Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 Efficiency of a closed hydroponic system and nano-silica treatment in resource-use, quality and production of samurai roses 1 24 FA Parvan Aghdak Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University parvan_aghdak@yahoo.com N Rahim Barzegar Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University barzegar56@yahoo.com Y Ali Nikbakht Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology anikbakht@iut.ac.ir N Hossein Shariatmadari Department of Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology shariat@iut.ac N Sadegh Mousavi-fard Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University Mousavifard.S@sku.ac.ir N Alireza Alipour Department of Rural development, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology a.alipour@iut.ac.ir N Closed hydroponic systems are expanding because of increased water and fertilizer use efficiency. Due to Iran's lack of water resources, investigating the possibility of using these systems is one of the research priorities. To investigate the effect of different refill nutrient solution concentrations and nano silica foliar applications on the yield, quality, resource use efficiency of cut roses Samurai, a factorial experiment using a completely randomized design with 4 levels of refill nutrient solution concentrations (control or using a full strength nutrient solution in open system, three quarters, one second and one quarter) and two levels of nano silica (zero and 2 mg/L) were carried out. In recirculation treatments, the drained solution was collected under the beds related to each treatment and returned to the main tank; then, to compensate for the decrease in the volume of water and nutrients used, refill nutrient solutions with three-quarter, one-half and one-fourth concentrations were used. Four months after the start of recirculating, 12 times foliar application with nano silica was done at intervals of one week. The highest bud length, stem length and diameter, leaf number and area, and stem fresh weight were related to the treatment combinations of control and three-fourth refill nutrient solution with nano silica. The amount of total chlorophyll was the highest in the control without nano silica. The control with nano silica foliar application had the highest amount of carbohydrates. In all concentrations of the refill nutrient solution, nano silica caused an increase in carbohydrates compared to its absence. The highest postharvest longevity and yield were also obtained in the control and three-quarter treatments with nano silica. The highest water use efficiency was related to the three-quarter treatment with nano silica foliar application. The best fertilizer use efficiency was related to the one-quarter treatment with nano silica. The results of this research show that using of the refill nutrient solution with a three-quarter concentration with nano silica foliar application in addition to maintaining the quality of flowers by increasing the water and fertilizer use efficiency, can be a suitable alternative to common open cultivation in greenhouses.   greenhouse, controlled production, fertilizer, resource saving, cut flowers http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-317-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-317-en.docx

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 An overview of the attitude of Islam and the Holy Quran to the environment and gardening 25 46 FA Maryam Dehestani-Ardakani Ardakan University mdehestani@ardakan.ac.ir Y In Islam, the relationship between humans and the natural environment is deeply rooted in religious teachings that establish ecological values as fundamental aspects of faith. The Qur'an provides a comprehensive framework that integrates environmental consciousness with spiritual practice, warning against harming to the earth and establishing what can be described as a "green religion" that stresses the integral relationship between faith and nature. This ecological dimension of Islam extends Ethical commitments beyond human interactions to encompass responsibility toward the natural world. From the Quranic perspective, nature serves both the incorporeal and physical needs of humanity. Islam teaches that humans were created to serve the Creator, which ultimately means striving for the highest quality of life for themselves, their communities, and the world, a principle that forms the foundation of Islamic environmental ethics. As a universal and revealed religion, Islam provides guidance on environmental stewardship, framing humans as superior creatures who are nonetheless accountable for their treatment of natural resources. Islamic teachings make clear that while Allah has provided natural resources for human benefit, people are not free to use these resources wastefully or destructively. Rather, as stewards, humans will be held accountable for their actions regarding these resources. Throughout history, religious buildings and complexes have incorporated green spaces and gardens as integral components of their design. Plants serve as "a powerful tool in the hands of architects to create and enrich the quality of space". Religious gardens and green spaces have traditionally served multiple purposes beyond aesthetics. They provide places for contemplation, prayer, and community gathering while creating a symbolic bridge between the earthly and divine realms. These sacred landscapes often reflect theological principles and cultural values specific to their religious traditions, establishing environments that support worship and spiritual practices. The integration of vegetation in religious settings also serves practical functions, offering shade, defining pathways, and creating comfortable microclimates for visitors. This functional dimension complements the symbolic and spiritual aspects, resulting in holistic environments that address both physical and metaphysical needs of worshippers. Islamic gardens developed distinctive characteristics across the Muslim world, from the Maghreb to Persia and beyond, yet they consistently embodied core Islamic principles of unity, harmony, and reverence for nature. These garden traditions have influenced not only landscape design but also Islamic art, poetry, and cultural practices throughout history. Islam, Persian garden, Paradise, Landscape, Mosque http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-343-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-343-en.pdf

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 Physiological and biochemical responses of Rosa chinensis “Old Blush” to waterlogging stress under controlled greenhouse environment 55 66 EN Fatemeh Nezhad-yani Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran f.nezhadeini@gmail.com N Mostafa Khoshhal Sarmast Department of Horticultural Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Golestan, Iran khoshhal.sarmast@gmail.com Y Hedayat Zakizadeh Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran zakizadeh55@yahoo.com N The stress caused by waterlogging significantly impacts the growth intensity and performance of various plant species. This study investigated the effects of different levels of abiotic waterlogging stress on several morphological and biochemical parameters of Rosa chinensis “Old Blush” under greenhouse conditions. The results indicate that the response of the Chinese rose to waterlogging stress varies depending on the stress level and duration when compared to the control group. A noticeable reduction in leaf chlorophyll content, along with an increase in enzyme activity and leaf EC content were observed under waterlogging conditions. The response of the stomata exhibited a trend toward closure with increased duration of waterlogging stress. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of the biochemical responses in leaf cells related to carbon dioxide absorption through plant stomata. This knowledge may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to waterlogging stress in the Chinese rose. Rosa chinensis, Rosaceae, General Stress response, Waterlogging http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-364-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-364-en.pdf

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 Density-Dependent Interactions Between Zinnia (Zinnia elegans J.) and Red-Root Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) in Ornamental Planting Systems 67 82 FA Ammar Maan Abdulameer Mudhafar Ammar Maan Abdulameer Mudhafar 1- Ms. Student, Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Industries, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ammar.mudhaffer@gmail.com N Marjan Diyanat Associate Professor of Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Industries, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran MA_DYANAT@YAHOO.COM Y Sepideh Kalatejari 3- Assistant Professor Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Industries, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran kalatejari@yahoo.com N One of the challenges currently faced by officials in green space management is the proliferation of weeds in parks, particularly in gardens where ornamental plants, such as flowers, are cultivated. To investigate the impact of red-root amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) on zinnia (Zinnia elegans), an experiment was conducted in 2023 using a randomized complete block design in the greenhouse of the Tehran Agriculture and Natural Resources Campus (Karaj). The study evaluated different density ratios of zinnia and red-root amaranth, specifically 4:0, 1:3, 2:2, 3:1, and 0:4 in each pot. The results showed that all observed traits of zinnia flowers were significantly influenced by the density ratio of red-root amaranth and zinnia. Notably, the flower diameter of zinnia decreased compared to the control treatment (4:0 ratio) 120 days after planting. The reductions observed were 13%, 16%, and 22% for the density ratios of 75% zinnia and 25% red-root amaranth, 50% zinnia and 50% red-root amaranth, and 25% zinnia and 75% red-root amaranth, respectively. The Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) of red-root amaranth was slightly lower than that of zinnia at density ratios of 25% and 50%, indicating that both species exhibited similar competitive interactions under these conditions. However, at a density ratio of 75%, red-root amaranth demonstrated a stronger competitive ability. Light availability was identified as the most critical factor contributing to competition in this system. The dominance of red-root amaranth at higher density ratios underscores its competitive advantage in terms of height and canopy expansion. These results suggest that effective weed management strategies are crucial in ornamental plant cultivation to minimize competition and maintain the aesthetic and ecological value of green spaces. Targeted control measures, such as reducing red-root amaranth density, could help mitigate its adverse effects on ornamental plants like zinnia.   Competition, relative crowding factor, relative performance, flower fresh weight http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-319-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-319-en.docx

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 Investigating The Role of Citizen Participation in the Optimization of Urban Park Design (Case Study: Narges Park, Karaj) 83 106 FA zeinab ansari University of Tehran z.ansari.jaberi@ut.ac.ir N Mahdi Khansefid University of Tehran mkhansefid@ut.ac.ir Y Mohsen Kafi University of Tehran mkafi@ut.ac.ir N amir alambeigi University of Tehran alambaigi@ut.ac.ir N Citizen participation in the development and management of urban green spaces plays a vital role in enhancing urban vitality and improving residents' quality of life. This study aims to investigate the role of citizen participation in optimizing urban park design and strengthening the sense of place attachment. A sequential mixed-methods approach was employed in three stages: (1) an exploratory study in three major Iranian cities—Tehran, Shiraz, and Karaj—through interviews with municipal experts, (2) a participatory design workshop with 50 users of Narges Park in Karaj, and (3) a quantitative survey with 384 questionnaires. Qualitative data were analyzed using MAXQDA software through inductive coding, revealing that the most significant concerns of users were lack of security (34 repetitions), inadequate sanitary facilities, and insufficient spaces dedicated to children and older adults. Quantitative analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in Smart-PLS demonstrated that "participation" had the strongest significant relationships with "system behavior" (T=9.668) and "reduction of participation barriers" (T=2.272). The findings indicate that sustainable participation relies more on local cultural connections, perceived safety, and mutual trust than on financial incentives. Notably, older adults emerged as "park stewards" with substantial potential for active engagement. Conversely, traditional educational and awareness-raising methods alone showed no significant effect on participation, suggesting a need to shift toward hands-on, experiential approaches. The hybrid participation model (combining in-person and digital platforms) proposed in this study advances beyond previous one-dimensional approaches and offers an effective framework for designing and managing neighborhood parks in Iran. Based on these findings, it is recommended that at least 10% of annual park budgets be allocated to educational and cultural programs, that older adults be empowered to participate in park management, and that digital interactive platforms be developed to facilitate reporting and idea exchange.   Neighborhood park, Participatory design, Urban green space, Structural equation modeling, Citizen participation. http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-379-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-379-en.docx

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 Improvement of Postharvest Quality of Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrida) Using Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Moringa Leaf Extract 107 124 FA Naeimeh Abid University of Hormozgan abid.naeime2020@gmail.com N Davood Samsampour University of Hormozgan samsampoor@hormozgan.ac.ir Y Mehrdad Babarabie University of Hormozgan mehrdad.babarabi@hormozgan.ac.ir N Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrida) is considered one of the top ten commercially important and popular cut flowers worldwide and has been among the most successful cut flowers in recent decades. However, quality deterioration from harvest to marketing and export remains one of its major challenges. This study investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Moringa oleifera leaf extract at concentrations of 10, 15, and 20 mL L⁻¹, in combination with 3% sucrose, and distilled water as the control, on postharvest characteristics of cut Alstroemeria flowers cv. Red Sensation. The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications in 2024. Measured traits included fresh flower weight, flower diameter, electrolyte leakage, water uptake, total soluble solids, total sugars, total chlorophyll, anthocyanin content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes including ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT). The results indicated that the application of silver nanoparticles synthesized from moringa leaf extract significantly improved several morphological and physiological characteristics of cut Alstroemeria flowers. Among the treatments, the concentration of 15 mL L⁻¹ showed the best overall performance in terms of quantitative and qualitative traits. Therefore, the use of silver nanoparticles synthesized from moringa extract can be proposed as an effective and environmentally friendly approach to enhance the postharvest quality of Alstroemeria cut flowers Vase life, Microbial control, Physiological quality, Flower longevity http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-366-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-366-en.docx

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 The Role of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Enhancing Growth, Quality, and Environmental Stress Tolerance in Ornamental Plants 125 148 FA Mozhgan Zangeneh Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan m.zangeneh2008@yahoo.com N Mohamadreza Salehi Salmi Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan Salehi@asnrukh.ac.ir Y Ornamental plants occupy a distinctive position in modern horticultural systems due to their high economic value, significant physiological sensitivity, and fundamental role in enhancing human quality of life. However, the commercial production of these plants faces substantial challenges, primarily stemming from a heavy reliance on chemical inputs, high water consumption, and pronounced susceptibility to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Zinc, as an essential micronutrient, plays a pivotal role in numerous plant physiological processes, including enzyme activation, synthesis of growth hormones, maintenance of cellular membrane integrity, and regulation of the antioxidant defense system. Nevertheless, the low efficiency and adverse environmental implications of conventional zinc fertilizers in calcareous and greenhouse soils underscore the urgent need for innovative nutritional strategies. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in enhancing growth, quality, physiological processes, and stress resilience in ornamental plants, while also examining the associated challenges and future prospects of this technology. In this article, published studies related to the synthesis, uptake, translocation, and biological effects of ZnO NPs in ornamental plants were systematically reviewed and analyzed. Various synthesis methods (physical, chemical, and biological), uptake pathways (root and foliar), and the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms of action of these nanoparticles were investigated. Characteristics such as nanoscale size, high specific surface area, effective penetration capability, and the sustained release of zinc ions render ZnO NPs a promising alternative. Research findings indicate that the application of ZnO NPs at optimal concentrations can lead to significant improvements in vegetative growth, increased chlorophyll content, enhanced aesthetic and flowering quality, a strengthened antioxidant system, and greater tolerance of ornamental plants to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and temperature extremes. These effects are primarily attributed to increased zinc bioavailability, regulation of pigment metabolism, reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and modulation of hormonal pathways. However, the response of ornamental plants to ZnO NPs is dependent on concentration, application method, the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles, and plant species. Excessive application may induce phytotoxicity, bioaccumulation, and metabolic disorders. Therefore, while ZnO NPs hold considerable potential as a novel and efficient zinc source for the sustainable production of ornamental plants, determining optimal concentrations, elucidating the molecular mechanisms of action, and evaluating long-term environmental impacts are essential prerequisites for the safe and widespread commercial adoption of this technology. Overall, ZnO NPs show significant potential as a sustainable and efficient zinc source for ornamental plant production. Yet, determining optimal concentrations, understanding molecular mechanisms, and assessing long-term environmental impacts are critical for safe, effective, and widespread commercial application of this technology. Biotic Stress, Growth Regulators, Nano-fertilizer, Sustainable Horticulture http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-367-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-367-en.pdf

Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants Flower and Ornamental Plants 2676-5993 2676-5993 11 1 2026 4 1 Turfgrass response to environmental stress: II. Warm-season turfgrasses 149 182 EN Somayeh Esmaeili Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz s.esmaeili@scu.ac.ir Y Elham Esmailpourmoghadam Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo, Yokohama, Japan elham.esmailpourmoghadam@gmail.com N Hassan Salehi Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz hsalehi@shirazu.ac.ir N Along with intensifying climate change on Earth, warm-season turfgrasses are widely used in urban green spaces and sports landscapes. The quality of these turfgrasses is affected by abiotic stresses, specifically drought, salinity, heat, cold, and shade. Aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of adaptation strategies to abiotic stresses, this article reviews the known morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of different warm-season turfgrass species over the past three decades. Certain abiotic stresses increase the concentration of soluble salts in the soil solution, thereby reducing water availability to plant roots. The resulting increase in the osmotic pressure of the rhizosphere restricts root development and consequently diminishes turfgrass tolerance to stress. Physiological responses to one or more stress factors include reductions in leaf osmotic potential, leaf water potential, and relative water content, as well as the development of nutritional imbalances. Biochemical alterations, including changes in the accumulation of secondary metabolites and osmoprotective compounds such as glycine betaine, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and abscisic acid (ABA), disrupt the source–sink relationship within the plant. Under stressful conditions, the occurrence of one or more of these physiological and biochemical changes ultimately exacerbates damage to turfgrass. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that combined stress conditions can sometimes produce unexpected synergistic and/or antagonistic effects, affecting plant responses differently than a single stress exposure. Understanding these complex responses is critical for breeding programs, especially considering the anatomical limitations of turfgrass species and the need for genetic compatibility in gene transfer. This review highlights the importance of species-specific knowledge in turfgrass science and sets the stage for future research on sustainable warm-season grass management.   Abiotic stress, C4 photosynthesis, Turfgrass, Warm season. http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-382-en.html http://flowerjournal.ir/article-1-382-en.pdf