Author Archives: sjaruser

Economic study of determinants of the supply response of cotton cultivated area in Egypt

Wafaa Abo Bakr Mohamed Eid1 and Shahira Mohamed Reda Ibrahim2*

1 Central Laboratory for Design and Statistical Analysis Research, the Agricultural Research Center, Egypt.
2 Agricultural Economics Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt.

(Corresponding author: Shahira Mohamed Reda Ibrahim, Email:  Shahira_mrd14@yahoo.com).

Received: 1/ 12/ 2025    Accepted: 12/ 3/ 2026

Abstract

The research aims to analyze and identify the determinant influencing the supply response of cotton cultivated area in Egypt, the research has relied on descriptive statistical analysis methods, in addition to relying on quantitative analysis to estimate the trades of supply response. And the selection of competing crops is rice and al-Shamia corn based on the occurrences in the farming season. The area planted with cotton in the current year has been estimated for the changes in the factors that are supposed to affect it, namely the area planted in the previous year, the Farm price, the productivity per acre, the agricultural costs, and the Net profit of the cotton crop and competing crops (rice, corn) in the lag period during the period (2001-2023) using the modified Nerlove model. Cotton in the previous year by 10% will lead to an increase in the cotton area of the current year by 4.72%. Regarding the farm price of rice and corn during the delay period, it has a negative and moral effect, which indicates an economic imbalance between the two crops, While the response coefficient reached 0.528, The response period reached 1.89 year.

Keywords: Cotton, cultivated area, supply response, Nerlove model.

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Modeling the process of alcoholic fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae in MATLAB/Simulink

Yahia Esmail1*, Ramez Mohammad1 and Oulfat Jolaha2

1 Department of Food Science, Lattakia University, Syria.
2 Department of Computer Engineering and Automatic Control, Lattakia University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Yahia Esmail, Email: yahia.esmail@tishreen.edu.sy, Tel: +963 936 094505).

Received: 3/ 3/ 2025       Accepted: 5/ 7/ 2025

Abstract

In this study, filtered and purified grape juice was fermented at 25℃, after the juice was inoculated with instant dry yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC® 2601™ and the fermentation process took 10 days, a sample was taken every 24 hours to measure the total sugars concentration, biomass and ethanol concentration formed during fermentation. The initial conditions were set as follows: initial sugars concentration S_0=200 ± 0.059g/l, initial alcohol concentration P_0=0g/l, initial yeast concentration X_0=1.5g/l, it was observed that 12.66 ± 0.071g of sugars were consumed after one day of fermentation to produce 10.52 ± 0.22g of ethanol, which represents 83.10% of the consumed sugars, and the biomass increased by 0.66 ± 0.273g, which represents 5.21% of the consumed sugars. The consumption of the substrate continues with the increase in the fermentation period, so that the total consumed sugars reached about 95.74% on the tenth day of fermentation, i.e. at a rate of 191.48 ± 1.291 g, and the maximum alcohol concentration on the tenth day also reached 120.1 ± 0.04g/l. As for the biomass, the maximum concentration of biomass was X_max=15.39 ± 0.04g/l on the tenth day of fermentation, and the growth rate of yeast cells was μ_max=0.674/l. The process of biomass formation, substrate consumption, and alcohol production were modeled according to three special equations as a function of time, which were solved by Runge-Kutta and Euler methods, where the results of the solution by Euler method outperformed the results of the Runge-Kutta method in the measurements of biomass, substrate, and ethanol due to the low value of the coefficient of Determination R^2, the mean absolute error MAE, and the mean square error MSE, where the values reached:

Keywords: Biomass, Substrate, Differential Equations, Runge-Kutta, Euler.

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The effect of adding Japanese quail egg yolk extender on some semen characteristics of Friesian bulls after freeze preservation

Yassein Ahmad El-Arifi 1*

1 Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural, Hama University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Yassein Ahmad El-Arifi, Email:  elarifi.yassein.ahmad@gmail.com)

Received: 30/ 8/ 2025     Accepted: 29/ 9/ 2025

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at the Al-Ghazlaniyah Artificial Insemination Center in the Damascus countryside during the period from 17\11\2024 to 18\5\2025. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of utilization of the Japanese quail egg yolk in frozen semen extender of Friesian bulls. Sixth mature Friesian bulls between 3-4 years old were used; semen samples were collected once a week using an artificial vagina. Immediately after semen collection, semen samples were evaluated and only the ejaculates that showed total motility (> 70 %) were used. The semen samples were pooled and diluted using Tris-fructose extender. Different concentrations of the Japanese quail egg-yolk (QEY), T2 (20%) and T3 (15%) were added, and the T1 (20%) concentration of chicken egg-yolk (CEY) was considered as the (control group). Semen samples were kept inside straws (0.5ml) at a temperature of (-196°C). for different periods of time. After freezing in days 1,30,90 and 180, the semen samples were incubated at (37°C) after thawing and some semen indicators were determined namely of (individual motility and sperm membrane integrity HOS-T). The results showed that using Japanese quail egg-yolk at a concentration of (15%) T3 led to a significant increase (P<0.05) in the percentage of individual motility and the percentage of sperm with an intact plasma membrane. Also, the results showed that using Japanese quail egg-yolk at a concentration of (20%) T2 led to significant decrease (P<0.05) the percentage of individual motility and the percentage of sperm with an intact plasma membrane compared to with T3 QEY and control treatment T1 (20%) chicken egg-yolk (CEY). As for the effect of the freezing period, the results showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the percentage of individual motility and sperm membrane integrity in all treatments (T1, T2, T3) on the 180 days of storage at (-196°C). The decrease in the studied indicators was greater in treatment (T2) QEY as compared to (T1) CEY and (T2) QEY. It could be concluded that adding QEY at a concentration of (15%) and adding CEY at a concentration of (20%) was better than adding QEY at a concentration of (20%) in the frozen semen extender of Friesian bulls during storage up to 6 months.

Keywords: Quail egg, extenders, Friesian bulls, frozen semen.

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A study of the extraction and drying methods of chicken pepsin from gizzards and its storage

Yassmin Ghassan Abd Alhamed1* and Ramadan Suliman Atra 1

1 Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Homs University, Homs Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Yassmin Abd Alhamed, Email:  yasminabdulalhamid@gmail.com, Tel: 0994299379)

Received: 18/ 8/ 2025      Accepted: 14/ 10/ 2025

Abstract: 

Chicken pepsin extracted from proventriculi represents a promising alternative to animal rennet, as studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in milk coagulation and the production of cheeses with quality comparable to traditional rennet. Its utilization also contributes to expanding sources of milk-clotting enzymes and meeting the needs of the cheese industry. This study focused on extracting chicken pepsin from the kaolin-coated membrane of the chicken proventriculus using two different solutions: the first containing 1% boric acid and 10% sodium chloride (pH = 5.51), and the second containing 3% boric acid and 10% sodium chloride (pH = 5.02). The results indicated that the first solution provided superior extraction efficiency. Two preservation methods for the enzyme extract were evaluated: vacuum drying (at 35 and 40 °C, 200 mbar) and freeze-drying at 0.1 mbar, followed by storage at room temperature (25 °C) for 4 months and 2 weeks. Results showed that freeze-drying was the most efficient preservation method, achieving higher residual coagulation activity (80.59% and 53.09%) at the end of the storage period. Moreover, storage duration, extraction solution pH, and drying temperature significantly affected the enzyme’s milk-clotting activity (P ≤ 0.05).

Keywords: Chicken pepsin enzyme, extraction, vacuum drying, coagulation activity, clotting time, freeze-drying.

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The effect of saffron Crocus sativus L. cultivation methods in Suwaida governorate on some vegetative growth indicators and productivity of the stigmas

Saud Sarbukh1, Wasim Mohsen1*, Nashat Abu Tafesh1, Maysoon Abu Ras1, and Maissa Amer1

1 Suwaida Research Center, of Field Crops, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Wasim Mohsen, Email: wasimmo6@yahoo.com).

Received: 18/ 2/ 2025         Accepted: 3/ 9/ 2025

Abstract

This research was conducted at the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in As-Suwaida – Hout Station, which has swelling clay soil from 2020 to 2022. The study aimed to investigate the effects of three methods of saffron cultivation: (M1) cultivation on the shoulders of raised soil furrows, (M2) cultivation in rows, and (M3) cultivation in rows with the addition of volcanic tuff as a soil conditioner. The research focused on the impact of these methods on the growth of saffron plants, the yield of dry stigmas, quality. The results indicated that growing saffron using M1 improved the growth strength of the saffron plant, as evidenced by the increase in the average leaf length, the number of leaves, and the number of shoots produced, across all studied agricultural seasons. The superiority was statistically significant compared to other cultivation methods. Additionally, M1 enhanced the productivity of saffron stigmas and the weight of the stigma, with this increase being significant compared to other cultivation methods. The results also showed that adding volcanic tuff to the soil had negative effects on all studied indicators. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate saffron using M1 in the swollen clay soils of As-Suwaida Governorate and not adding volcanic tuff to the soils designated for saffron cultivation.

Keywords: Saffron, swollen clay soil, stigmas, volcanic tuff, cultivation methods.

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Using a binary dummy variable model to estimate the impact of the Syrian crisis on wheat production in Syria

Wael Habib1*, Mohammad Ghoush1 and Maha Khorshid2

1 Lattakia Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria.

2 Department of Agricultural Economy, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Lattakia University, Syria.

2 Research Administration of Natural Resources, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Syria.  

(*Corresponding author: Wael Habib, Email: wael.ha76@gmail.com , Tel: 033407349).

Received: 18/ 5/ 2025      Accepted: 10/ 6/ 2025

Abstract: 

The study aimed to estimate the impact of the crisis that Syria experienced at the beginning of 2011 on wheat production in the country. The methodology relied on secondary data from the annual agricultural statistical collection for the period (2000-2023), and used a prediction method based on binary dummy variables, in addition to appropriate methods for addressing econometric errors, especially the problem of collinearity. The results showed a decline in wheat production over the studied time series at a negative growth rate of -0.03%, parallel to a decline in area of -0.95% per year. Meanwhile, yields improved over the twenty-four years studied at a rate of 0.92% per year. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis using the binary dummy variables method revealed collinearity between the time variables, making it difficult to measure the impact of the Syrian crisis. This was addressed using the principal component transformation method. These results revealed a significant gap in annual wheat production compared to forecasts based on the general trend preceding the crisis, on the one hand, and the actual values achieved during the crisis period, which began in 2015 and continued until 2023, the final year of the series. Ultimately, the Syrian crisis contributed to slowing the previous increase in both area and production, resulting in losses in the expected growth of 21 million tons until 2023.

Keywords: Wheat, Syrian crisis, binary dummy variables, collinearity.

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Study of some chemical and rheological properties of wheat flour (zero and tamwini) enriched with different proportions of Barely flour

Hiba Sofrahgy1*, Mohammed Massri1 and Jihad Samman2

1 Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Homs University, Syria.

2 Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Damascus University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Hiba Sofrhgy, Email:  hbhsfrhjy@gmail.com, Tel: 0998757068)

Received: 16/ 3/ 2025     Accepted: 6/ 7/ 2025

Abstract: 

The aim of the research was to study the effect of replacing high quality wheat flour with zero (extraction =72%) and ration wheat flour (extraction=85%) with different proportions of barley flour (10-15-20-25-30%) to choose the best refinement ratios barley, this study was conducted in laboratories of (Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Biotechnology – Homs University, Central Grain Laboratory – Damascus, the Grand Homs Mill. The results showed a highly significant effect of adding barley flour in the properties of wheat flour (Zero and Tamwini). Wet, protein, wet gluten, and dry gluten of both flours decreased with the increase in barley flour addition, while wet and dry gluten values of Tamwini flour are not determined at replacement ratios (20-25-30) % and for wheat flour to the barley sub-re-ingestion due to the blocking of gluten washing machine, while the percentage of ash, lipids and  crude fiber increased with the increase in the percentage of barley flour addition, the following values were recorded(1.070-1.01-1) % respectively at the addition of 30% of barley flour for high quality wheat flour, while the results were (2.153-2.58-3.76)% for tamwini flour at the addition ratio of 30% of barley flour.  Thus, these results reflect the significant difference in the chemical composition of wheat flour. In addition, replacing wheat flour with barley flour led to significant changes in Farinograph indicators of wheat flour (zero and tamwini). Water absorption and dough development time (second), and the degree of dough weakness (Brabender) increased for both types of wheat flour after barley flour was added and the replacement rate increased due to the percentage of fiber in barley flour, and decreased the valorimeter value.

Keywords: chemical properties- rheological properties of dough- wheat flour- barley flour- Farinograph.

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The effect of phosphorus fertilization and zinc spraying on some quality traits of sesame plant (Sesamum indicum L.)

Nawar Nizar Mousa1*

1 Tartous Directorate of Agriculture, Tartous, Syria. 

(*Corresponding author: Nawar Nizar Mousa:  nawarmoussa1970@gmail.com, Tel: 0960087600)

Received: 21/ 9/ 2024      Accepted: 28/ 5/ 2025

Abstract: 

Beekeeping in Syria has a great importance as a small or medium-sized project that supports the agricultural economy and national income. It is considered the fourth producer of honey in the Arab world, and the Syrian honey is considered as one of the best types of honey in the world due to the good diversity of natural vegetation. Bee colonies in Syria suffer from: Parasite Varroa, Nosema, Chalkbrood and, and American brood (AFB). In recent years, a new and dangerous pest has been discovered that has invaded the world. It is the small hive beetle (SHB) Aethina tumida, came from its original habitat in Africa and then was recorded in the countries of North and South America, Australia, Europe and Asia, causing huge losses. This pest is considered a serious threat to beekeeping due to the role of bees in pollinating crop flowers, as it invades the brood and spoils the colony’s products within the hives and in stores as well. This pest has not been recorded in Syria yet, but it is necessary to be prepared for it, both at the official level and at the level of beekeepers, due to its importance, danger, and the difficulty of preventing and controlling.

Keywords: Aethina tumida Murray (SHB) Invasive Pest – Apis mellifera – Syria.

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The economic efficiency of investing in reclaimed agricultural lands in Lattakia governorate

Nouma adnan shiban1*, Ebrahim Hamdan Saker1 and Sausan Abdullah Haifa2

1 Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Lattakia University, Syria.
2 Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Lattakia University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Nouma adnan shiban, Email: noumasheeban1@gmail.com Tel: 0941494901)

Received: 26/ 6/ 2025     Accepted: 3/ 8/ 2025

Abstract: 

This study was conducted in Lattakia Governorate for the 2022-2023 agricultural season. The aim was to evaluate the efficiency of agricultural land reclamation by examining the changes resulting from reclamation, whether in crop composition, yield, or net profits, and then determining the financial return of agricultural land reclamation. The study relied on primary data collected in the field from a random sample of 346 farmers benefiting from land reclamation operations in Lattakia Governorate. The study used a descriptive and analytical approach to achieve its objectives. The results showed that the average cost of agricultural land reclamation in the study sample amounted to 2,079,398.6 Syrian pounds per dunum. The cost of rock removal constituted the largest portion, at 44.1% of the total reclamation costs, followed by the cost of excavation and soil leveling, at 33%.  As a result of reclamation, the total net returns from crops and agricultural lands increased from 377.053 million Syrian pounds before reclamation to 4,115.767 million Syrian pounds after reclamation, i.e. a total increase of 3,738.714 million Syrian pounds, so that the percentage of return resulting from reclamation was estimated at about 278.1%.

Keywords: Reclamation, economic impact, productive afforestation project, coastal and central region development project.

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Evaluation of the efficiency of some plant extracts on the biological characteristics of the tomato red spider mites Tetranychus evansi in the laboratory

Najah Mohamad Tonp1*, Ibrahem Aziz Saker1 and Angham Mohamad Boubou 1

1 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Lattakia University, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Najah Mohamad Tonp, Email:  tonpnajah@gmail.com)

Received: 15/ 6/ 2025     Accepted: 14/ 9/ 2025

Abstract: 

A preliminary laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the biological effects of the aqueous extracts of four local plant species: oleander (Nerium oleander L.), common myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), sticky fleabane (Inula viscosa L.), and pink pepper (Schinus molle L.) against the red tomato spider mite, Tetranychus evansi, at its three developmental stages (eggs, first-instar nymphs, and adult females) on black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) under controlled laboratory conditions (temperature: 24 ± 4 °C, relative humidity: 65 ± 5%, photoperiod: 16:8 h light/dark). The acaricide azocyclotin was used as a standard reference treatment, in addition to a water-treated control. The results showed that the leaf extract of oleander (Nerium oleander) exhibited the highest efficacy in killing individuals, inhibiting egg hatching, and reducing female fertility, significantly outperforming the other plant extracts. The mean egg hatching rate was recorded at 4.4%, while the average mortality rates of both nymphs and adult females reached 78% and 72%, respectively, compared with the control. Regarding the evaluation of the fertility of newly matured females after treatment with aqueous extracts, oleander extract demonstrated the strongest effect, causing the death of all females in all replicates before oviposition. These findings indicate the potential use of local plant extracts as effective natural sources in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, thereby contributing to the protection of economically important crops from harmful mites in an environmentally safe manner.

Keywords: Plant extracts, T.evansi, Biological efficacy, Bioassays.

 Full paper in Arabic: PDF