number of infe-cted roots per explant (5.12 hairy roots) and root frequency (82%). The highest number of hairy root per explant in S. eremophila (3.32 hairy roots) and S. reuterana (3.92 hairy roots) were achieved by inoculation with strain A4. Strain 2659 produced the highest hairy roots number in S. nemorosa (2.6 hairy roots), S. multicaulis (4.36 hairy roots) and S. verticillata (5 hairy roots). Also hairy roots formation occurred at the highest number in S. virigata (3 hairy roots) with infection by strain ATCC15834.

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In the framework of floristic and vegetation studies of different parts of the Hyrcanian region of northern Iran, Lepidium virginicum L. (Brassicaceae) is reported here for the first time for the flora of Iran. Along with a distribution map for the species, an identification key is provided for the nine annual or biennial species of Lepidium, already reported from Iran.
 
 

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Plant peroxidase (EC: 1.11.1.7) a heme-containing protein which is widely used in plants, microorganisms and animals. This two - substrate enzyme, catalyze the hydrogen peroxide into water with   oxidation of many organic and inorganic substrates that all of them can be used to measure enzyme activity. Although it’s specific substrate is hydrogen peroxide. Calcium and at least four disulfide bonds in the protein structure lead the formation and strength of three-dimensional structure of the molecule. Plant peroxidase has several roles including, involvement in lignin biosynthesis, auxin metabolism, cell growth, cell wall cross linking and respond to environmental stress. So peroxidase, considered as a good point to pursue the cell deal with stress factors such as oxidative stress. These days according to produce the pure samples of this molecule, peroxidase also used in ligand-protein studies in pharmaceutical research. So in this brief overview, in addition to introducing plant peroxidase we have had a brief look to measure the enzyme activity, the number of isoenzymes in a cell and the ensuing conformational changes of peroxidase.

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In order to study the diverse effects of seed priming with 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) (0, 0.1, 1 mg/l) to increase tolerance of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) to salinity (0, 70 and 140 mM NaCl), the experiments were conducted as factorial based on completely randomized design at greenhouse condition. Results showed that salt stress significantly decreased the growth of tomato plants. However, priming with EBL (1 mg/l) significantly decreased the negative effects of NaCl (particularly at 140 mM). At this case, EBL increased the fresh and dry weights (<2 folds), total chlorophyll (+72%), carotenoids (+ 2 folds), free proline (+3 folds), electrolyte leakage (-18.6%), Na⁺/K⁺ in the roots (-57.5%) and shoots (-62%) compared to salinity control. Generally, it could be concluded that priming with epibrassinolide resulted in enhanced salt tolerance in tomato plants via increment in free proline, photosynthetic pigments and decrease in electrolyte leakage and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in the tissues.
 

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Vegetation is one of the most important parts of natural ecosystems that in addition to express of the growth conditions, it also shows the influence of ecological factors on the environmental condition. Investigations of plant diversity of a country are necessary for studyingthe ecosystem, pasture, plant gene bank, agriculture and medicine. On the one hand, identification of plant species of different regions provide feasibility of doing of next studies in the different fields of biological science. In this research the flora of Tang sorkh region in the Kohgiloyeh county from Kohgiloyeh-va boyerahmad province has been investigated. The area of mentioned region is 5000 hectares and it is located in 30 kilometers from the east of Yasuj. Maximum altitude of the area was between 1800-2800 m. Our research has started by collecting the essential information of the region. The plants of region have been collected and prepared for studying. several floras were used for identification the specimens and they are preserved in Alzahra University herbarium (ALUH). This investigation showed that in the Tang sorkh region, there are 46 families, 145genera, 172 species that include 6/97% of phanerophytes, 5/23% chamephyts, 43/60%hemicryptophytes, 13/95% geophytes, 28/48% therophytes. Analyses shows that most of species of region belongs to the Iran-o-Turanian region which contanins 5/69% of region’s flora. 23 species are endemic to Iran, 20 of which are rare species, 30 species are medicinal plant, 22 of which are poison. Totaly about 172 species has identified. 20 species are recorded for the first time from this province.


 

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In this study, the cytotoxic effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Sedum album L. on human stomach cancer cell line (AGS) and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) were evaluated by MTT, BrdU and TUNEL assays. The results demonstrated that both extracts had antiproliferative and apoptotic effects in a dose-dependent manner. The MTT assay data revealed that the AGS cell underwent more cytotoxicity in comparison with the MCF-7 cell. It also revealed that ethanolic extract was more potent than aqueous extract. The BrdU assay results showed that the proliferation of AGS and MCF-7 cells was reduced to 50% and 43%, respectively, at the highest concentration of the aqueous extract. In addition, the ethanolic extract reduced the proliferation of AGS and MCF-7 cells to 75% and 60%, respectively. The AGS and MCF-7 cells underwent 52% and 12% apoptotic death upon treatment by the ethanolic extract as TUNEL assay showed. The aqueous extract induced 28% and 25% apoptosis in the AGS and MCF-7 cells, respectively. Both inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis are desirable strategies for cancer treatment among researchers. Identification of S. album compounds and analyzing their effects in animal model of cancer can help us with understanding its anti-cancer properties.
 

 

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Bacterial communities are able to form complex and three-dimensional biofilm structures. Biofilm formation is an ancient and integral component of the prokaryotic life cycle and a key factor for survival in diverse niches. In biofilms, bacterial lifestyle changes from free-floating cells to sessile cells. Presence in biofilms gives new traits to bacteria, which distinguish them from free cells. The presence of bacteria in biofilms results in high resistance to antimicrobial treatments and oxygen deficiency. Biofilms are formed in response to different environmental signals and many genes are involved in their production. Biofilms can be problematic in fluid transfer pipelines, on medical devices, as well as implants in the patients’ bodies. However, they can be applied for useful purposes such as treating industrial and agricultural wastewater, bioremediation of heavy metals and in air pollution biofilter systems. The potential of forming biofilms in pathogenic bacteria is an advantage for their survival in unfavorable conditions, and cause a lot of problems in their removal as the bacteria show more resistant to antibiotics and chemical pesticides in biofilms compared with free living cells. The ability to form biofilms in plant-beneficial rhizobacteria used for plant disease biocontrol, plant growth promotion and the improvement of agricultural products quality is an important advantage especially in their mass production and commercializing process. Considering the importance of bacterial biofilms in human life, this paper evaluated the importance of biofilms from different aspects.
 
 

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The identification of the characteristics of native halophytic species is very important for their practical application. The present study was carried out to identify the halophytic species of a desert and highly saline region around the city of Khosf, southern Khorasan Province, and to detect their general tolerance mechanisms (i.e. salt exclusion or inclusion). Sodium accumulation in the roots and shoots of seven species, including Launaea arborescens, Peganum harmala, Pteropyrum olivieri, Artemisia santolina, Zygophyllum eurypterum Boiss, Aerva javanica, Pulicaria gnaphalode, and their rhizosphere soil were determined. The bioconcentration of sodium from soil to roots (BCF), its translocation from roots to shoots (TF), and its accumulation in the shoots (AF) were then calculated. Results showed that the soil of the studied area was clay loam with a high EC of 65 ds/m, indicating its high salinity level. According to the values of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and regarding EC, the soil of studied region can be regarded as a saline-sodic soil. The value of TF in some species was higher than 1. However, none of the species had BCF and AF greater than 1, thus, none of them could be considered to be salt accumulator. Instead, it could be assumed that all of the studied species were salt, or at least, sodium excluders.

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In recent years using of silver nanoparticles due to its unique properties was increased. Medical plant, the Achillea biebersteinii is rich in anti-cancers compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity effects of AgNPs synthesized using Achillea biebersteinii extract on human ovarian cancer A2780 cells. Cytotoxic effects of AgNPs with MTT test was performed at 48 hours in concentration of 2, 4, 6, 8, 16 and 32 µg/ml. To study the cell death induced by AgNPs DAPI, acridine orange (AO)/ Propidium iodide (PI) staining and Annexin v/ Propidium iodide assay and activation of caspase 3 and 9 were assessed. Results: The results showed that the synthesized AgNPs decreased cell viability dose dependently, calculated inhibitory concentration of 50 % (IC50) was 4 µg/ml.  The results from AO / PI, DAPI staining, Annexin V / PI showed that in treated cells the percentage of apoptotic cells compared with control increased. In addition, the treated cells showed increased activation of caspase 3/9. Hence silver nanoparticles induced cell death through the caspase dependent pathway. The results suggest that AgNPs synthesized using Achillea biebersteinii   extract exert their cytotoxic effect by inducing apoptosis.

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Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) contains valuable secondary metabolites such as Dopamin, Noradrenaline and Omega-3. This plant is used in various medicinal, food and hygienic industries as well as the treatment of different diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and pain relief. Callus induced from medicinal plants are used to increase the production of secondary metabolities in cell suspension culture and gene transfer. The purpose of this experiment was the study of different concentrations of BAP and 2,4-D of two explants from leaf and shoot tips to produce callus. Leaf and shoot tip explants were used in MS with different concentrations of BAP at three levels (0, 1 and 2 mg/L) with 2,4-D at three levels (0, 0.5 and 1.5 mg/L). Results showed that interactions between hormones and explants were significant in the percentage of callus induction, fresh weight and callus diameter at 1% level. The best result which was the leaf explant with 100% callus induction, 121 mg fresh weight and 5.106 mm callus diameter was obtained by the combination of BAP 2 mg/L and 2,4-D 0.5 mg/L. Shoot tip explants with 75% callus induction, 106 mg fresh weight and 3.03 mm diameter was obtained by the application of 1 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D.