Farzad Aslani

UPM - Universiti Putra Malaysia, Department of Crop Science, Graduate Student

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Phone: 0060-12 913 45 08
Address: Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University Putra Malaysia (UPM),
43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

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Krishan Pal

Vinod K K

INDIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, NEW DELHI, INDIA

Galal Anis

James C Nelson

Kansas State University

Wickneswari Ratnam

Masaharu Kuroda

Yifang Tan

Huazhong Agricultural University

Vito Butardo

Charles Sturt University

Roslen Anacleto

International Rice Research Institute

Harold Corke

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

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Papers by Farzad Aslani

Relationship between High Temperature and Formation of Chalkiness and Their Effects on Quality of Rice

by Dr. Md Amirul Alam, Farzad Aslani, and A. Y. M. Nevame

Occurrence of chalkiness in rice is attributed to genetic and environmental factors, especially h... more Occurrence of chalkiness in rice is attributed to genetic and environmental factors, especially high temperature (HT). The HT induces heat stress, which in turn compromises many grain qualities, especially transparency. Chalkiness in rice is commonly studied together with other quality traits such as amylose content, gel consistency, and protein storage. In addition to the fundamental QTLs, some other QTLs have been identified which accelerate chalkiness occurrence under HT condition. In this review, some of the relatively stable chalkiness, amylose content, and gel consistency related QTLs have been presented well. Genetically, HT effect on chalkiness is explained by the location of certain chalkiness gene in the vicinity of high-temperature-responsive genes. With regard to stable QTL distribution and availability of potential material resources, there is still feasibility to find out novel stable QTLs related to chalkiness under HT condition. A better understanding of those achievements is essential to develop new rice varieties with a reduced chalky grain percentage. Therefore, we propose the pyramiding of relatively stable and nonallelic QTLs controlling low chalkiness endosperm into adaptable rice varieties as pragmatic approach to mitigate HT effect.

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REGULATION OF FRUIT COLOUR DEVELOPMENT, QUALITY AND STORAGE LIFE OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. AS INFLUENCED BY PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

by Dr. Md Amirul Alam and Farzad Aslani

The physico-chemical properties of abscisic acid (ABA) and IAA treated roselle calyces stored in ... more The physico-chemical properties of abscisic acid (ABA) and IAA treated roselle calyces stored in different storage temperature was determined in this study. Mature roselle was dipped in distilled water (control), 10-4 mol/l of ABA and 10-4 mol/l of IAA for 5 minutes. All treated calyces were kept at ambient temperature (23°C) for 4 days, or stored at cold storage (10°C) for 8 days. Low temperature (10°C) can prolong the shelf life of roselle about 4 days longer than ambient storage (23°C). However, plant growth regulator (ABA or IAA) only showed minimal effect on quality and shelf life of roselle. Therefore, the application of higher concentration of ABA or IAA as well as dipping for more than 5 minutes can influence the postharvest quality and shelf life of roselle calyces, respectively.

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Effects of Tinospora tuberculata leaf methanol extract on seedling growth of rice and associated weed species in hydroponic culture

Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2016

The study was conducted to evaluate the responses of rice and rice weed seedlings (barnyardgrass ... more The study was conducted to evaluate the responses of rice and rice weed seedlings (barnyardgrass and weedy rice) at the three-leaf stage to Tinospora tuberculata leaf methanol extract (3.12, 6.25 and 12.5 g L –1) under hydroponic culture. It shows that the leaf methanol extract had various degrees effects depending on target plant species and each tested index (biomass, root length, shoot length, transpiration volume, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents). The effective concentration of the leaf extract capable of reducing 50% of rice growth was higher than those of target weed species. Moreover, the root length was more tolerant to leaf methanol extract in comparison to the other plant parameters measured. A greater reduction was observed in chlorophyll a content compared to chlorophyll b and carotenoid. The results revealed that the reduction of transpiration volume closely coincided with the magnitude of growth inhibition of tested plants. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography analysis revealed 11 of 32 peaks in chemical profile, including benzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, isovitexin, orientin, p-anisic acid, syringic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and vitexin have the same retention time with those peaks of the extract. The amount of compounds was present in the range of between 4 817 and 115.5 mg kg –1 dry weight (DW). The concentration-response bioassay of all 11 individual compounds and their equimolar mixture against the seeds of barnyardgrass revealed their contribution in the allelopahic activity of T. tuberculata leaf extract. The examined compounds and their combination exhibited various degrees of growth inhibitory effects on the early growth of barnyardgrass. Therefore, the specific number, concentration, combination and inhibitory activity of bioactive compounds leads to allelopathy activity of T. tuberculata leaves which could be employable directly as a natural herbicide and its growth inhibitor compounds can be used as a template for producing new herbicides.

Salinity-induced changes in the morphology and major mineral nutrient composition of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) accessions

Biological Research, 2016

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of varied salinity regimes on the morphologica... more This study was undertaken to determine the effects of varied salinity regimes on the morphological traits (plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, fresh and dry weight) and major mineral composition of 13 selected purslane accessions. Most of the morphological traits measured were reduced at varied salinity levels (0.0, 8, 16, 24 and 32 dS m(-1)), but plant height was found to increase in Ac1 at 16 dS m(-1) salinity, and Ac13 was the most affected accession. The highest reductions in the number of leaves and number of flowers were recorded in Ac13 at 32 dS m(-1) salinity compared to the control. The highest fresh and dry weight reductions were noted in Ac8 and Ac6, respectively, at 32 dS m(-1) salinity, whereas the highest increase in both fresh and dry weight was recorded in Ac9 at 24 dS m(-1) salinity compared to the control. In contrast, at lower salinity levels, all of the measured mineral levels were found to increase and later decrease with increasing salinity, but the performance of different accessions was different depending on the salinity level. A dendrogram was also constructed by UPGMA based on the morphological traits and mineral compositions, in which the 13 accessions were grouped into 5 clusters, indicating greater diversity among them. A three-dimensional principal component analysis also confirmed the output of grouping from cluster analysis.

Responses of Wheat Genotypes as Affected by Different Sowing Dates

Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Jan 25, 2012

A field experiment was conducted Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj (Iran) for two seaso... more A field experiment was conducted Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj (Iran) for two seasons, 2007-08 and 2008-09, on farmer's fields to investigate the effect of two sowing dates; optimum sowing date (1st November) and late sowing date (20th November) on yield and yield components of eight wheat genotypes. The results showed that the optimum sowing produced higher grain and biomass yields, 1000-grain weight, Spike per square meter compared to late sowing. Between grain yield and traits of biological yield, 1000-grain weight and grain per square meter were correlated positively.

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Variation in the Phytotoxic Activity of <I>Tinospora tuberculata</I> Extracts as Influenced by Solvent Type and Chemical Profile

Current Science, 2016

A Comparison of Yield Potential and Cultivar Performance of 20 Collected Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) Accessions Employing Seeds vs. Stem Cuttings

Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

A glasshouse experiment was conducted in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to evaluate the regenera... more A glasshouse experiment was conducted in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to evaluate the regeneration and yield potential in purslane using both seeds and stem cuttings of 20 collected accessions from different locations in Western Peninsular Malaysia. Analysis results revealed significant variations (P< 0.05) for morphological traits viz., plant height, number of main branches, number of nodes, internodal distance, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, root length, fresh and dry weight but no significant difference were observed for physiological traits viz., total chlorophyll, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water vapor deficit and for either major micro or macro minerals. Hope our research findings will eliminate the doubt of using cutting methods for purslane propagation and cultivation among producers and consumers and will promote their determination to follow purslane production in this summer at any season and anywhere. To...

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Investigation of Wheat Grain Quality Characteristics Under Water Deficit Condition During Postanthesis Stage

Nine wheat genotypes (DM-81-6, DM-82-1, Bahar, DN-11, DN-7, Pishtaz, WS-82-9, C-85-6 and C-84-12)... more Nine wheat genotypes (DM-81-6, DM-82-1, Bahar, DN-11, DN-7, Pishtaz, WS-82-9, C-85-6 and C-84-12) were grown on research farm in Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj (Iran), under two water regimes ( normal irrigation and no irrigation in post-anthesis growth stage) and in two growing seasons, to determine the effect of water regime on quality traits. Quality analyses were performed on grains: protein content, moisture content, hardness index, falling number, wet gluten, dry gluten, gluten index, zeleny sedimentation volume, bread volume and SDS sedimentation volume. The quality traits have differences among the genotypes. Water stress in the grain filling period was found to affect quality parameters. An increase in protein content, falling number, gluten index, dry gluten and SDS sedimentation volume, consistent with a decrease in grain yield, 1000 grains weight, bread volume and moisture content was observed when a terminal water stress happened. Likely water stress associated to with high temperature which in general happens under Mediterranean conditions over grain development, may have caused a higher accumulation of quality parameters.

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Responses of Wheat Genotypes to Terminal Drought Stress by Using Stress Tolerance Indices

International Journal of Agricultural and Statistics Sciences

Phytotoxic interference of volatile organic compounds and water extracts of Tinospora tuberculata Beumee on growth of weeds in rice fields

South African Journal of Botany, 2015

ABSTRACT Tinospora tuberculata Beumee is an aromatic shrub with pharmacological properties and be... more ABSTRACT Tinospora tuberculata Beumee is an aromatic shrub with pharmacological properties and belongs to the Menispermaceae family. We assessed T. tuberculata for its ability to suppress growth of weeds in rice fields. In seedling bioassays, the rate of seed germination and the radicle and hypocotyl lengths of barnyardgrass, rice and weedy rice seedlings were reduced as the concentration of aqueous water extracts and volatile organic compounds increased compared to the control. In a glasshouse experiment, T. tuberculata leaf powder also exhibited effective reduction in the emergence and growth of weeds in rice fields. Applications at rates of 4 t ha− 1 completely suppressed emergence of barnyardgrass, sprangletop and smallflower umbrella. The chemical compositions of extracts and volatiles were analyzed by GC–MS and HS-SPME-GC–MS. The results showed that 7 of 43 components in the leaf aqueous extract, as compared to 5 of 15 compounds in the stem aqueous extract, are known to be toxic compounds. Moreover, eight main volatile organic compounds were identified, which accounted for 97 and 95% of the whole fresh and dry leaf volatiles, respectively. We observed qualitative and quantitative differences in the compounds present in the dry and fresh leaf. Confocal laser scanning microscope images showed that the volatile emissions and aqueous extracts also inhibited the main root diameter, and the number and elongation of root hairs of tested weeds in rice fields. These results suggest that T. tuberculata contains a significant source of plant growth inhibitors. Hence, it can be used as a mulch to suppress weeds in rice fields and for developing new herbicide based on phytotoxic compounds release by this plant.

Application of an Effective Statistical Technique for an Accurate and Powerful Mining of Quantitative Trait Loci for Rice Aroma Trait

PLOS ONE, 2015

When a phenotype of interest is associated with an external/internal covariate, covariate inclusi... more When a phenotype of interest is associated with an external/internal covariate, covariate inclusion in quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses can diminish residual variation and subsequently enhance the ability of QTL detection. In the in vitro synthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP), the main fragrance compound in rice, the thermal processing during the Maillard-type reaction between proline and carbohydrate reduction produces a roasted, popcorn-like aroma. Hence, for the first time, we included the proline amino acid, an important precursor of 2AP, as a covariate in our QTL mapping analyses to precisely explore the genetic factors affecting natural variation for rice scent. Consequently, two QTLs were traced on chromosomes 4 and 8. They explained from 20% to 49% of the total aroma phenotypic variance. Additionally, by saturating the interval harboring the major QTL using gene-based primers, a putative allele of fgr (major genetic determinant of fragrance) was mapped in the QTL on the 8th chromosome in the interval RM223-SCU015RM (1.63 cM). These loci supported previous studies of different accessions. Such QTLs can be widely used by breeders in crop improvement programs and for further fine mapping. Moreover, no previous studies and findings were found on simultaneous assessment of the relationship among 2AP, proline and fragrance QTLs. Therefore, our findings can help further our understanding of the metabolomic and genetic basis of 2AP biosynthesis in aromatic rice.

Opportunities of marker-assisted selection for rice fragrance through marker-trait association analysis of microsatellites and gene-based markers

Plant Biology, 2015

Developing fragrant rice through marker-assisted/aided selection (MAS) is an economical and profi... more Developing fragrant rice through marker-assisted/aided selection (MAS) is an economical and profitable approach worldwide for the enrichment of an elite genetic background with a pleasant aroma. The PCR-based DNA markers that distinguish the alleles of major fragrance genes in rice have been synthesized to develop rice scent biofortification through MAS. Thus, the present study examined the aroma biofortification potential of these co-dominant markers in a germplasm panel of 189 F2 progenies developed from crosses between a non-aromatic variety (MR84) and a highly aromatic but low-yielding variety (MRQ74) to determine the most influential diagnostic markers for fragrance biofortification. The SSRs and functional DNA markers RM5633 (on chromosome 4), RM515, RM223, L06, NKSbad2, FMbadh2-E7, BADEX7-5, Aro7, and SCU015RM (on chromosome 8) were highly associated with the 2AP (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline) content across the population. The alleles traced via these markers were also in high linkage disequilibrium (R(2) &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.70) and explained for approximately 12.1, 27.05, 27.05, 27.05, 25.42, 25.42, 20.53, 20.43, and 20.18% of the total phenotypic variation observed for these biomarkers, respectively. F2 plants harboring the favorable alleles of these effective markers produced higher levels of fragrance. Hence, these rice plants can be used as donor parents to increase the development of fragrance-biofortified tropical rice varieties adapted to growing conditions and consumer preferences, thus contributing to the global rice market. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Allelopathic effects of Bratawali (Tinospora tuberculata) on germination and seedling growth of plant

Influence of plant spacing and sowing time on yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

by Ali Baghdadi, Mohd Ridzwan Bin Abd Halim, Farzad Aslani, Ridzwan Halim, and Izham Ahmad

Sunflower production can be increased by optimizing agronomic practices that affect production. P... more Sunflower production can be increased by optimizing agronomic practices that affect production. Plant spacing and sowing time are two important factors affecting sunflower production. To determine the optimum sowing date and plant spacing of native sunflower, an experiment was conducted for one year at the Research Farm of Agricultural Research Center in Rasht, located in north of Iran. Climatically, the area has a mild and humid climate with variable rainfall throughout the year. The average rainfall during the year is 1359 mm. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were two planting dates (25 th April and 15 th May), and four plant spacing (75 cm × 20 cm, 65 cm × 23 cm, 50 cm × 30 cm, 35 cm ×43 cm) with equal plant density. The results showed significant effects of planting date and plant spacing on yield and yield components of native sunflower. The earlier planting date was shown to give better seed yields than later planting. The later planting date resulted in decreased yield of sunflower but increased straw yield. Also number of infertile seeds/head was lower at the early planting time. At all plant spacing the early planting gave a superior harvest index compared to the later planting. Increasing row spacing resulted in increasing yield. The highest seed yield (2489 kg/ha) and harvest index (18.93%) were obtained from the early planting date at the 75 cm × 20 cm plant spacing. A delay of the planting date significantly decreased grain yield of sunflower due to a decrease in the number of seeds per head and in seed weight and seed yield.

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Collection and identification of different Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) accessions available in Western Peninsular Malaysia

ABSTRACT Export Date: 18 October 2014

Allelopathic effects of Batawali (Tinospora tuberculata) on germination and seedling growth of plants

ABSTRACT A study was undertaken to explore the effects of methanol extracts (100, 50, 25, 12.5 an... more ABSTRACT A study was undertaken to explore the effects of methanol extracts (100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 g/l) from the dried powders of aerial parts of Batawali (Tinospora tuberculata) on emergence and initial growth of rice, radish, lettuce and carrot as represented by germination percentage, radical and hypocotyle length. Results indicated that both stem and leaves of Batawali markedly raised the suppression of germination and primary growth of all examined crops when plants were exposed to increasing the methanol extract concentrations from 6.25 to 100 g/l of distilled water. The half-inhibitory concentrations that inhibit germination (ECg50), radicle (ECr50) and hypocotyle (ECh50) growth were determined for both the extracts. According to these values, an index (Re) was calculated in order to establish a ranking of the most sensitive plants and most effective extract. It was observed that the leaves extract was more active than the stem extract and caused the greatest negative effect on germination and early growth of plants. All tested plants differed in their sensitivity to T. tuberculata extracts. Higher reduction in plant growth parameters was observed in carrot. The tested extracts inhibited mainly the growth of radicle more than the growth of the hypocotyle and germination percentage in all examined crops, except carrot. According to the study, it could be concluded that T. tuberculata extracts had a significant herbicidal activity which depended on the extract concentrations, plant parts and the target crops.

Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials on Plants Growth: An Overview

by Ali Baghdadi, samira bagheri, Farahnaz Golestan Hashemi, and Farzad Aslani

Rapid development and wide applications of nanotechnology brought about a significant increment o... more Rapid development and wide applications of nanotechnology brought about a significant increment on the number of engineered
nanomaterials (ENs) inevitably entering our living system. Plants comprise of a very important living component of the terrestrial
ecosystem. Studies on the influence of engineered nanomaterials (carbon and metal/metal oxides based) on plant growth indicated
that in the excess content, engineered nanomaterials influences seed germination. It assessed the shoot-to-root ratio and the growth
of the seedlings. From the toxicological studies to date, certain types of engineered nanomaterials can be toxic once they are
not bound to a substrate or if they are freely circulating in living systems. It is assumed that the different types of engineered
nanomaterials affect the different routes, behavior, and the capability of the plants. Furthermore, different, or even opposing
conclusions, have been drawn frommost studies on the interactions between engineered nanomaterials with plants.Therefore, this
paper comprehensively reviews the studies on the different types of engineered nanomaterials and their interactions with different
plant species, including the phytotoxicity, uptakes, and translocation of engineered nanomaterials by the plant at the whole plant
and cellular level.

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The genetic and molecular origin of natural variation for the fragrance trait in an elite Malaysian aromatic rice through quantitative trait loci mapping using SSR and gene-based markers

by Mohd Rafii, Latif M A, and Farzad Aslani

Gene, 2015

MRQ74, a popular aromatic Malaysian landrace, allows for charging considerably higher prices than... more MRQ74, a popular aromatic Malaysian landrace, allows for charging considerably higher prices than non-aromatic landraces. Thus, breeding this profitable trait has become a priority for Malaysian rice breeding. Despite many studies on aroma genetics, ambiguities considering its genetic basis remain. It has been observed that identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) based on anchor markers, particularly candidate genes controlling a trait of interest, can increase the power of QTL detection. Hence, this study aimed to locate QTLs that influence natural variations in rice scent using microsatellites and candidate gene-based sequence polymorphisms. For this purpose, an F2 mapping population including 189 individual plants was developed by MRQ74 crosses with &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;MR84&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, a non-scented Malaysian accession. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied to obtain a phenotype data framework. Consequently, we identified two QTLs on chromosomes 4 and 8. These QTLs explained from 3.2% to 39.3% of the total fragrance phenotypic variance. In addition, we could resolve linkage group 8 by adding six gene-based primers in the interval harboring the most robust QTL. Hence, we could locate a putative fgr allele in the QTL found on chromosome 8 in the interval RM223-SCU015RM (1.63cM). The identified QTLs represent an important step toward recognition of the rice flavor genetic control mechanism. In addition, this identification will likely accelerate the progress of the use of molecular markers for gene isolation, gene-based cloning, and marker-assisted selection breeding programs aimed at improving rice cultivars.

Effects of salinity and salinity-induced augmented bioactive compounds in purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) for possible economical use

Food Chemistry, 2015

Dry matter (DM), total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoid contents, and antioxidant activity of 12... more Dry matter (DM), total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoid contents, and antioxidant activity of 12 purslane accessions were investigated against five levels of salinity (0, 8, 16, 24 and 32dSm(-1)). In untreated plants, the DM contents ranged between 8.0-23.4g/pot; total phenolics contents (TPC) between 0.96-9.12mgGAEg(-1)DW; total flavonoid contents (TFC) between 0.15-1.44mgREg(-1)DW; and total carotenoid contents (TCC) between 0.52BCEg(-1)DW. While FRAP activity ranged from 8.64-104.21mgTEg(-1)DW (about 12-fold) and DPPH activity between 2.50-3.30mgmL(-1) IC50 value. Different levels of salinity treatment resulted in 8-35% increases in TPC; about 35% increase in TFC; and 18-35% increases in FRAP activity. Purslane accessions Ac4, Ac5, Ac6 and Ac8 possessed potentials for salinity-induced augmented production of bioactive compounds which in turn can be harnessed for possible human health benefits.

Selection of superior peat-based Bradyrhizobium inoculants for the cultivation of indigo ( Indigofera tinctoria L.)

Legume Research - An International Journal, 2014

Relationship between High Temperature and Formation of Chalkiness and Their Effects on Quality of Rice

by Dr. Md Amirul Alam, Farzad Aslani, and A. Y. M. Nevame

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REGULATION OF FRUIT COLOUR DEVELOPMENT, QUALITY AND STORAGE LIFE OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L. AS INFLUENCED BY PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

by Dr. Md Amirul Alam and Farzad Aslani

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Effects of Tinospora tuberculata leaf methanol extract on seedling growth of rice and associated weed species in hydroponic culture

Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2016