Mohsen Hesami
University of Guelph, Plant Agriculture, Graduate Student
- .edit
Cannabis sativa L. is a high-value crop with a multi-billion dollar international market, yet due to the long history of prohibition, there is a significant lack of research on the plant and biotechnological techniques are in their... more
Cannabis sativa L. is a high-value crop with a multi-billion dollar international market, yet due to the long history of prohibition, there is a significant lack of research on the plant and biotechnological techniques are in their infancy. Developing and applying modern techniques to Cannabis will help overcome some species-specific challenges to increase productivity and improve our knowledge about this plant. With regulatory environments relaxing in many parts of the world, there has been a significant increase in biotechnological research with this species. The current manuscript reviews the advances in Cannabis biotechnology, including molecular markers, microRNA, omics-based methods, and functional genes related to the terpene and cannabinoid biosynthesis as well as fiber quality. The foremost aim of this study is to a comprehensive review of the available literature to guide future cannabis studies in the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
Research Interests:
Artificial intelligence (AI) models and optimization algorithms (OA) are broadly employed in different fields of technology and science and have recently been applied to improve different stages of plant tissue culture. The usefulness of... more
Artificial intelligence (AI) models and optimization algorithms (OA) are broadly employed in different fields of technology and science and have recently been applied to improve different stages of plant tissue culture. The usefulness of the application of AI-OA has been demonstrated in the prediction and optimization of length and number of microshoots or roots, biomass in plant cell cultures or hairy root culture, and optimization of environmental conditions to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency, as well as classification of microshoots and somatic embryos. Despite its potential, the use of AI and OA in this field has been limited due to complex definition terms and computational algorithms. Therefore, a systematic review to unravel modeling and optimizing methods is important for plant researchers and has been acknowledged in this study. First, the main steps for AI-OA development (from data selection to evaluation of prediction and classification models), as well as several AI models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), neurofuzzy logic, support vector machines (SVMs), decision trees, random forest (FR), and genetic algorithms (GA), have been represented. Then, the application of AI-OA models in different steps of plant tissue culture has been discussed and highlighted. This review also points out limitations in the application of AI-OA in different plant tissue culture processes and provides a new view for future study objectives.
Research Interests:
Optimizing the gene transformation factors can be considered as the first and foremost step in successful genetic engineering and genome editing studies. However, it is usually difficult to achieve an optimized gene transformation... more
Optimizing the gene transformation factors can be considered as the first and foremost step in successful genetic engineering and genome editing studies. However, it is usually difficult to achieve an optimized gene transformation protocol due to the cost and time-consuming as well as the complexity of this process. Therefore, it is necessary to use a novel computational approach such as machine learning models for analyzing gene transformation data. In the current study, three individual machine learning models including Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Radial Basis Function (RBF) were developed for forecasting Agrobacterium-mediated gene transformation in chrysanthemum based on eleven input variables including Agrobacterium strain, optical density (OD), co-culture period (CCP), and different antibiotics including kanamycin (K), vancomycin (VA), cefotaxime (CF), hygromycin (H), carbenicillin (CA), geneticin (G), ticarcillin (TI), and paro-momycin (P). Consequently, best-obtained results were used in the fusion process by bagging method. Results showed that ensemble model with the highest R 2 (0.83) had superb performance in comparison with all other individual models (MLP:063, RBF:0.69, and ANFIS: 0.74) in the validation set. Also, ensemble model was linked to Fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) for optimizing gene transformation, and the results showed that the maximum gene transformation efficiency (37.54%) can be achieved from EHA105 strain with 0.9 OD 600 , for 3.8 days CCP, 46.43 mg/l P, 9.54 mg/l K, 18.62 mg/l H, and 4.79 mg/l G as selection antibiotics and 109.74 μg/ml VA, 287.63 μg/ml CF, 334.07 μg/ml CA and 87.36 μg/ml TI as antibiotics in the selection medium. Moreover, sensitivity analysis demonstrated that input variables have a different degree of importance in gene transformation system in the order of Agrobacterium strain > CCP > K > CF > VA > P > OD > CA > H > TI > G. Generally, the developed hybrid model in this study (ensemble model-FOA) can be employed as an accurate and reliable approach in future genetic engineering and genome editing studies.
Research Interests:
Data-driven models in a combination of optimization algorithms could be beneficial methods for predicting and optimizing in vitro culture processes. This study was aimed at modeling and optimizing a new embryogenesis medium for... more
Data-driven models in a combination of optimization algorithms could be beneficial methods for predicting and optimizing in vitro culture processes. This study was aimed at modeling and optimizing a new embryogenesis medium for chrysanthemum. Three individual data-driven models, including multi-layer perceptron (MLP), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and support vector regression (SVR), were developed for callogenesis rate (CR), embryogenesis rate (ER), and somatic embryo number (SEN). Consequently, the best obtained results were used in the fusion process by a bagging method. For medium reformulation, effects of eight ionic macronutrients on CR, ER, and SEN and effects of four vitamins on SEN were evaluated using data fusion (DF)–non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) and DF-genetic algorithm (GA), respectively. Results showed that DF models with the highest R2 had superb performance in comparison with all other individual models. According to DF-NSGAII, the highest ER and SEN can be obtained from the medium containing 14.27 mM NH4+, 38.92 mM NO3−, 22.79 mM K+, 5.08 mM Cl−, 3.34 mM Ca2+, 1.67 mM Mg2+, 2.17 mM SO42−, and 1.44 mM H2PO4−. Based on the DF-GA model, the maximum SEN can be obtained from a medium containing 0.61 μM thiamine, 5.93 μM nicotinic acid, 0.25 μM biotin, and 0.26 μM riboflavin. The efficiency of the established-optimized medium was experimentally compared to Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) for embryogenesis of five chrysanthemum cultivars, and results indicated the efficiency of optimized medium over MS medium.
Research Interests:
Background Optimizing the somatic embryogenesis protocol can be considered as the first and foremost step in successful gene transformation studies. However, it is usually difficult to achieve an optimized embryogenesis protocol due to... more
Background
Optimizing the somatic embryogenesis protocol can be considered as the first and foremost step in successful gene transformation studies. However, it is usually difficult to achieve an optimized embryogenesis protocol due to the cost and time-consuming as well as the complexity of this process. Therefore, it is necessary to use a novel computational approach, such as machine learning algorithms for this aim. In the present study, two machine learning algorithms, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) as an artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR), were employed to model somatic embryogenesis of chrysanthemum, as a case study, and compare their prediction accuracy.
Results
The results showed that SVR (R2 > 0.92) had better performance accuracy than MLP (R2 > 0.82). Moreover, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) was also applied for the optimization of the somatic embryogenesis and the results showed that the highest embryogenesis rate (99.09%) and the maximum number of somatic embryos per explant (56.24) can be obtained from a medium containing 9.10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4.70 μM kinetin (KIN), and 18.73 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP). According to our results, SVR-NSGA-II was able to optimize the chrysanthemum’s somatic embryogenesis accurately.
Conclusions
SVR-NSGA-II can be employed as a reliable and applicable computational methodology in future plant tissue culture studies.
Optimizing the somatic embryogenesis protocol can be considered as the first and foremost step in successful gene transformation studies. However, it is usually difficult to achieve an optimized embryogenesis protocol due to the cost and time-consuming as well as the complexity of this process. Therefore, it is necessary to use a novel computational approach, such as machine learning algorithms for this aim. In the present study, two machine learning algorithms, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) as an artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR), were employed to model somatic embryogenesis of chrysanthemum, as a case study, and compare their prediction accuracy.
Results
The results showed that SVR (R2 > 0.92) had better performance accuracy than MLP (R2 > 0.82). Moreover, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) was also applied for the optimization of the somatic embryogenesis and the results showed that the highest embryogenesis rate (99.09%) and the maximum number of somatic embryos per explant (56.24) can be obtained from a medium containing 9.10 μM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4.70 μM kinetin (KIN), and 18.73 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP). According to our results, SVR-NSGA-II was able to optimize the chrysanthemum’s somatic embryogenesis accurately.
Conclusions
SVR-NSGA-II can be employed as a reliable and applicable computational methodology in future plant tissue culture studies.
Research Interests:
Optimizing in vitro shoot regeneration conditions in wheat is one of the important steps in successful micropropagation and gene transformation. Various factors such as genotypes, explants, and phytohormones affect in vitro regeneration... more
Optimizing in vitro shoot regeneration conditions in wheat is one of the important steps in successful micropropagation and gene transformation. Various factors such as genotypes, explants, and phytohormones affect in vitro regeneration of wheat, hindering the ability to tailor genotype-independent protocols. Novel computational approaches such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) can facilitate modeling and predicting outcomes of tissue culture experiments and thereby reduce large experimental treatments and combinations. In this study, generalized regression neural network (GRNN) were used to model and forecast in vitro shoot regeneration outcomes of wheat on the basis of 10 factors including genotypes, explants, and different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), kinetin (Kin), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), zeatin, and CuSO 4. In addition, GRNN was linked to a genetic algorithm (GA) to identify an optimized solution for maximum shoot regeneration. Results indicated that GRNN could accurately predict the shoot regeneration frequency in the validation set with a coefficient determination of 0.78. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that shoot regeneration frequency was more sensitive to variables in the order of 2,4-D > explant > genotype < zeatin < NAA. Results of this study suggest that GRNN-GA can be used as a tool, besides experimental approaches, to develop and optimize in vitro genotype-independent regeneration protocols.
Research Interests:
The aim of the current study was modeling and optimizing medium compositions for shoot proliferation of chrysanthemum, as a case study, through radial basis function- non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (RBF-NSGAII). RBF as one of... more
The aim of the current study was modeling and optimizing medium compositions for shoot proliferation of chrysanthemum, as a case study, through radial basis function- non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (RBF-NSGAII). RBF as one of the artificial neural networks (ANNs) was used for modeling four outputs including proliferation rate (PR), shoot number (SN), shoot length (SL), and basal callus weight (BCW) based on four variables including 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), phloroglucinol (PG), and sucrose. Afterward, models were linked to the optimization algorithm. Also, sensitivity analysis was applied for evaluating the importance of each input. The R2 correlation values of 0.88, 0.91, 0.97, and 0.76 between observed and predicted data were obtained for PR, SN, SL, and BCW, respectively. According to RBF-NSGAII, optimal PR (98.85%), SN (13.32), SL (4.83 cm), and BCW (0.08 g) can be obtained from a medium containing 2.16 µM BAP, 0.14 µM IBA, 0.29 mM PG, and 87.63 mM sucrose. The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that PR, SN, and SL were more sensitive to BAP, followed by sucrose, PG, and IBA. Finally, the performance of predicted and optimized medium compositions were tested, and results showed that the difference between the validation data and RBF-NSGAII predicted and optimized data were negligible. Generally, RBF-NSGAII can be considered as an efficient computational strategy for modeling and optimizing in vitro organogenesis.
Research Interests:
Tissue browning is a major problem in tissue culturing of woody plants, especially for Ficus religiosa which occurs by the accumulation and oxidation of phenolic compounds. This study aimed to determine the effect of different... more
Tissue browning is a major problem in tissue culturing of woody plants, especially for Ficus religiosa which occurs by the accumulation and oxidation of phenolic compounds. This study aimed to determine the effect of different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside on the appearance of callus browning from leaf explants. The results indicate that callus browning was significantly reduced by supplementation of sodium nitroprusside to the MS medium and supplemented with 2.26 μM of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 0.22 μM of 6-benzyl amino purine. The accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and phenolic compounds in the callus tissues decreased at the 50 μM concentration of sodium nitroprusside. Although catalase and peroxidase activities decreased at the 50 μM concentration, the activity of superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidases, as well as proline content, increased exponentially. Sodium nitroprusside could be useful for the formation of non-embryogenic callus with high levels of metabolic activity for the production and isolation of secondary metabolites.
Research Interests:
Ficus religiosa L. is one of the most popular species in the Moraceae family that is known as a multipurpose forest tree species because of its medicinal, ornamental, and religious value. F. religiosa is an important tree in South Asia,... more
Ficus religiosa L. is one of the most popular species in the Moraceae family that is known as a multipurpose forest tree species because of its medicinal, ornamental, and religious value. F. religiosa is an important tree in South Asia, and it possesses various common names such as peepal, bodhi, bo tree, and asvattha. This species as a traditional tree is broadly planted as a roadside tree, and it plays an important role as a medicinal tree in various diseases such as asthma, stomatitis, diabetes, inflammations, glandular swelling disorders, and wound healing. Because F. religiosa is characterized as a subtropical tree, it fully grew in southern parts of Iran. The morphological variation of 72 individuals of F. religiosa from six southern regions of Iran was investigated based on multivariate analysis. Our results indicated that the highest tree, leaf, and petiole lengths, as well as leaf width, were observed in Kish and Qeshm genotypes, whereas the Chabahar genotype had the lowest petiole length. Results of simple correlation analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlations among some important parameters. The highest correlation was observed between leaf, tree, and petiole lengths. Populations were clustered in four groups. The Kish and Qeshm genotypes were closely related to each other and differentiated from the Chabahar genotype. The whole dataset was subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). PCA showed that the first two factor components explained 84.51% of the variation and the first factor component had the positive relationship with leaf, tree, and petiole lengths.
Research Interests:
The aim of this study is to introduce the suitable protocol for indirect regeneration from seedling-derived leaf segment of Ficus religiosa. The leaf explant successfully produced callus on MS medium containing various concentrations of... more
The aim of this study is to introduce the suitable protocol for indirect regeneration from seedling-derived leaf segment of Ficus religiosa. The leaf explant successfully produced callus on MS medium containing various concentrations of auxin in combination with BAP. The maximum callus induction (100%) was achieved in MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D plus 0.05 mg/l BAP and MS medium containing 1.5 mg/l NAA plus 0.15 mg/l BAP as well. MS medium consisting of 2,4-D produced yellow-brownish and friable callus (type I) while the yellowish and compact calli (type II) were obtained in MS medium consisting of NAA. On the other hand, MS medium supplemented with IBA formed greenish and compact calli (type Ш). The regeneration rate in type II callus was less than the type I, and there was no shoot induction observed on type Ш calli. MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP in combination with 0.15 mg/l IBA had the highest regeneration frequency (100%) and maximum shoot numbers (5.16) as well as shoot length (2.56 cm) in type I callus. A maximum of 93.33% root induction was observed in MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l IBA plus 0.1mg/l NAA. The plantlets were successfully transferred to the greenhouse. This system could be utilized for large-scale multiplication of Ficus religiosa.
Research Interests:
Prolific and rapid in vitro plant organogenesis via direct regeneration has been obtained from axenic seedling-derived petiole and leaf explants of Ficus religiosa in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations of... more
Prolific and rapid in vitro plant organogenesis via direct regeneration has been obtained from axenic seedling-derived petiole and leaf explants of Ficus religiosa in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations of cytokinins in combination with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). MS medium with 1.5 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine plus 0.15 mg/l IBA produced the highest shoot induction frequency with an average of 6.26 and 10.13 shoots per leaf and petiole explants, respectively. After 4 weeks, the highest root formation frequency (96.7%), root number (5.73), and root length (4.76 cm) were with MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l IBA plus 0.1 mg/l α-naphthalene acetic acid. In addition, the effect of four sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatments on acclimatization was also studied. Highest morphological traits such as survival rates, fresh and dry root weights as well as antioxidant enzymatic activities such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase was achieved with 125 ppm SNP. The α-amino acid, proline, content was highest with this treatment while the highest H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) was in the controls. This study introduces a cost-effective, prolific, and efficient in vitro multiplication system to supply pharmaceutical and ornamental needs. It is the first report of an in vitro organogenesis protocol for F. religiosa by direct regeneration through axenic seedling-derived petiole and leaf explants, which can be efficiently employed for the utilization of active biomolecules.
Research Interests:
Ficus religiosa is an important industrial, medicinal, and ornamental plant, so in vitro regeneration is of high paramount in this valuable germplasm. Two efficient protocols were developed for indirect and direct shoot organogenesis... more
Ficus religiosa is an important industrial, medicinal, and ornamental plant, so in vitro regeneration is of high paramount in this valuable germplasm. Two efficient protocols were developed for indirect and direct shoot organogenesis through hypocotyl explants. In the first experiment, different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and indole butyric acid (IBA) (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg·L−1) in combination with 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) (ratio 10:1, respectively) were used for callus formation. Two types of callus were obtained from different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Also, 2,4-D produced yellow-brownish and friable callus (Type I), whereas the green and compact callus (Type II) was achieved in IBA. The highest callus fresh weight (2.43 g) was observed in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.5 mg·L−1 2,4-D plus 0.05 mg·L−1 BAP. In the later experiments, various concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ), 6-furfuryl amino purine (KN), and BAP (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg·L−1) in combination with IBA (ratio 10:1, respectively) were applied for shoot regeneration (direct and indirect organogenesis). In shoot regeneration from callus, the highest regeneration frequency (86.66%) and shoot number per callus (4.13) were achieved in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg·L−1 BAP plus 0.15 mg·L−1 IBA from type I calli. However, no regeneration was observed in type II calli. In direct shoot regeneration, the highest regeneration frequency (96.66%) and shoot number (6.26) were obtained in the medium mentioned previously. In root induction experiment, different concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and IBA alone or in combination were applied, and MS medium containing 2.0 mg·L−1 IBA along with 0.1 mg·L−1 NAA was the best hormonal balance for root induction. The rooted plantlets’ survival rate was more than 95% in the acclimatization stage. These results demonstrated that the direct regeneration method provides more shoot regeneration frequency and take a less time for shoot organogenesis than the indirect regeneration method. Based on our knowledge, this study is the first report of direct and indirect shoot organogenesis of F. religiosa via hypocotyl from in vitro–grown seedling.
Research Interests:
A hybrid artificial intelligence model and optimization algorithm could be a powerful approach for modeling and optimizing plant tissue culture procedures. The aim of this study was introducing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference... more
A hybrid artificial intelligence model and optimization algorithm could be a powerful approach for modeling and optimizing plant tissue culture procedures. The aim of this study was introducing an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System-Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (ANFIS-NSGAII) as a powerful computational methodology for somatic embryogenesis of chrysanthemum, as a case study. ANFIS was used for modeling three outputs including callogenesis frequency (CF), embryogenesis frequency (EF), and the number of somatic embryo (NSE) based on different variables including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), sucrose, glucose, fructose, and light quality. Subsequently, models were linked to NSGAII for optimizing the process, and the importance of each input was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Results showed that all of the R 2 of training and testing sets were over 92%, indicating the efficiency and accuracy of ANFIS on the modeling of the embryogenesis. Also, according to ANFIS-NSGAII, optimal EF (99.1%), and NSE (13.1) can be obtained from a medium containing 1.53 mg/L 2,4-D, 1.67 mg/L BAP, 13.74 g/L sucrose, 57.20 g/L glucose, and 0.39 g/L fructose under red light. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that embryogenesis was more sensitive to 2,4-D, and less sensitive to fructose. Generally, the hybrid ANFIS-NSGAII can be recognized as a powerful computational tool for modeling and optimizing in plant tissue culture.
Research Interests:
In vitro sterilization is a primary step of plant tissue culture which the ultimate results of in vitro culture are directly depended on the efficiency of the sterilization. Artificial intelligence models in a combination of optimization... more
In vitro sterilization is a primary step of plant tissue culture which the ultimate results of in vitro culture are directly depended on the efficiency of the sterilization. Artificial intelligence models in a combination of optimization algorithms could be beneficial computational approaches for modeling and optimizing in vitro culture. The aim of this study was modeling and optimizing in vitro sterilization of chrysanthemum, as a case study, through Multilayer Perceptron-Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (MLP-NSGAII). MLP was used for modeling two outputs including contamination frequency (CF), and explant viability (EV) based on seven variables including HgCl 2 , Ca(ClO) 2 , Nano-silver, H 2 O 2 , NaOCl, AgNO 3 , and immersion times. Subsequently, models were linked to NSGAII for optimizing the process, and the importance of each input was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. Results showed all of the R 2 of training and testing data were over 94%. According to MLP-NSGAII, optimal CF (0%), and EV (99.98%) can be obtained from 1.62% NaOCl at 13.96 min immersion time. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that CF and EV were more sensitive to immersion time and less sensitive to AgNO 3. Subsequently, the performance of predicted and optimized sterilants × immersion times combination were tested, and results indicated that the differences between the MLP predicted and validation data were negligible. Generally, MLP-NSGAII as a powerful methodology may pave the way for establishing new computational strategies in plant tissue culture.
Research Interests:
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is originated from Andean region of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia. In this study, three experiments included germination of seeds in different concentrations of MS medium in dark and light... more
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is originated from Andean region of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia. In this study, three experiments included germination of seeds in different concentrations of MS medium in dark and light conditions, callus induction of hypocotyl in different concentrations of plant growth regulators and regeneration from callus were carried out as a complete randomized design in 3 replications. The highest percentage of seed germinations was obtained in full strength MS medium in the dark condition (100%). Best callus induction (93.33%) was observed on MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D + 0.05 mg/L BAP. The callus which was produced in this treatment were compact, large size, and high quality for regeneration. The highest regeneration frequency (83.33%) followed by maximum number of multiple shoots (6.33) as well as length (2.06 cm) were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP along with 1.0 mg/L KIN and 0.2 mg/L IBA.
Research Interests:
Antirrhinum majus L. (Snapdragon) is a herbaceous ornamental plant which is cultivated for its attractive view. In this study, three experiments included callus induction, regeneration from callus and in vitro rooting were carried out as... more
Antirrhinum majus L. (Snapdragon) is a herbaceous ornamental plant which is cultivated for its attractive view. In this study, three experiments included callus induction, regeneration from callus and in vitro rooting were carried out as a complete randomized design in 3 replications (10 samples). The maximum callus induction frequency (90%) from cotyledon explant was observed on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D along with 0.1 mg/L BAP. The highest regeneration frequency (93.33%) followed by maximum number of multiple shoots (2.96) as well as length (2.43 cm) were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP along with 0.1 mg/L IBA. One hundred percent of the microshoots were rooted on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L IBA or NAA. A total of 85% survival was achieved when rooted explants were acclimatized ex vitro using 1 perlite: 1 cocopeat mixture.
Research Interests:
In many temperate and subtropical regions, plants exposed to seasonal changes. Changes in weather affect growth and the ability of stock plants to provide cutting material that forms adventitious roots. Ficus religiosa is widely... more
In many temperate and subtropical regions, plants exposed to seasonal changes. Changes in weather affect growth and the ability of stock plants to provide cutting material that forms adventitious roots. Ficus religiosa is widely cultivated in various areas of the world and can be propagated by several techniques namely, by seed or by vegetative methods. However vegetative method of F. religiosa still remains as an experimental procedure, more studies are required to commercialize it. In this study, Semi-hardwood and hardwood cutting were collected in beginning of each season and cuttings were treated with IBA, NAA and 2,4-D at four concentrations (0, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm) for 24 hr. For each treatment, rooting ability and percentage of surviving plants were evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks after planting, respectively. In order to gain knowledge on physiological responses of plant to seasonal changes, Soluble sugar, net CO2 assimilation and transpiration rate of leaf were measured. Satisfactory rooting of F. religiosa cuttings was observed when collection time occurred in December 20 th , whereas cuttings collected in June showed a limited capacity of rooting in both cuttings. Rooting was more successful when cuttings were soaked in 1000 ppm IBA or 500 ppm NAA. After acclimatization, maximum survival rate of plants was 94.8 %. The current findings confirm that collection times and cutting ages affect F. religiosa rooting. Also auxins can be a useful substance for increasing rooting ability in cuttings.
Research Interests:
During in vitro propagation, de novo organs such as buds, shoots, and roots can be achieved under chemical and physical conditions from explant. Some physical conditions such as types, age, size, density, position, and source of the... more
During in vitro propagation, de novo organs such as buds, shoots, and roots can be achieved under chemical and physical conditions from explant. Some physical conditions such as types, age, size, density, position, and source of the explants, light intensity, and temperature and also some chemical conditions including macro and micro nutrients, amino acids, vitamins and other nitrogen elements, organic supplements, carbon sources, agar, and plant growth regulators have a positive influence on different stages of plant tissue culture. Therefore, data-driven modeling can be applied for better understanding the effect of the mentioned physical and chemical conditions in vitro culture. Data-driven modeling is known as an effective alternative for optimization of biological processes and non-linear multivariate modeling. The present study aimed to describe some useful data driven models such as Artificial neural network (ANN), Generalized least squares regression (GLSR), Random Forests (RF), Self-organizing maps (SOM), Reactor modeling, Genetic programming, and Tree encoding and ultimately, the use of these data-driven models was explained in different stages of plant tissue culture. In conclusion, all of these data-driven models can be employed for predicting and optimizing the physical and chemical conditions for introducing an accurate, useful, and applicable regeneration protocol.
Research Interests:
Ficus religiosa has great mythological, religious, and medicinal importance in the culture of India and Nepal since times immemorial. The present paper was done to evaluate the potential of sodium hypochlorite in controlling the... more
Ficus religiosa has great mythological, religious, and medicinal importance in the culture of India and Nepal since times immemorial. The present paper was done to evaluate the potential of sodium hypochlorite in controlling the contamination of F. religiosa micro-propagation and seed germination of F. religiosa. In this study, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with 18 treatments including six different sodium hypochlorite concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 %) and three soaking time of explants (5, 10 and, 15 min) with three replications was conducted. The seeds were inoculated on one-tenth strength of MS (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) medium. The lowest rate of contamination (0%) was obtained in treatments containing 20% Sodium hypochlorite at 10 and 15 min immersion and 25% Sodium hypochlorite at 5, 10 and 15 min immersion. The highest seed germination (63.33%) was observed in treatments including 10% Sodium hypochlorite at 5 and 10 min immersion. Hesami, M., M. H. Daneshvar and A. Lotfi-Jalalabadi. 2017. 'The Effect of sodium hypochlorite on control of in vitro contamination and seed germination of
Research Interests:
Efficient plant regeneration was achieved from cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants of Ficus religiosa. Maximum shoot multiplication was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l TDZ in combination with 0.1 mg/l IBA. Rooting of... more
Efficient plant regeneration was achieved from cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants of Ficus religiosa. Maximum shoot multiplication was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l TDZ in combination with 0.1 mg/l IBA. Rooting of the shoots was obtained on MS supplemented with 2.0 mg/l IBA. Regenerated plantlets were acclimated and successfully transplanted to soil. This protocol can be used as a basic tool for commercial propagation of Ficus religiosa.
Research Interests:
Background: Ficus religiosa is known as a pure source in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, asthma, diarrhea, gastric problems, epilepsy, sexual, infectious, and inflammatory disorders. Despite the fact that many studies... more
Background: Ficus religiosa is known as a pure source in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes, asthma, diarrhea, gastric problems, epilepsy, sexual, infectious, and inflammatory disorders. Despite the fact that many studies have authorized its traditional medicinal uses, yet these utilized raw extracts have not been yet characterized. Therefore, there is a necessity for standardizing its phytochemical features and recognizing bioactivity, guided by bioactive metabolites. Objectives: In this study, the effect of light and dark condition, different strengths of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and their interactions on seed germination and the effect of plant growth regulators on callogenesis of F. religiosa via leaf, petiole, root, and internode explants were investigated. Results: The results demonstrated the highest seed germination percentage was achieved at one-tenth strength of MS medium under the light condition. Also, the highest callus fresh weight was obtained from media supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) and 0.05 mg/L 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP) in all explants. The MS medium containing indole
Research Interests:
Ficus religiosa is known as a long-lived multipurpose forest tree. The tree plays an important role for religious , medicinal, and ornamental purposes. However, the propagation rate of Ficus religiosa is low in natural habitat so the... more
Ficus religiosa is known as a long-lived multipurpose forest tree. The tree plays an important role for religious , medicinal, and ornamental purposes. However, the propagation rate of Ficus religiosa is low in natural habitat so the plant tissue culture techniques are an applicable method for multiplication of this valuable medicinal plants. Thus, the aim of this study is to understand the effect of different auxin/cy-tokinin ratios on indirect shoot organogenesis of this plant. According to our results, the maximum callus induction frequency (100%) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) plus 0.05 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) from petiole segments. For shoot induction purpose, the yellow-brownish, friable, organogenic calli were inoculated on shoot induction medium. On MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l BAP and 0.15 mg/l Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 96.66% of the petiole-derived calli responded with an average number of 3.56 shoots per culture. The highest root formation frequency (96.66%), root number (5.5), and root length (4.83 cm) were achieved on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l IBA plus 0.1 mg/l Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The rooted shoots were successfully transferred to field condition and the substrate with the mixture of coco-peat and perlite (1:1) had the highest survival rate (96.66%). This is the first report of an effective in vitro organogenesis protocol for F. religiosa by indirect shoot organogenesis through axenic seedling derived petiole explants, which can be efficiently employed for conservation of this important medicinal plant species as well as the utilization of active biomolecules.
Research Interests:
Never before in history has the issue of preserving biodiversity been of such significance than today, to the extent that it has become an important global issue. Nowadays, humans have a massive impact on biodiversity whether in rural,... more
Never before in history has the issue of preserving biodiversity been of such significance than today, to the extent that it has become an important global issue. Nowadays, humans have a massive impact on biodiversity whether in rural, urban, or wilderness settings. Besides, biodiversity today is also being significantly constrained by climate change and the introduction of new varieties of plants. Plant tissue culture is a method that can be useful for collecting , storing, and multiplicating of plant germplasms. Nowadays, many valuable germplasms are in danger of extinction, especially in Iran. Thus, there is a necessity to preserve valuable Iranian ornamental geophytes such as Oxalis articulata, Eminium jaegeri, Muscari kurdicum, Leopoldia tijtijensis, Gagea calcicola, Tulipa faribae, Gagea alexii, and Allium. In this study, plant tissue culture as well as in vitro conservation techniques as means for medium-and long-term conservation of Iranian ornamental geophytes is reviewed. There are only few studies on plant tissue culture of Iranian ornamental geophytes despite their great importance in Iran. To our knowledge, there is no report on cryopreservation of the abovementioned plants. In conclusion, the methods presented in this review can be utilized for conserving these valuable germplasms for future generations.
Research Interests:
Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is known as a multipurpose crop that could be employed as an alternative on unsuitable lands with limited water resources such as arid and semi-arid regions. However, the biggest problem in cultivating this plant... more
Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is known as a multipurpose crop that could be employed as an alternative on unsuitable lands with limited water resources such as arid and semi-arid regions. However, the biggest problem in cultivating this plant is contamination by viruses that are carried by quinoa seeds and cause diseases. Therefore, in vitro propagation methods could be applied to produce virus-free plants. The capacity of sodium hypochlorite to sterilize seeds and the regeneration potential of cotyledonary node segments were studied on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium consisting of various concentrations of cytokinins and auxins either alone or in combinations. Although no contamination was observed after sterilization with 20% sodium hypochlorite and 10 and 15 min of immersion; with 25% sodium hypochlorite and 5, 10, and 15 min of immersion, the highest seed germination (100%) was obtained after sterilization with 20% sodium hypochlorite for 5 minutes. MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) had the highest shoot induction frequency (93.33%) with an average of 4.96 shoots per node explant. This study is the first report of an appropriate and effective in vitro regeneration protocol for Chenopodium quinoa via direct organogenesis through cotyledonary node explants derived from axenic-seedlings, which can be effectively employed for the genetic manipulations and exploitation of active biomolecules of this valuable plant. This protocol can also increase the speed of quinoa breeding programs.
Research Interests:
Never before in the history has the issue of desertification been such salient than today. Due to many environmental stresses caused by desertification problem, it is necessary to introduce or select some plants that have a special... more
Never before in the history has the issue of desertification been such salient than today. Due to many environmental stresses caused by desertification problem, it is necessary to introduce or select some plants that have a special tolerance against environmental stresses. Nowadays, the use of biotechnology in plant breeding tolerant against environmental stresses with the progress made in life sciences and discovery of the genetic code, identification of genes and genes responsible for various activities, from one species to another, has been developed exponentially. One of the classic ways of modifying the plant tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses is the use of mutations induced by physical mutagens (gamma radiation, x-rays, and so forth) and chemical (sodium azide, ethyl methyl sulfonate, and so forth), respectively. Mutant varieties with desirable properties have been recorded on the website of the Atomic Energy Organization (International Energy Agency; IAEA). Thus, mutant varieties of pastures and woodland plants that have been recorded by other countries can be obtained from Atomic Energy Organization. In this study, some mutant plants (Pasture plants such as Amaranth, grass palvine, and Sudan grass and woodland plants such as crepe-myrtle, berry, and cottonwood) that have been introduced as drought-tolerant mutants were collected from the website of the Atomic Energy Organization. De Martonne's climatic classification of Iran presented by geographic information system (GIS). The results of this study were to introduce those mentioned mutant varieties and evaluate these varieties for combating desertification in Iran.