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The highest quality pomegranate necessitates a tropical or subtropical environment for proper growth and development. This study evaluated two pomegranate cultivars including Rabab Poost Ghermez Neyriz (RPGN) and Makhmal Malas Shahreza (MMS) for physical traits, biochemical properties, and juice quality in their native locations as well as other warm and arid regions during two growing seasons (2019–2020 and 2020–2021) in Iran. The results showed that cultivars with the maximum redness (a*) were more likely to originate in cooler climates, and the cultivar’s responses to changing climates were also different. According to pomegranate characteristics, cultivars in different regions had different fruit, aril, and skin weights. According to these findings, pomegranate fruits cultivated in other climates than the origin climate have a smaller edible fraction. The findings also demonstrate that pomegranate fruits cultivated in mountain climates have more significant biochemical parameters such as total phenol, anthocyanin content, antioxidant capacity, and vitamin C than those produced in desert environment settings. The increased titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and pH values of pomegranates produced in origin climate than the warm environment; thus, suggest that changes in pomegranate cultivar origin had a clear impact on fruit juice quality. Environmental factors, such as wind speed, altitude, and annual precipitation, had a significant correlation with a* skin, TSS, fruit weight, aril weight, edible portion, pH, TA, phenol, antioxidants, and anthocyanin content.

The dried fig cv. Sabz of Iran, distinguishes out among the several fig cultivars for its unique characteristics and excellent properties. The aims to this study were 1) Carefully monitoring the resulting phenotypic changes in growth patterns, leaf morphology, shoot traits, root characteristics, and other relevant traits after irradiated with different gamma rays; 2) Investigating the LD 25 , 50 , 75 and GR 25 , 50 , 75 values at different gamma radiation doses for chose optimum dose. According to our results, the LD 50 was 70 Gy, while the LD 25 and LD 75 were approximately 48 and 95 Gy, respectively. Data analysis revealed that higher doses, ranging from 50 to 90 Gy, led to a reduction in leaf area for fig hardwood cuttings compared to those exposed to lower doses of gamma irradiation (10, 20, 30, and 40 Gy). In fig cuttings, the plant height gradually decreased in line with increasing irradiation doses up to 60 Gy. Among the root traits, root number was particularly influenced by higher radiation doses. On other hand, when fig cuttings were exposed to a 40 Gy radiation dosage, the average root count dropped by 50%. However, when fig cuttings were subjected to a 90 Gy radiation dose, the average root count surged by 90.7% in comparison to the control treatment. Additionally, the GR 50 values were 63 Gy for internode length, 67 Gy for leaf area and 56 Gy for plant height and aerial biomass. However, the GR 50 values for root number, root volume, and root biomass were 46 Gy, 57 Gy, and 51 Gy, respectively. An analysis based on the GR 25 , GR 50 , and GR 75 values indicated that plant height, aerial biomass and root biomass exhibited greater sensitivity to radioactivity in comparison to other plant portions of the fig. According to the biological responses in the ‘Sabz’ fig, 60 Gy of gamma radiation is a suitable dose for initial mutagenesis studies.

The objective of this study was to investigate the shelf life of arils and the changes in their biochemical compounds in nineteen Iranian pomegranate cultivars during storage. Fruits were harvested when commercially mature and the arils were removed, packaged and stored at 5 ± 1 °C, at 85–90% relative humidity in a cold room. Samples of the stored arils were examined for biochemical features in temporal checkpoints throughout a storage period that lasted for 35 days. By using the onset of decay as an index, the shelf life of arils varied among cultivars, ranging from 7 days to approximately 21 days. Considering the quality attributes of ready-to-eat arils at the beginning of the experiment, substantial variations were observed among the cultivars with regard to their titratable acidity (0.50–8.47%), total soluble solids (13–18.66 °Brix), DPPH radical scavenging activity (63–87.44%), Gallic-acid-equivalent (2.64–6.95 mg/ml) and ascorbic acid (12.21–75.09 mg/l). In general, the decay of arils gradually increased during storage, but several cultivars—which exhibited a very slow process of decay—contained the highest content of titratable acidity, Gallic-acid-equivalent and total soluble solids (since the signs of decay appeared on around the twenty-first day of storage). In addition, titratable acidity increased slightly by the end of storage, whereas the ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids and Gallic-acid-equivalent were cultivar-dependent and did not show consistent patterns of change during storage.

Ionizing radiations are a helpful technique and have improved financial potential in developing new and unique commercially important fruit tree varieties. The ‘Yaghouti’ grape cuttings were treated with 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 Gy gamma ray (γ) doses. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the effects of γ radiation on the survival rate, leaves, shoots, and root morphometric traits after γ irradiation; (2) Measurement of the 25, 50, and 75% lethal dose and 25, 50, and 75% growth reduction dose based on leaves, shoots, and root morphometric characteristics to estimate grape radiosensitivity; (3) Ultimately, determining the optimum dose of γ irradiation based biological responses (LD 25, 50, 75 and GR 25, 50, 75 ) in Yaghouti grape. The findings demonstrate that the lethal dose of the ‘Yaghouti’ was 18 Gy for LD 25 , 30 Gy for LD 50 , and 48 Gy for LD 75 , respectively. Furthermore, our findings showed that increasing the γ dose had a harmed ngative effect on vine growth, as evidenced by a decrease in plant height, root number, root volume, leaf area, aerial biomass, root biomass, and internode number of the ‘Yaghouti’ grape plants. Our results showed that between the aerial parts of vines, the leaf area and aerial biomass had higher radiosensitivity than plant height and other aerial parts of the plants based on data from GR 25 , GR 50 , and GR 75 . Moreover, GR studies of root characteristics revealed that root number and biomass root had higher radiation sensitivity than root volume. According to biological responses (LD 25, 50, 75 and GR 25, 50, 75 ) in the ‘Yaghouti’ grape, 30 Gy of γ radiation is the optimum dose for preliminary mutagenesis investigations.

Drought stress is a significant limitation to sustainable sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) production, underscoring the need for genotypes that maintain yield under water scarcity. This study evaluated 20 sugar beet genotypes under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions using key stress tolerance indices to identify drought-resilient candidates. Significant variability was observed among genotypes, confirming the presence of exploitable diversity for improving drought tolerance. Strong associations among productivity-based indices indicated consistent performance patterns across environments. Multivariate analyses, including hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, effectively differentiated genotypes based on stress-adaptive responses. To improve selection accuracy, multi-criteria decision-making approaches were applied. Across Fuzzy TOPSIS, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and VIKOR rankings, Genotype 3 consistently demonstrated the highest drought resilience, followed by Genotypes 5 and 13. These genotypes exhibited superior yield stability and reduced stress susceptibility, highlighting their suitability for cultivation in drought-prone regions. Indices such as GMP, STI, and REI were identified as the most influential contributors to stress tolerance. This integrative evaluation framework provides a reliable tool to support strategic genotype selection and breeding decisions and to strengthen efforts to develop climate-resilient sugar beet cultivars.

The majority of Iranian fig production is exported, making it one of the world’s most well-known healthy crops. Therefore, the main objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of various types of organic fertilizers, such as animal manure (cow and sheep), bird manure (partridge, turkey, quail, and chicken), and vermicompost, on the nutritional status of trees, vegetative and reproductive tree characteristics, fruit yield, and fruit quality traits in dried fig cultivar (“Sabz”). According to the findings, applying organic fertilizers, particularly turkey and quail, significantly improves vegetative and reproductive characteristics. However, other manures such as sheep, chicken, and vermicompost had a similar effect on the growth parameters of fig trees. Additionally, the findings indicated that except for potassium, use of all organic fertilizers had an impact on macro and microelements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and sodium amount in fig tree leaves. Also, based on fruit color analysis in dried figs, the use of all organic fertilizers improved fruit color. Moreover, the analyses fruit biochemical showed that the use of some organic fertilizers improved that TSS and polyphenol compounds such as coumarin, vanillin, hesperidin gallic acid and trans frolic acid. In general, the results indicated that the addition of organic fertilizers, especially turkey manure, led to increased vegetative productivity and improvement in the fruit quality of the rain-fed fig orchard.

Due to limited local knowledge regarding the optimal harvest time for this non-native variety, a two-year study (2021–2022) was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four blocks. This study aimed to determine the ideal harvest time based on quantitative and qualitative fruit characteristics in saveh, which has a semi-arid climate. Twelve similarly sized trees were selected for each orchard, and fruits were harvested at three-time intervals: 155 days after flowering (DAF) (September 27), 170 DAF (October 12), and 185 DAF (October 27). Ten fruits from four sides of the tree canopy were collected and analyzed for physical and biochemical properties. The results showed that harvest time significantly affected fruit weight, aril weight, and juice percentage positively, while it negatively impacted rind percentage. The first harvest date yielded the lowest quantitative and qualitative traits, with incomplete skin and aril coloration. By the third harvest, pomegranate fruits exhibited the highest total soluble solids (17.76 °Brix), pH (3.41), and anthocyanin content (32.56 mg/L), along with the lowest total phenols (17.28 mg GAE/L), antioxidant capacity (79.78%), and titratable acidity (1.11%), resulting in the highest flavor or ripening index (16.31). In addition, cracking rates increased substantially, reaching 30.25% by the third harvest, compared to negligible levels of 20.72% by the second harvest. Juice percentage and aril weight improved significantly with delayed harvest, peaking on October 27. These findings suggest that October 12–27 is the optimal harvest window for superior fruit quality while considering the risk of fruit cracking. This study provides practical insights into harvest timing for maximizing the marketability and nutritional value of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates in semi-arid climates.

Native to Iran, seedless barberry ( Berberis vulgaris L.) is a nutritionally and economically important crop prized for its therapeutic uses and food industry applications. Nevertheless, the vegetative propagation of the plant and lack of seeds limit conventional breeding techniques, therefore reducing genetic variation and impeding cultivars improvement. This work sought to maximize gamma radiation dosages to cause mutations in seedless barberry hence increasing genetic variability for breeding projects. Hardwood cuttings were subjected to gamma radiation dosages of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 Gy using a Cobalt-60 source. Under both in vitro and in vivo settings, the impacts on survival rates, leaf and shoot development, and morphometric features were assessed. Results revealed that rising radiation doses significantly reduced survival rates and growth metrics. The LD 50 (Lethal dose) was determined to be roughly 19 Gy for the in vivo and 13.6 Gy for the in vitro. Gamma irradiation negatively influenced plant growth according to values for leaf length, leaf width, fresh weight, and dry weight growth reduction (GR 50 ). Optimal dosages for causing mutations, while preserving survival, were found to be 15 Gy for the in vivo and 10 Gy for the in vitro.

Emphasizing its potential for environmental sustainability, this review investigated how biochar—a carbon-rich material obtained from biomass pyrolysis—might be used into nuclear science and technology. High surface area, porosity, and functional groups give biochar special adsorption capacity, which qualifies it as a potential instrument for radiation cleanup and improving energy economy in nuclear uses. From the historical development of nuclear physics to the creative application of biochar in nuclear waste management and radiation shielding as well as its contribution to sustainable nuclear energy, the study covers several spheres. Biochar presents amazing efficiency in adsorbing and immobilizing radionuclides in the field of nuclear waste management, therefore establishing itself as a viable substitute for more traditional approaches. Its uses cover handling of high-level radioactive materials as well as treating low-level radioactive effluents. The paper also looks at using biochar as radiation shielding since its carbonaceous character produces strong, light-weight protective barriers. Using controlled pyrolysis and later changes, the paper addresses advanced manufacturing processes for customizing nuclear-grade biochar for particular uses. Within the nuclear industry, economic studies emphasize the affordability and possible financial gains of biochar, as well as its market potential and commercialization techniques. Lifetime analysis helps to evaluate environmental effects and sustainability by stressing the part of biochar in carbon sequestration and lowering of ecological footprints. The paper discusses safety and regulatory issues, how artificial intelligence and machine learning might be used for material optimization, and the limits and difficulties in using biochar. Practical case studies highlight its success in nuclear environments. The study ends by placing biochar as a major component in creating sustainable nuclear technology, which calls for continuous research, cooperation, and creativity.HighlightsThe adsorption capability of biochar makes it a sustainable tool for radiation cleanup and energy efficiency in nuclear tech.It offers a cost-effective, lightweight solution for nuclear waste management and radiation protection.The study underscores the potential of biochar in carbon sequestration and sustainability in the nuclear industry.

Enhancing crop photosynthesis through genetic engineering technologies offers numerous opportunities to increase plant productivity. Key approaches include optimizing light utilization, increasing cytochrome b6f complex levels, and improving carbon fixation. Modifications to Rubisco and the photosynthetic electron transport chain are central to these strategies. Introducing alternative photorespiratory pathways and enhancing carbonic anhydrase activity can further increase the internal CO2 concentration, thereby improving photosynthetic efficiency. The efficient translocation of photosynthetically produced sugars, which are managed by sucrose transporters, is also critical for plant growth. Additionally, incorporating genes from C4 plants, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and NADP-malic enzymes, enhances the CO2 concentration around Rubisco, reducing photorespiration. Targeting microRNAs and transcription factors is vital for increasing photosynthesis and plant productivity, especially under stress conditions. This review highlights potential biological targets, the genetic modifications of which are aimed at improving photosynthesis and increasing plant productivity, thereby determining key areas for future research and development.