Shirin Dianati | University of Tehran (original) (raw)
Papers by Shirin Dianati
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), Oct 12, 2023
Artificial seed production is a valuable technology for commercial plant production and provides ... more Artificial seed production is a valuable technology for commercial plant production and provides a viable option for preserving elite plant germplasm. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal concentrations of sodium alginates (3%, 4%, and 5%) and calcium chloride (75 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM) for encapsulating Phalaenopsis orchid protocorms. The second objective was to determine the optimal temperature (4, 20, and 25 °C), light spectra (blue, red, green, far-red, white, and darkness), and storage duration (30, 60, 90, and 180 days) for preserving synthetic seeds. The optimal alginate concentration for producing uniform, circular, and sufficiently strong artificial seeds with the highest germination percentage was found to be 4% in a 100 mM calcium chloride solution. The synthetic seeds stored at 25 °C for 180 days had the shortest germination initiation time (2.33 days), the highest germination percentage (100%), and the highest number of leaves, roots, and protocorm-like bodies. The study on synthetic seeds found that storing them in darkness for 90 days is the most effective treatment, considering the interaction between light spectra and storage period. It is recommended to use green light during storage only when quick germination is necessary. Key Message Artificial seeds of Phalaenopsis made of 4% alginate with 100 mM CaCl 2 had the highest germination rate. The best storage condition was 25 °C for 180 days under LED lights, particularly green light.
Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology, Sep 26, 2016
Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from pla... more Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from plants of the genus Epipactis by asexual methods have totally failed. This study was conducted using somatic embryogenesis as a rapid vegetative propagation technique for conservation of E. veratrifolia. For these purposes, effects of different types of plant growth regulators (PGRs), different types of explants, light and dark conditions, and the effect of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) were investigated on somatic embryogenesis induction. Abscisic acid (ABA) pre-treatment effectiveness on inducting somatic embryogenesis and increasing the number of embryos per explant were investigated. Subsequently, 16 media were tested to find the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. BA (3 mg L -1 ) resulted in a better response than the other PGRs by supporting the development of 17 embryos per protocorm. PBZ, which resulted in 11 embryos per explant, was better than GA 3 . FAST medium supplemented with organic substances was recognized as the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. ABA pre-treatment had positive effect on somatic embryogenesis initiation. This study, for the first time, succeeded in finding a rapid and suitable protocol for propagation and genetic resource conservation of E. veratrifolia.
Horticulturae
Wild orchids, especially the terrestrial temperate ones are endangered species due to challenges ... more Wild orchids, especially the terrestrial temperate ones are endangered species due to challenges in their natural habitats. Therefore, there is an urgent need to introduce efficient propagation methods to overcome the natural reproduction problems of these orchids. In this study, the effects of different light spectrums, explant types, wounding, and combinations of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) on direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) of two species of these endangered orchids listed in the conservation category, were studied. The highest percentages of DSE formation and embryo germination were observed in Dactylorhiza umberosa protocorm explants exposed to white light (400–730 nm) and in Epipactis veratifolia protocorm explants exposed to a combination of red and far-red spectra (R: FR = 70:30). This occurred while red (610–700) alone and in combination with far-red (710–730 nm) spectrum induced embryogenesis more than the blue spectrum and dark condition in E. veratifolia....
Industrial Crops and Products
Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science bec... more Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science because of its wide application in plant multiplication, short-term conservation, and germplasm exchange. The orchid is a precious ornamental plant that was studied in this project for encapsulation due to its medicinal and commercial value. The main objectives of this study were determining the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds by image J platform and comparing experimentally two magnetic and air-bubble stirring methods for the production of artificial seed. Physical properties of encapsulated Phalaenopsis ' 'Beijing' orchid protocorms produced under three Na-alginate concentrations (3 %, 4 %, and 5 %), three CaCl 2-2H 2 O concentrations (100, 125, and 150 mM), and two stirring methods (magnetic and air bubbling) were investigated. Image J processing platform was applied to determine the physical properties (length, width, sphericity index (SI), and concentric index (CI)) of orchid artificial seeds extracted from digital images. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that interaction terms (Na-alginate * stirring method) and (Na-alginate * CaCl 2-2H 2 O) significantly affected all the dependent variables including weight, volume, SI, and CI (P < 0.05). Response Surface Method (RSM) was utilized for the prediction and optimization of the response variables. The optimum conditions were obtained with the air bubble stirring method having the desirability of 0.879, a weight of 0.15 g, volume of 0.14 cm3, sphericity index of 0.87, and concentric index of 0.13. This is while, the optimum conditions of the encapsulation process using the magnetic method with the desirability of 0.786 were recorded with weight, volume, SI, and CI values of 0.137 g, 0.169 cm3, 0.72, and 0.13, respectively. A comparison of the results showed that the air bubble method demonstrates better encapsulation performance in terms of sphericity index and concentricity index, while capsules produced using the magnetic method had higher weight and volume. Results of this study show the potential of the image J processing as a precision measurement tool which has been successfully applied here to determine the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds.
Scientific Reports
Identifying environmental factors that improve plant growth and development under nitrogen (N) co... more Identifying environmental factors that improve plant growth and development under nitrogen (N) constraint is essential for sustainable greenhouse production. In the present study, the role of light intensity and N concentrations on the biomass partitioning and physiology of chrysanthemum was investigated. Four light intensities [75, 150, 300, and 600 µmol m−2 s−1photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)] and three N concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mM N L−1) were used. Vegetative and generative growth traits were improved by increase in PPFD and N concentration. High N supply reduced stomatal size and gsin plants under lowest PPFD. Under low PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to leaves and stem was higher than that of flower and roots while in plants grown under high PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to flower and root outweighed that of allocated to leaves and stem. As well, positive effects of high PPFD on chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, water use efficiency (WUE), Nitrogen...
The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology
Harvesting Dactylorhiza umbrosa from natural habitats for salep production (powdered dried tuber)... more Harvesting Dactylorhiza umbrosa from natural habitats for salep production (powdered dried tuber) has endangered the existence of this species. Mass production of tubers is possible in vitro. Different osmotic pretreatments for inducing tuber formation in D. umbrosa were investigated. Seeds were germinated in Fast medium and protocorm derived seedlings measuring 2 cm in height with roots were subjected to 2% and 4% w/v of different osmotica including sorbitol, mannitol, and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG), increased concentrations of sugars [sucrose 18 g•L −1 +fructose 7.5 g•L −1 (sugar 1.5x); sucrose 24 g•L −1 +fructose 10 g•L −1 (sugar 2.0x)] and non-pretreated control (sugars 1x; 12 g•L −1 sucrose+5 g•L −1 fructose) for 29 days. Then, the seedlings were transferred to jars containing Fast medium (similar to the control treatment) supplemented with 1 g•L −1 activated charcoal. After 70 days, survival, growth, tuber formation, shoot proline and photosynthetic pigments, and shoot and roots soluble and reserve carbohydrates were determined. PEG and mannitol 2% pretreatments increased root number and photosynthetic pigments. The pretreatments did not affect shoot proline concentration, but induced soluble and reserve sugars accumulation in tubers. According to shoot growth improvement and obtaining the highest tuber number and root carbohydrates content, PEG 2% pretreatment was suggested for D. umbrosa tuberization.
Electronic Journal of Biology, 2016
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a plant with low genetic diversity and cannot be used for cross... more Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a plant with low genetic diversity and cannot be used for cross breeding because of its double nature. Therefore, the use of modern breeding techniques such as mutation and gene transfer are usually considered. In this study, in order to create diversity in tuberose, gamma-ray irradiation treatment was used on mature bulbs of tuberose with gamma ray doses of 10, 50, 100, 200 and 400 Gy. Some characteristics of control and treated plants such as survival and sprouting rate, flowering time, leaf number and size, size and weight of the florets, number of petals, internode distance, plant height and stem diameter is measured in this study. The experiment was performed in a template design of completely randomization in a research greenhouse at University of Tehran, Iran. Experimental results showed that at the dose treatment of 10 Gy, all plants sprouted with a time delay, and at doses of 50 and 100 Gy, 57% and 29% of plants were sprouted and grew, resp...
Journal of Horticultural Science, 2021
Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Ligh... more Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green (G), red + blue (R+B) and red + far red (R+FR) together with dark condition (D), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) in four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1) were used. Inter-simple sequence repeat was used for identification and genetic stability analysis of somatic regenerated plantlets. Intact protocorm explants showed higher potential for direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) than the other explants. The rate of DSE was highly dependent on the concentration of TDZ and its interaction with light spectra. R and R + FR spectra with 3 mg L-1 TDZ on intact protocorms and R+FR with 3 mg L-1 TDZ were efficient treatments to induce DSE without somaclonal variation. G light spectru...
Acta Horticulturae, 2020
Artificial seed production is an alternative technique for asexual propagation and conservation o... more Artificial seed production is an alternative technique for asexual propagation and conservation of plants with difficult natural seed propagation system, such as orchids. This technique is rapidly growing in germplasm conservation and plant gene pool exchanges between countries and in vitro floriculture trades. Artificial seed is formed by encapsulating somatic embryo with coating materials. Quality, durability and survival of artificial seed are very important and depend on the kinds of explant, concentration of encapsulation materials and other conditions. In this study, the effects of different sodium alginate (3, 4 and 5%) and calcium chloride (75, 100 and 150 mM) concentrations for capsule gel matrix were investigated on conversion capabilities and germination of Phalaenopsis artificial seeds. The ideal beads were obtained through a combination of 4% sodium alginate and 150 mM calcium chloride. Encapsulated protocorms showed the best germination percentage (100%) on MS medium after 3 weeks. Storage of synthetic seeds after desiccation significantly reduced the viability percentage of seeds and protocorms. Treatment with autoclaved distilled water after desiccation and storage resulted in high viability percentage in protocorms, whereas dehydrated protocorms were found to be less tolerant to the storage.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020
The effect of the lighting environment during postharvest storage of ornamentals has largely been... more The effect of the lighting environment during postharvest storage of ornamentals has largely been neglected in previous research. Anthurium is a cold-sensitive species originating from tropical climates and is widely cultivated all around the world for its colorful spathes. To investigate the effects of light spectrum on the performance of Anthurium cut flowers under cold storage, two cultivars [Calore (red spathe) and Angel (withe spathe)] were placed at low temperature (4°C), either in darkness (D) or under different light spectra [red (R), blue (B), 70:30% red:blue (RB), and white (W)] at an intensity of 125 µmol.m -2 .s -1 . In both cultivars, the longest and shortest vase lives were observed in spathes exposed to the R and B spectra, respectively. In both cultivars, electrolyte leakage (EL) of spathe was highest under the B and W spectra and lowest under the R spectrum. The highest rate of flower water loss from the spathes was observed under the B-containing light spectra, whereas the lowest rate of water loss was observed in D and under the R spectrum. Negative correlations were observed between EL and vase life and between anthocyanin concentration and EL for both Anthurium cultivars. A positive correlation was found between anthocyanin concentration and vase life. For both Anthurium cultivars, spectral light composition with higher percentage of B resulted in higher EL and as a result shorter vase life in cut flowers under cold storage condition. The negative effect of the B light spectrum on vase life of Anthurium can be explained through its effect on water loss and on oxidative stress and membrane integrity. The quality of Anthurium cut flowers should benefit from environments with restricted B light spectrum during postharvest handling.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020
The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 2016
Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from pla... more Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from plants of the genus Epipactis by asexual methods have totally failed. This study was conducted using somatic embryogenesis as a rapid vegetative propagation technique for conservation of E. veratrifolia. For these purposes, effects of different types of plant growth regulators (PGRs), different types of explants, light and dark conditions, and the effect of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) were investigated on somatic embryogenesis induction. Abscisic acid (ABA) pre-treatment effectiveness on inducting somatic embryogenesis and increasing the number of embryos per explant were investigated. Subsequently, 16 media were tested to find the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. BA (3 mg L -1 ) resulted in a better response than the other PGRs by supporting the development of 17 embryos per protocorm. PBZ, which resulted in 11 embryos per explant, was better than GA 3 . FAST medium supplemented with organic substances was recognized as the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. ABA pre-treatment had positive effect on somatic embryogenesis initiation. This study, for the first time, succeeded in finding a rapid and suitable protocol for propagation and genetic resource conservation of E. veratrifolia.
Frontiers in Plant Science
Light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, which is an essential process for plantlets produce... more Light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, which is an essential process for plantlets produced during in vitro tissue culture practices and ex vitro acclimatization. LED lights are an appropriate technology for in vitro lighting but their effect on propagation and photosynthesis under in vitro condition is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different light spectra on growth, photosynthetic functionality, and stomatal characteristics of micropropagated shoots of Persian walnut (cv. Chandler). Tissue-cultured walnut nodal shoots were grown under different light qualities including white, blue, red, far-red, green, combination of red and blue (70:30), combination of red and far-red (70:30), and fluorescent light as the control. Results showed that the best growth and vegetative characteristics of in vitro explants of Persian walnut were achieved under combination of red and blue light. The biggest size of stomata was detected under white and blue lig...
BMC Plant Biology, 2024
Micro-propagation is the primary technique for the mass propagation of greenhouse orchids. Howev... more Micro-propagation is the primary technique for the mass propagation of greenhouse orchids. However, various factors, including culture media and cultivation systems, influence the scaling-up and efficient commercialization of in vitro techniques. The utilization of liquid cultivation systems and bioreactors are relatively cost-effective and has attracted significant attention for mass production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of eight culture media, in both semi-solid and liquid forms, on the growth of in vitro mini-plantlets of Phalaenopsis orchids. We subsequently assessed the performance of four selected media: half-strength modified Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MMS), modified FAST (MFAST), and two simplified media (SM1 and SM2), across four types of cultivation systems, including semi-solid media in glass jars, liquid media in a permanent immersion system using Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker (PIS), and a temporary immersion system (TIS) in two forms: FA-Bio bioreactor (TIS-FA-Bio) and RITA® bioreactor (TIS-RITA®).
Springer, 2024
Plant growth regulators play a crucial role in the proliferation of protocorm-like bodies through... more Plant growth regulators play a crucial role in the proliferation of protocorm-like bodies through somatic embryogenesis in Phalaenopsis orchids. Additionally, media components and cultural systems can impact their proliferation and reduce costs. This research aimed to enhance proliferation rates of orchid protocorm-like bodies and decrease costs of both media providing and culture systems. To achieve this, protocorm explants were cultivated in four different systems: solid, liquid permanent immersion (Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker), and temporary immersion (RITA ® and FA-Bio bioreactor, a new laboratory mini-bioreactor). The media used included half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS), modified FAST medium (MFAST), and low-cost medium (LC). The solid medium contained thidiazuron at concentrations of 0, 1.5, or 3.0 mg L −1. Solid 1/2 MS without thidiazuron was the control. Protocorm-like bodies in solid LC and MFAST exhibited high chlorophyll and anthocyanin content. Their proliferation rates increased by 32.6% and 29.6%, respectively, while culture costs decreased by 45.2% and 43.1%, respectively, compared to solid 1/2 MS with 3.0 mg L −1 thidiazuron. The production of protocormlike bodies and their carbohydrate content were significantly higher in MFAST and LC media, compared to 1/2 MS media across all culture systems. The RITA ® bioreactor with liquid LC showed higher proliferation rates than the other treatments. Liquid LC reduced costs by 57.6% compared to solid LC, making it a cost-effective option for mass propagation. The FA-Bio bioreactor reduced costs by 70.5% compared to RITA ® for laboratory research evaluations in liquid culture. MFAST media in FA-Bio bioreactors can be used commercially for cost-effective propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids.
Elsevier, 2022
Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science bec... more Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science because of its wide application in plant multiplication, short-term conservation, and germplasm exchange. The orchid is a precious ornamental plant that was studied in this project for encapsulation due to its medicinal and commercial value. The main objectives of this study were determining the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds by image J platform and comparing experimentally two magnetic and air-bubble stirring methods for the production of artificial seed. Physical properties of encapsulated Phalaenopsis ' 'Beijing' orchid protocorms produced under three Na-alginate concentrations (3 %, 4 %, and 5 %), three CaCl 2-2H 2 O concentrations (100, 125, and 150 mM), and two stirring methods (magnetic and air bubbling) were investigated. Image J processing platform was applied to determine the physical properties (length, width, sphericity index (SI), and concentric index (CI)) of orchid artificial seeds extracted from digital images. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that interaction terms (Na-alginate * stirring method) and (Na-alginate * CaCl 2-2H 2 O) significantly affected all the dependent variables including weight, volume, SI, and CI (P < 0.05). Response Surface Method (RSM) was utilized for the prediction and optimization of the response variables. The optimum conditions were obtained with the air bubble stirring method having the desirability of 0.879, a weight of 0.15 g, volume of 0.14 cm3, sphericity index of 0.87, and concentric index of 0.13. This is while, the optimum conditions of the encapsulation process using the magnetic method with the desirability of 0.786 were recorded with weight, volume, SI, and CI values of 0.137 g, 0.169 cm3, 0.72, and 0.13, respectively. A comparison of the results showed that the air bubble method demonstrates better encapsulation performance in terms of sphericity index and concentricity index, while capsules produced using the magnetic method had higher weight and volume. Results of this study show the potential of the image J processing as a precision measurement tool which has been successfully applied here to determine the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds.
International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 2023
A synthetic seed method involves processing encapsulated plant parts and any meristematic tissue ... more A synthetic seed method involves processing encapsulated plant parts and any meristematic tissue which can develop into plantlets under in vitro or in vivo conditions. Various
https:// ijhst.ut.ac.ir, 2021
Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Ligh... more Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green (G), red + blue (R+B) and red + far red (R+FR) together with dark condition (D), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) in four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1) were used. Inter-simple sequence repeat was used for identification and genetic stability analysis of somatic regenerated plantlets. Intact protocorm explants showed higher potential for direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) than the other explants. The rate of DSE was highly dependent on the concentration of TDZ and its interaction with light spectra. R and R + FR spectra with 3 mg L-1 TDZ on intact protocorms and R+FR with 3 mg L-1 TDZ were efficient treatments to induce DSE without somaclonal variation. G light spectrum has also significant effects on DSE of protocorm explants. The amplified products showed 26 scorable bands and regenerates were completely identical to the mother plant. In conclusion, this protocol provides way to regenerate plants through embryogenesis, and is a reliable protocol to obtain proper development and genetic stable Phalaenopsis embryos.
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), Oct 12, 2023
Artificial seed production is a valuable technology for commercial plant production and provides ... more Artificial seed production is a valuable technology for commercial plant production and provides a viable option for preserving elite plant germplasm. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal concentrations of sodium alginates (3%, 4%, and 5%) and calcium chloride (75 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM) for encapsulating Phalaenopsis orchid protocorms. The second objective was to determine the optimal temperature (4, 20, and 25 °C), light spectra (blue, red, green, far-red, white, and darkness), and storage duration (30, 60, 90, and 180 days) for preserving synthetic seeds. The optimal alginate concentration for producing uniform, circular, and sufficiently strong artificial seeds with the highest germination percentage was found to be 4% in a 100 mM calcium chloride solution. The synthetic seeds stored at 25 °C for 180 days had the shortest germination initiation time (2.33 days), the highest germination percentage (100%), and the highest number of leaves, roots, and protocorm-like bodies. The study on synthetic seeds found that storing them in darkness for 90 days is the most effective treatment, considering the interaction between light spectra and storage period. It is recommended to use green light during storage only when quick germination is necessary. Key Message Artificial seeds of Phalaenopsis made of 4% alginate with 100 mM CaCl 2 had the highest germination rate. The best storage condition was 25 °C for 180 days under LED lights, particularly green light.
Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology, Sep 26, 2016
Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from pla... more Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from plants of the genus Epipactis by asexual methods have totally failed. This study was conducted using somatic embryogenesis as a rapid vegetative propagation technique for conservation of E. veratrifolia. For these purposes, effects of different types of plant growth regulators (PGRs), different types of explants, light and dark conditions, and the effect of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) were investigated on somatic embryogenesis induction. Abscisic acid (ABA) pre-treatment effectiveness on inducting somatic embryogenesis and increasing the number of embryos per explant were investigated. Subsequently, 16 media were tested to find the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. BA (3 mg L -1 ) resulted in a better response than the other PGRs by supporting the development of 17 embryos per protocorm. PBZ, which resulted in 11 embryos per explant, was better than GA 3 . FAST medium supplemented with organic substances was recognized as the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. ABA pre-treatment had positive effect on somatic embryogenesis initiation. This study, for the first time, succeeded in finding a rapid and suitable protocol for propagation and genetic resource conservation of E. veratrifolia.
Horticulturae
Wild orchids, especially the terrestrial temperate ones are endangered species due to challenges ... more Wild orchids, especially the terrestrial temperate ones are endangered species due to challenges in their natural habitats. Therefore, there is an urgent need to introduce efficient propagation methods to overcome the natural reproduction problems of these orchids. In this study, the effects of different light spectrums, explant types, wounding, and combinations of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) on direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) of two species of these endangered orchids listed in the conservation category, were studied. The highest percentages of DSE formation and embryo germination were observed in Dactylorhiza umberosa protocorm explants exposed to white light (400–730 nm) and in Epipactis veratifolia protocorm explants exposed to a combination of red and far-red spectra (R: FR = 70:30). This occurred while red (610–700) alone and in combination with far-red (710–730 nm) spectrum induced embryogenesis more than the blue spectrum and dark condition in E. veratifolia....
Industrial Crops and Products
Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science bec... more Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science because of its wide application in plant multiplication, short-term conservation, and germplasm exchange. The orchid is a precious ornamental plant that was studied in this project for encapsulation due to its medicinal and commercial value. The main objectives of this study were determining the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds by image J platform and comparing experimentally two magnetic and air-bubble stirring methods for the production of artificial seed. Physical properties of encapsulated Phalaenopsis ' 'Beijing' orchid protocorms produced under three Na-alginate concentrations (3 %, 4 %, and 5 %), three CaCl 2-2H 2 O concentrations (100, 125, and 150 mM), and two stirring methods (magnetic and air bubbling) were investigated. Image J processing platform was applied to determine the physical properties (length, width, sphericity index (SI), and concentric index (CI)) of orchid artificial seeds extracted from digital images. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that interaction terms (Na-alginate * stirring method) and (Na-alginate * CaCl 2-2H 2 O) significantly affected all the dependent variables including weight, volume, SI, and CI (P < 0.05). Response Surface Method (RSM) was utilized for the prediction and optimization of the response variables. The optimum conditions were obtained with the air bubble stirring method having the desirability of 0.879, a weight of 0.15 g, volume of 0.14 cm3, sphericity index of 0.87, and concentric index of 0.13. This is while, the optimum conditions of the encapsulation process using the magnetic method with the desirability of 0.786 were recorded with weight, volume, SI, and CI values of 0.137 g, 0.169 cm3, 0.72, and 0.13, respectively. A comparison of the results showed that the air bubble method demonstrates better encapsulation performance in terms of sphericity index and concentricity index, while capsules produced using the magnetic method had higher weight and volume. Results of this study show the potential of the image J processing as a precision measurement tool which has been successfully applied here to determine the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds.
Scientific Reports
Identifying environmental factors that improve plant growth and development under nitrogen (N) co... more Identifying environmental factors that improve plant growth and development under nitrogen (N) constraint is essential for sustainable greenhouse production. In the present study, the role of light intensity and N concentrations on the biomass partitioning and physiology of chrysanthemum was investigated. Four light intensities [75, 150, 300, and 600 µmol m−2 s−1photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)] and three N concentrations (5, 10, and 15 mM N L−1) were used. Vegetative and generative growth traits were improved by increase in PPFD and N concentration. High N supply reduced stomatal size and gsin plants under lowest PPFD. Under low PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to leaves and stem was higher than that of flower and roots while in plants grown under high PPFD, the share of biomass allocated to flower and root outweighed that of allocated to leaves and stem. As well, positive effects of high PPFD on chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, water use efficiency (WUE), Nitrogen...
The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology
Harvesting Dactylorhiza umbrosa from natural habitats for salep production (powdered dried tuber)... more Harvesting Dactylorhiza umbrosa from natural habitats for salep production (powdered dried tuber) has endangered the existence of this species. Mass production of tubers is possible in vitro. Different osmotic pretreatments for inducing tuber formation in D. umbrosa were investigated. Seeds were germinated in Fast medium and protocorm derived seedlings measuring 2 cm in height with roots were subjected to 2% and 4% w/v of different osmotica including sorbitol, mannitol, and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG), increased concentrations of sugars [sucrose 18 g•L −1 +fructose 7.5 g•L −1 (sugar 1.5x); sucrose 24 g•L −1 +fructose 10 g•L −1 (sugar 2.0x)] and non-pretreated control (sugars 1x; 12 g•L −1 sucrose+5 g•L −1 fructose) for 29 days. Then, the seedlings were transferred to jars containing Fast medium (similar to the control treatment) supplemented with 1 g•L −1 activated charcoal. After 70 days, survival, growth, tuber formation, shoot proline and photosynthetic pigments, and shoot and roots soluble and reserve carbohydrates were determined. PEG and mannitol 2% pretreatments increased root number and photosynthetic pigments. The pretreatments did not affect shoot proline concentration, but induced soluble and reserve sugars accumulation in tubers. According to shoot growth improvement and obtaining the highest tuber number and root carbohydrates content, PEG 2% pretreatment was suggested for D. umbrosa tuberization.
Electronic Journal of Biology, 2016
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a plant with low genetic diversity and cannot be used for cross... more Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) is a plant with low genetic diversity and cannot be used for cross breeding because of its double nature. Therefore, the use of modern breeding techniques such as mutation and gene transfer are usually considered. In this study, in order to create diversity in tuberose, gamma-ray irradiation treatment was used on mature bulbs of tuberose with gamma ray doses of 10, 50, 100, 200 and 400 Gy. Some characteristics of control and treated plants such as survival and sprouting rate, flowering time, leaf number and size, size and weight of the florets, number of petals, internode distance, plant height and stem diameter is measured in this study. The experiment was performed in a template design of completely randomization in a research greenhouse at University of Tehran, Iran. Experimental results showed that at the dose treatment of 10 Gy, all plants sprouted with a time delay, and at doses of 50 and 100 Gy, 57% and 29% of plants were sprouted and grew, resp...
Journal of Horticultural Science, 2021
Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Ligh... more Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green (G), red + blue (R+B) and red + far red (R+FR) together with dark condition (D), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) in four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1) were used. Inter-simple sequence repeat was used for identification and genetic stability analysis of somatic regenerated plantlets. Intact protocorm explants showed higher potential for direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) than the other explants. The rate of DSE was highly dependent on the concentration of TDZ and its interaction with light spectra. R and R + FR spectra with 3 mg L-1 TDZ on intact protocorms and R+FR with 3 mg L-1 TDZ were efficient treatments to induce DSE without somaclonal variation. G light spectru...
Acta Horticulturae, 2020
Artificial seed production is an alternative technique for asexual propagation and conservation o... more Artificial seed production is an alternative technique for asexual propagation and conservation of plants with difficult natural seed propagation system, such as orchids. This technique is rapidly growing in germplasm conservation and plant gene pool exchanges between countries and in vitro floriculture trades. Artificial seed is formed by encapsulating somatic embryo with coating materials. Quality, durability and survival of artificial seed are very important and depend on the kinds of explant, concentration of encapsulation materials and other conditions. In this study, the effects of different sodium alginate (3, 4 and 5%) and calcium chloride (75, 100 and 150 mM) concentrations for capsule gel matrix were investigated on conversion capabilities and germination of Phalaenopsis artificial seeds. The ideal beads were obtained through a combination of 4% sodium alginate and 150 mM calcium chloride. Encapsulated protocorms showed the best germination percentage (100%) on MS medium after 3 weeks. Storage of synthetic seeds after desiccation significantly reduced the viability percentage of seeds and protocorms. Treatment with autoclaved distilled water after desiccation and storage resulted in high viability percentage in protocorms, whereas dehydrated protocorms were found to be less tolerant to the storage.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020
The effect of the lighting environment during postharvest storage of ornamentals has largely been... more The effect of the lighting environment during postharvest storage of ornamentals has largely been neglected in previous research. Anthurium is a cold-sensitive species originating from tropical climates and is widely cultivated all around the world for its colorful spathes. To investigate the effects of light spectrum on the performance of Anthurium cut flowers under cold storage, two cultivars [Calore (red spathe) and Angel (withe spathe)] were placed at low temperature (4°C), either in darkness (D) or under different light spectra [red (R), blue (B), 70:30% red:blue (RB), and white (W)] at an intensity of 125 µmol.m -2 .s -1 . In both cultivars, the longest and shortest vase lives were observed in spathes exposed to the R and B spectra, respectively. In both cultivars, electrolyte leakage (EL) of spathe was highest under the B and W spectra and lowest under the R spectrum. The highest rate of flower water loss from the spathes was observed under the B-containing light spectra, whereas the lowest rate of water loss was observed in D and under the R spectrum. Negative correlations were observed between EL and vase life and between anthocyanin concentration and EL for both Anthurium cultivars. A positive correlation was found between anthocyanin concentration and vase life. For both Anthurium cultivars, spectral light composition with higher percentage of B resulted in higher EL and as a result shorter vase life in cut flowers under cold storage condition. The negative effect of the B light spectrum on vase life of Anthurium can be explained through its effect on water loss and on oxidative stress and membrane integrity. The quality of Anthurium cut flowers should benefit from environments with restricted B light spectrum during postharvest handling.
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020
The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 2016
Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from pla... more Most temperate terrestrial orchids are endangered species. Attempts to produce plantlets from plants of the genus Epipactis by asexual methods have totally failed. This study was conducted using somatic embryogenesis as a rapid vegetative propagation technique for conservation of E. veratrifolia. For these purposes, effects of different types of plant growth regulators (PGRs), different types of explants, light and dark conditions, and the effect of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and Paclobutrazol (PBZ) were investigated on somatic embryogenesis induction. Abscisic acid (ABA) pre-treatment effectiveness on inducting somatic embryogenesis and increasing the number of embryos per explant were investigated. Subsequently, 16 media were tested to find the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. BA (3 mg L -1 ) resulted in a better response than the other PGRs by supporting the development of 17 embryos per protocorm. PBZ, which resulted in 11 embryos per explant, was better than GA 3 . FAST medium supplemented with organic substances was recognized as the best medium for plant regeneration and shoot and root proliferation. ABA pre-treatment had positive effect on somatic embryogenesis initiation. This study, for the first time, succeeded in finding a rapid and suitable protocol for propagation and genetic resource conservation of E. veratrifolia.
Frontiers in Plant Science
Light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, which is an essential process for plantlets produce... more Light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, which is an essential process for plantlets produced during in vitro tissue culture practices and ex vitro acclimatization. LED lights are an appropriate technology for in vitro lighting but their effect on propagation and photosynthesis under in vitro condition is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different light spectra on growth, photosynthetic functionality, and stomatal characteristics of micropropagated shoots of Persian walnut (cv. Chandler). Tissue-cultured walnut nodal shoots were grown under different light qualities including white, blue, red, far-red, green, combination of red and blue (70:30), combination of red and far-red (70:30), and fluorescent light as the control. Results showed that the best growth and vegetative characteristics of in vitro explants of Persian walnut were achieved under combination of red and blue light. The biggest size of stomata was detected under white and blue lig...
BMC Plant Biology, 2024
Micro-propagation is the primary technique for the mass propagation of greenhouse orchids. Howev... more Micro-propagation is the primary technique for the mass propagation of greenhouse orchids. However, various factors, including culture media and cultivation systems, influence the scaling-up and efficient commercialization of in vitro techniques. The utilization of liquid cultivation systems and bioreactors are relatively cost-effective and has attracted significant attention for mass production. In this study, we evaluated the effects of eight culture media, in both semi-solid and liquid forms, on the growth of in vitro mini-plantlets of Phalaenopsis orchids. We subsequently assessed the performance of four selected media: half-strength modified Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MMS), modified FAST (MFAST), and two simplified media (SM1 and SM2), across four types of cultivation systems, including semi-solid media in glass jars, liquid media in a permanent immersion system using Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker (PIS), and a temporary immersion system (TIS) in two forms: FA-Bio bioreactor (TIS-FA-Bio) and RITA® bioreactor (TIS-RITA®).
Springer, 2024
Plant growth regulators play a crucial role in the proliferation of protocorm-like bodies through... more Plant growth regulators play a crucial role in the proliferation of protocorm-like bodies through somatic embryogenesis in Phalaenopsis orchids. Additionally, media components and cultural systems can impact their proliferation and reduce costs. This research aimed to enhance proliferation rates of orchid protocorm-like bodies and decrease costs of both media providing and culture systems. To achieve this, protocorm explants were cultivated in four different systems: solid, liquid permanent immersion (Erlenmeyer flasks on a shaker), and temporary immersion (RITA ® and FA-Bio bioreactor, a new laboratory mini-bioreactor). The media used included half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS), modified FAST medium (MFAST), and low-cost medium (LC). The solid medium contained thidiazuron at concentrations of 0, 1.5, or 3.0 mg L −1. Solid 1/2 MS without thidiazuron was the control. Protocorm-like bodies in solid LC and MFAST exhibited high chlorophyll and anthocyanin content. Their proliferation rates increased by 32.6% and 29.6%, respectively, while culture costs decreased by 45.2% and 43.1%, respectively, compared to solid 1/2 MS with 3.0 mg L −1 thidiazuron. The production of protocormlike bodies and their carbohydrate content were significantly higher in MFAST and LC media, compared to 1/2 MS media across all culture systems. The RITA ® bioreactor with liquid LC showed higher proliferation rates than the other treatments. Liquid LC reduced costs by 57.6% compared to solid LC, making it a cost-effective option for mass propagation. The FA-Bio bioreactor reduced costs by 70.5% compared to RITA ® for laboratory research evaluations in liquid culture. MFAST media in FA-Bio bioreactors can be used commercially for cost-effective propagation of Phalaenopsis orchids.
Elsevier, 2022
Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science bec... more Synthetic seed technology is a popular method in plant biotechnology and agricultural science because of its wide application in plant multiplication, short-term conservation, and germplasm exchange. The orchid is a precious ornamental plant that was studied in this project for encapsulation due to its medicinal and commercial value. The main objectives of this study were determining the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds by image J platform and comparing experimentally two magnetic and air-bubble stirring methods for the production of artificial seed. Physical properties of encapsulated Phalaenopsis ' 'Beijing' orchid protocorms produced under three Na-alginate concentrations (3 %, 4 %, and 5 %), three CaCl 2-2H 2 O concentrations (100, 125, and 150 mM), and two stirring methods (magnetic and air bubbling) were investigated. Image J processing platform was applied to determine the physical properties (length, width, sphericity index (SI), and concentric index (CI)) of orchid artificial seeds extracted from digital images. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that interaction terms (Na-alginate * stirring method) and (Na-alginate * CaCl 2-2H 2 O) significantly affected all the dependent variables including weight, volume, SI, and CI (P < 0.05). Response Surface Method (RSM) was utilized for the prediction and optimization of the response variables. The optimum conditions were obtained with the air bubble stirring method having the desirability of 0.879, a weight of 0.15 g, volume of 0.14 cm3, sphericity index of 0.87, and concentric index of 0.13. This is while, the optimum conditions of the encapsulation process using the magnetic method with the desirability of 0.786 were recorded with weight, volume, SI, and CI values of 0.137 g, 0.169 cm3, 0.72, and 0.13, respectively. A comparison of the results showed that the air bubble method demonstrates better encapsulation performance in terms of sphericity index and concentricity index, while capsules produced using the magnetic method had higher weight and volume. Results of this study show the potential of the image J processing as a precision measurement tool which has been successfully applied here to determine the physical properties of orchid synthetic seeds.
International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 2023
A synthetic seed method involves processing encapsulated plant parts and any meristematic tissue ... more A synthetic seed method involves processing encapsulated plant parts and any meristematic tissue which can develop into plantlets under in vitro or in vivo conditions. Various
https:// ijhst.ut.ac.ir, 2021
Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Ligh... more Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green (G), red + blue (R+B) and red + far red (R+FR) together with dark condition (D), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) in four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1) were used. Inter-simple sequence repeat was used for identification and genetic stability analysis of somatic regenerated plantlets. Intact protocorm explants showed higher potential for direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) than the other explants. The rate of DSE was highly dependent on the concentration of TDZ and its interaction with light spectra. R and R + FR spectra with 3 mg L-1 TDZ on intact protocorms and R+FR with 3 mg L-1 TDZ were efficient treatments to induce DSE without somaclonal variation. G light spectrum has also significant effects on DSE of protocorm explants. The amplified products showed 26 scorable bands and regenerates were completely identical to the mother plant. In conclusion, this protocol provides way to regenerate plants through embryogenesis, and is a reliable protocol to obtain proper development and genetic stable Phalaenopsis embryos.