Iranian Journal Pulses Research

Abstract Introduction
Mixed cropping is one of the components of sustainable agriculture, if done correctly and the appropriate plant species are selected, it increases yield, improves economic efficiency, preserves natural resources, increases the efficiency of resource use in organic farming and it can be useful in pest, diseases and weeds control. Mixed cropping of oilseeds and legumes is a type of mixed cropping systems that increases the performance of the mixed components, reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer compared to pure cultivation, increases the efficiency of the consumption of nutrients and water, and causes disruption of specific host diseases. According to the fact that the two plants, bean and sesame have an acceptable time of simultaneous cultivation, therefore it seems that the Mixed cropping of these two plants can achieve the benefits of a mixed cultivation system and increase the productivity of production in the management of weeds. Based on the conducted research, the mixture of oilseeds and legumes increases the performance of the components of the mixture, and on the other hand, due to the potential of nitrogen biofixation in legumes, it reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer compared to their pure cultivation and significantly suppresses facilitate weeding. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the weed control methods on yield and land equation ratio under the influence of mixed cropping bean and sesame.
 
Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted as a 6×3 factorial in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2019-2020 in a farm of Hossein Abad village at Shirvan- Iran. The treatments included different ratios of sesame: bean at 6 levels (100:0, 25:100, 50:100, 75:100, 100:100 and 0:100) at the optimum bean and sesame density (40 pl. m^-2) and weed control methods in three levels including the use of trifluralin herbicide (960 a.i ha^-1) mixed with the soil surface two weeks before planting, and hand weeding 35 and 55 days after planting (DAP). Irrigation was done by drip irrigation every week until seed filling stage. When the sesame seeds were at the physiological ripening stage and the pods of the bean plant were yellow, harvesting was done from an area of ​​one square meter on 24 September. After drying the harvested plants in the open air, their biomass and seed yield were measured and the land equation ratio (LER) was determined.
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that in all bean and sesame mixed cropping ratios, especially the 75:100 ratio, hand weeding treatments had a higher LER compared to the trifluralin herbicide application treatment. The highest bean grain yield (336.16 g.m^-2) and biomass (953.68 g.m^-2) and the highest sesame grain yield (252.68 g.m^-2) and biomass (average 860.88 g.m^-2) were observed in pure bean sesame cultivation + use of trifluralin. However, in all bean and sesame mixed cropping treatments, LER was higher than monoculture treatments. The highest LER (1.80) was observed in the hand weeding treatment 55 days after planting in the 75:100 (sesame:bean) mixed cropping  ratio. Therefore, the aforementioned treatment can be useful and recommended in weed management as well as increasing yield and biomass in bean and sesame mixed cropping systems.
 
Conclusions
According to the results of this research, mixed cropping of sesame and beans with a ratio of 75:100 (sesame:bean) + 55 DAP can be useful and recommended in this mixed cropping  system and it’s weed management in Shirvan-Iran conditions. However, in pure cultivation of beans and sesame, the use of trifluralin has better results.

Abstract Introduction
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the world’s most important food legume crop. This staple considered as a nearly perfect food mainly because of its high protein content (about 25 percent) and abundant fiber, complex carbohydrates (about 60 percent), and other daily food needs such as vitamins (folate) and minerals (Cu, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn). Water use in agricultural production as one of the most important environmental factors affecting plant growth and development, especially in arid and semi-arid climatic conditions of Iran.
 
Materials and Methods
In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria and nitrogen chemical fertilizer on some characteristics of root and growth indices of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under water stress conditions, a split-plot design based on RCBD with three replications was conducted during growing season of 2015-16 at Agricultural Research station, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Three levels of irrigation (100%, 75%, 50% water requirement) assigned to main plots and different types of biofertilizers (Nitroxin®, containing Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp., Biophosphor®. containing Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.), Nitrogen fertilizer) urea form, and Control (no fertilizer) were assigned to sub plots. Destructive sampling was performed to calculate the growth indices (such as TDW (total dry weight), LAI (leaf area index), CGR (crop growth rate), RGR (relative growth rate) and NAR (net assimilation rate)) randomly from competing plants regarding the marginal effects from 1 real completed leaf stage to the end of the growing season from 5 m² surface (every 7 days; 12 steps). The growth indices of LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR were calculated using equations (1-4). At the end of the growing season SRL (specific root length) was determined by Tenant Modified Method. Leaf area calculated by Leaf Area Meter device (Delta T, UK). Data analysis of variance and figures preparation were done by Minitab Ver. 16, Slide Write Ver. 2, and Excel 2010 softwares. At the end, Means comparing did by Duncan's test at probability 5%.
 
Equation 1:
LAI= (1/GA)[(LA2+LA1)/2]                                                                           
Equation 2:
CGR= (1/GA)[(W2–W1)/(t2–t1)]                                                                                
Equation 3:
RGR= (lnW2–lnW1)/(t2–t1)                                                                            
Equation 4:
NAR= [(W2–W1)/(t2–t1)] [(lnLA2–lnLA1)/(LA2–LA1)]                                 
where GA is ground area (m²), LA is leaf area (m²), W is shoot dry weigh (g) and t is time (day).
 
Results and Discussion
According to the result, the effect of biological fertilizers especially Nitroxin significantly increased maximum values of bean`s growth indices included total dry matter (TDM max), leaf area index (LAI max), crop growth rate (CGR max), relative growth rate (RGR max) and net assimilation rate (NAR max) compared to control and even nitrogen fertilizer. So that the highest and the lowest total dry matter (TDM max) at 91 days after planting were observed in Nitroxin (370 g.m^-2) and control (342 g.m^-2) traits (p≤0.01), respectively. The highest and the lowest leaf area index (LAI max) at 91 days after planting were observed in Nitroxin (2.0) and control (1.7) traits (p≤0.01), respectively. The highest and the lowest crop growth rate (CGR max) at 77 days after planting was observed in Nitroxin 11.04 g.m^-2.day^-1 and control 8.81 g.m^-2.day^-1 traits (p≤0.05), respectively. The highest and the lowest relative growth rate (RGR max) at 21 days after planting was observed in Nitroxin 0.23 g.g^-1.day^-1 and control 0.20 g.g^-1.day^-1 traits (p≤0.01), respectively, and then decreased gradually. Similar to RGR, the highest and the lowest net assimilation rate (NAR max) at 21 day after planting was observed in Nitroxin 35.5 g.m^-2.day^-1 and control 28.4 g.m^-2.day^-1 traits (p≤0.05), respectively. All attributes, showed highest values at 100% water requirement treatment. Also, the effect of fertilizers (p≤0.05) and water requirement (p≤0.01) were significant on grain yield. The main and interaction effects of fertilizer and irrigation were significant (p≤0.05) on specific root length (SRL). So that, the highest specific root length (30.15 m.25cm^-3 soil) were obtained from Nitroxin and 100% water requirement.
 
Conclusion
In total, the results showed that it could be possible to produce the healthy production of bean, moreover, attain the optimum yield as equal as to conventional systems.

Abstract Introduction Lentil with about 28 percent protein occupies the second after soybean. It is one of the major crops in developing countries as a complement to cereals and is an excellent source of protein and amino acids in the diet. Results of studies shown that for most crops, including lentil, the occurrence of drought stress in some phenology stages cause irreparable damages to yield. Therefore, understanding the critical stages of plant to drought stress in order to provide the required humidity at the time plays an important role in yield performance and efficient use of water and soil resources. Supplementary irrigation at critical stages of water requirements of lentil is one of the most effective methods to achieve sustainable production in arid and semi-arid regions. Materials & Methods In order to study the effects of supplementary irrigation on growth characteristics of three lentil cultivars, an experiment was carried out as a strip block based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Field, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2008-9 growing season. Treatments were supplementary irrigated (full irrigation; one irrigation at each stage of branching, flowering, podding, seed setting (with an incidence of phenological stage at least 50 percent of plants a plot), and no irrigation) as main plots, and three lentil cultivars (Robat, & Kalpoosh (the local population in North Khorasan with the registration number of MLC245, and MLC183, respectively), and Gachsaran) as subplots. Lentil disinfected seeds were sown at depth of 2-3 cm and density of 200 plants/m2 in the second half of March. The size of experimental plots were 5×3.75 m and each plot had 10 rows with spacing of 37.5 cm. All treatments were irrigated once after planting to ensure the emergence of uniform seeds. Next irrigation was followed according to the treatments (IBPGR, 1985). Destructive sampling were performed to calculate the growth indices (such as TDW, LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR) from 10 plants chosen randomly from competing plants regarding the marginal effects from two weeks after plants emergence to final maturity (every 7 days; 10 steps). At the end of the growing season, seed yield was determined from 7.5 m2. The growth degree days (GDD) was used instead of calendar time to calculate growth indices using equation (1). The growth indices of LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR were calculated using equations (2-5). Growth Indices and linear regression curves were fitted using Excel 2007 software. GDD = (Equation 1) where GDD is the growth degree days, Tmax and Tmin are maximum and minimum daily temperature during test, respectively. Tb is plant base temperature (= 5 °C for lentil). LAI= (1/GA)[(LA2+LA1)/2] (Equation 2) CGR= (1/GA)[(W2–W1)/(t2–t1)] (Equation 3) RGR= (lnW2–lnW1)/(t2–t1) (Equation 4) NAR= [(W2–W1)/(t2–t1)] [(lnLA2–lnLA1)/(LA2–LA1)] (Equation 5) where GA is ground area (m2), LA is leaf area (m2), W is shoot dry weigh (g) and t is GDD. Results & Discussions Results indicated that supplementary irrigation in flowering stage increased total dry weight (TDW), leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) compared to other supplementary irrigations. Complete irrigation showed the highest growth characteristics during the growing season. Maximum values of total dry weight (507.4 gm-2), leaf area index (3.6), crop growth rate (1.35 gm-2 GDD-1), relative growth rate (0.04 gg-1 GDD-1), net assimilation rate (1.75 of gm-2 GDD-1) and seed yield (1213 kg ha-1) were obtained from irrigation at flowering stage following full irrigation. Amiri deh ahmadi et al. (2011) concluded that drought stress at flowering stage, reduced peas dry matter to minimum values. Singh (1995) also reported that water stress in all stages of growth, decreased leaf area index of beans, but stress before flowering had the greatest impact. Other researchers showed that in terms of drought, crop growth rate decreased due to the decline in photosynthesis and respiration rate. Other researchers concluded that stress and lack of moisture reduced plant relative growth rate. The amount of net photosynthesis and aging leaves reduced over time and this reduction was intensified in difficult environmental conditions, especially drought. Robat was the best of three cultivars in growth indices. Moreover, the positive and significant correlation between grain yield and total dry weight (0.93**), leaf area index (0.92**), crop growth rate (0.90**), relative growth rate (0.89*) and net assimilation rate (0.92**), have highlighted the importance of growth indices to predict the economic performance of lentils. Conclusion In general, it seems in water scarcity conditions, supplementary irrigation at flowering stage could supply necessary moisture for plants and improve their crop yield.

Abstract Supplementary irrigation is a key factor in dryland production of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). In order to study the effects of supplementary irrigation on phenological and morphological characters of three Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivars, a trial carried out as split block based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Field of Agricultural College, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Six treatments of supplementary irrigation (irrigation in all of phenological stages; once irrigation in each stage of branching; flowering; podding; seed setting, and also without irrigation in all growing season) as main plot (strip plot), and three lentil cultivars (Robat; Kalpoosh, and Gachsaran) as sub plot were adjusted. Results showed that one irrigation in flowering, podding, and seed setting stages increased significantly (p≤0.01) reproductive growth stage relative to irrigation in branching stage. The complete irrigation treatment increased growth stages of plant approximately 12% (based on degree day) relative to without irrigation treatment. The interaction of irrigation×cultivar on the vegetative growth and overall plant growth was significant (p≤ 0.01). In Robat cultivar, delay in irrigation till seed setting stage compared to complete irrigation, decreased 9.5% the vegetative growth period (based on degree day), while irrigation in podding stage on Kalpoosh cultivar compared to without irrigation, increased the number of growing degree day by about 9%. Supplementary irrigation at the flowering stage increased number of branches per plant by 14% compared to the irrigation at the seed setting stage. While, supplementary irrigation during flowering stage increased the branch dry weight about 33% compared to the non-irrigation treatment. Also, the supplementary irrigation at flowering stage compared to without irrigation increased the branch dry weight of Robat, Gachsaran, and Kalpoosh cultivars about 17, 31 and 59%, respectively. The interaction of irrigation×cultivar was significant (p≤ 0.01) on branch length, and dry weight, also grain yield of lentil. The non-irrigation compared to the completed irrigation, reduced the branch length of Gachsaran, and Kalpoosh cultivars about 30 and 21%, respectively. Supplementary irrigation during the flowering stage in comparison with seed setting stage, also was increased the branch length of Robat, Gachsaran, and Kalpoosh cultivars 18, 23 and 27%, respectively. Positive and significantly correlation were observed between vegetative and reproductive growth duration with stem length (r=0.26* and r=0.34**) and reproductive growth with branches length (r=0.34**), stem and branches dry weight (r=0.37** and r=0.41**) and yield (r=0.34**), respectively. Also correlation between yield and stem length (r=0.32*), number of branches and branches length (r=0.44** and r=0.53**) and stem and branches dry weight (r=0.42** and r=0.36**) was positive and significant. Based on above conclusions, one supplementary irrigation in flowering stage was more effective to improving growth characters and lentil yield.