Ability of Natural Zeolite Ore to Bind Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions

Batool Salameh*⁽¹⁾ and Leila Habib⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: batoolzaka@gmail.com).

Received: 02/02/2018 Accepted: 19/06/2018

Abstract

The objective of this study is to characterize natural zeolite ore by the use of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and to study the ability of natural zeolite ore to bind cadmium from aqueous solutions. Adsorption factors such as zeolite particles size, initial Cd concentration, shaking time, solution: zeolite ratio and pH were studied. Adsorption isotherms constructed then by the use of batch adsorption experiments. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to represent adsorption data. XRD study showed that Analcime and Phillipsite are the main zeolitic minerals, and it contains non zeolitic minerals such as quartz, calcite and smectite minerals. Natural zeolite ore has high ability to remove cadmium from water solutions, and had 28 mg/g as maximum adsorption capacity. Adsorption increased with increasing initial cadmium concentration, shaking time and initial pH degree. pH 4-6 showed best range for adsorption. Adsorption is not affected by zeolite particle size and solution: zeolite ratio. This study was conducted at Soil Chemistry Laboratory during 2016/2017, but XRD study was conducted at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria.

Key word: Zeolite ore, X ray diffraction, Adsorption, Cadmium.

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Phytochemical Detection and Antimicrobial Activity of Centaurea ptosimopappa

Abdel Aleem Bello⁽¹⁾ and Tawfik Al-Boshi^*(2)

(1). Plant Bilolgy Department, Faculty of Science, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(2). Depatment of Renewable Natural Resources and Ecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Tawfik Al-Boshi. E-Mail: dr.tawfik69@gmail.com).

Received: 20/02/2018 Accepted: 11/04/2018

Abstract

The goal of the study was to detect the presence of active ingredients and the antimicrobial activity in the extracts of two different groups of Centaurea ptosimopappa Hayek, which are bald and furry, using thin layer chromatographic method and diffusion method within Agar well. This study was accomplished at Faculty of Science, Aleppo University. Phytochemical detection showed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanins, tannins and steroidal triterpenes in the extracts of bald Centaurea ptosimopappa Hayek. While tannins, steroidal triterpenes, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids were detected in the extracts of furry group. Antimicrobial activities of these extracts were determined by Agar well diffusion method. The extracts of furry Centaurea ptosimopappa Hayek were clearly more active than bald Centaurea ptosimopappa Hayek. For instance, when we used 80 µl of the chloroform extract of furry plants the diameter of the inhibition zone was more than 20 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, but only 13 mm was noticed when 80 µl of the chloroform extract was used of bald plants.

Keywords: Phytochemical detection, Antimicrobial activity, Plant extracts, Centaurea ptosimopappa.

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Effect of Drainage Water on Some Soil Properties and Production of Quinoa, Study of Water and Fertilizers Requirements

Mohammad Manhal Al-Zubi *⁽¹⁾ Haitham Eid⁽²⁾ Mohammad Hakkoun⁽¹⁾ Mahmoud Barhoum⁽²⁾ Razan Karfoul⁽²⁾ Mahmoud Asaad⁽²⁾ Khattar Darwish⁽²⁾ Nawar Al Jrdi⁽²⁾ and Yamen Ahmad⁽²⁾

(1). Administration of Water Resources, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(2). Tartous Agricultural Research Center, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mohammad Manhal Al-Zubi. E-Mail: manhalzo@yahoo.com).

Received: 01/02/2018 Accepted: 14/04/2018

Abstract

The effect of irrigation with drainage water on the productivity of quinoa variety (NSL-106398), and determination of fertilizer and water requirements were studied. A field experiment was conducted at Zahed Research Station, Tartous Research Center for two growing seasons 2016 and 2017. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with three replications. Tow water quality treatments were applied [drainage water (DW) and fresh water (FW)], and three fertilizer levels were used NPK1 (80 kg N/ha, 30 kg P₂O₅/ha, 30 kg K₂O /ha), NPK2 (100 kg N/ha, 40 kg P₂O₅/ha, 40 kg K₂O /ha), and NPK3 (120 kg N/ha, 50 kg P₂O₅/ha, 50 kg K₂O/ha). The results showed a significant increasing in the soil conductivity EC under drainage treatments DW (1.15 dS/m) compared to the fresh water FW treatment (0.68 dS/m) in the first season, whereas the differences were not significant in the second season. Soil was analyzed at the end of the two seasons, the results showed significant increasing in total nitrogen when treatments irrigated with DW (0.153%) compared to the treatments irrigated with FW (0. 132%) in the first season. While phosphorus and potassium were not significantly increased when fertilization of these two elements was increased within the treatments of water quality and mineral fertilization treatments, but the difference in available potassium in the second season, was significant within water quality treatments. The grain yield regarding DW treatment was significantly increased (2.65 ton/ha) compared to the FW (2.055 ton/ha), also the grain yield significantly increased by mineral fertilization treatments (2.04, 2.347, 2.67 ton/ha respectively). Whereas in the second season DW increased the grain yield (2.22 ton/ha) compared to the FW (2 ton/ha). The grain yield increased significantly in treatment NPK3 (2.56) compared to the treatments NPK1 and NPK2 (2.023, 1.745 ton/ha respectively). Straw productivity was increased in mineral fertilization treatments (10, 9.83, 10.42 ton/ha) in the first season. Furthermore, results showed that water use efficiency in the treatment NPK3 was the best for both water types DW, and FW (1.3 and 1 kg/m³, respectively). Therefore, the study recommends that the water requirement of quinoa under the conditions of Tartous Governorate was 2000 m³/ha, and the fertilizer recommendation was (120 kg N/ha, 50 kg P₂O₅/ha, 50 kg K₂O /ha)

Key wards: Drainage water, Quinoa, Water requirement, Mineral fertilizers.

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Applying Spectral Wheat Yield Prediction Program in Al-Raqqa Governorate Under Crisis Conditions

Nasser Ibrahem^*(1) Hayan Abo-Karam⁽¹⁾ and Ali Ismail⁽¹⁾

(1). General Organization of Remote Sensing GORS, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Nasser Ibrahem. E-Mail: nibrahem345@gmail.com).

Received: 12/11/2018 Accepted: 19/01/2019

Abstract

This study aims to applying Spectral Wheat Yield Prediction (SWYP) program (designed under Syrian agricultural conditions) on multispectral/multistage images data for estimation the area and production of wheat in Al-Raqqa governorate (as affected zone) during the crisis (2014 season) to determine the damages on the agricultural sector depending on the spatial distribution of severity effects on yield and area of wheat during the crisis in Al-Raqqa governorate. This technique evaluated the cultivated wheat area of /90774 ha/ and yield production of /210060 tons/ in that season. The accuracy of the results was tested according to two methods: the first, using the rainfall-agricultural analysis models at the overall level of the governorate; and the second method depended upon field-specific data, and the accuracy of the two methods reached 95%. Area and yield of wheat that estimated by satellite images during that season were about 55% and 42% of the recorded cultivated area and yield, the reduction went down 45% and 58%, respectively. Spatial distribution map of the affected area and wheat yield were created according to three degrees of influence: small, medium and large. The absence of planting (large effect) in some areas was found in the east and south of the governorate, while some areas were not affected in that season as before the crisis (small affect) in the north of the governorate. Thus, it was decided that the agricultural sector, according to satellite-agricultural data, was more than 58% in that governorate and in that season, where the severity of the damage varied between areas from large damage (100%, non-cultivated) then medium to small (less 10%), but no significant differences were recorded in area and yield of wheat in Al-Raqqa governorate before and during the crisis (2014) depending on agricultural statics data, where, area of wheat increased 13% and yield decreased 25% simultaneously in spite of decreasing rainfall amount of 42%. The study recommends the application of this technology effectively and continuously, especially during the crisis and disaster times, which ensures the accuracy of planning and management of the main and strategic crops to achieve food security on the country level.

Keywords: Spectral wheat yield prediction, Crisis, Satellite images, Al-Raqqa governorate, Syria.

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Study of Some Physical and Chemical Properties of El-Sen River Waters in Syrian Coastal Basin

Taher Cheikho⁽¹⁾ Mahmoud Haj Issa⁽²⁾ and Hadi Dayoub*⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Forestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Soil and Water Sciences Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Hadi Dayoub. E-mail: hadi.dayob.sy@gmail.com)

Received: 10/04/2018 Accepted: 29/09/2018

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the water quality of El-Sen River in the Syrian coastal basin for drinking and irrigation purposes. Water samples from four sites along the river bed were collected monthly during October 2013 to September 2014, and were analyzed for some important physical and chemical parameters. The study revealed that all of the studied parameters concentrations were found within the permissible limits for human consumption according to the Syrian and World Health Organization Standards. As well as these ions concentrations were found to be directly related to environmental and geologic features of the river basin, where limestone and dolomite formations occupy a large part of its surface. Piper and Schöeller-Berkaloff diagrams revealed that the water is of HCO₃-Ca-Mg type. According to U.S. Salinity Laboratory classification of irrigation water, all samples were under water type (C2-S1). Such water can be used for irrigation on almost all soils with little danger of the development of harmful levels of exchangeable sodium, and if a moderate amount of leaching occurs. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the means of electrical conductivity, sodium, potassium, sulfates, nitrates, nitrite and phosphates of sampling points. Application of Principal Components Analysis to physio-chemical data showed that the correlations with the first and the second factors (F1-F2) revealed the dissolution phenomenon of carbonate formations of limestone and dolomite.

Key words: El-Sen river, Water quality, Drinking water, Irrigation water.

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Effect of NPK Fertilization on the Productivity of Black Seed and Nutritional Balance Determination by Applying Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS)

Abd Al-ghani Khurshid⁽¹⁾ Wasem Adla⁽²⁾Ahmad Kattaa⁽³⁾ and Obaydah AlKatib*⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Land Reclamation, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo

(2). Natural Resources Research Administration, General Commission for Agriculture Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(3). Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.

(*Corresponding author : Eng. Obaydah AlKatib. E-Mail: obaydah123456@gmail.com).

Received: 18/03/2018 Accepted: 12/05/2018

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Hama (Syria) during 2015/2016 season to study the effect of adding levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on the production of black seed according to the experimental design of complete randomized block design, with three replicates. With the addition of nitrogen levels 0-60-120 kg N/ha in the form of urea (46% N) and phosphorus levels 0-30-60 kg P₂O₅ /ha in the form of triple superphosphate (46% P₂O₅) and potassium levels 0-30-60 kg K₂O/ha, in order to study and diagnose the nutritional status of black seed crop and determine the data of the integrated diagnostic system (DRIS). The DRIS data of the black seed crop was identified in the Syrian Arab Republic for the first time depending on the content of NPK in the leaves after 90 days of sowing according to the laws of Beaufils and Sumner. As well as to study of the effect of NPK factors on seed production of black seed (kg/ha). The results showed that there is a clear correlation between DRIS indicators and the physiological equilibrium of the three elements (NPK) in the leaves on the one hand, and with the seed production on the other hand. The best physiological equilibrium of (NPK) paralyzed with N₁₂₀P₃₀K₃₀ treatment (1630 kg/ha), which were statistically similar with N₁₂₀P₃₀K₆₀, that gave the highest yield (1609 kg/ha). The standard values of black bean plant were determined by n/p, n/k and k/p (6.19, 1.40 and 4.47) respectively.

Key words: NPK, Diagnosis and recommendation integrated system DRIS, Black seed.

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Net Profit Index Resulting from the Application of Agricultural Treatments Against Maize Stem Borers

Ebraheem Al-Jouri^*⁽¹⁾

(1). Insects Research Department, Plant Protection Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR).

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abraheem Al-Jouri. E-Mail: e-jouri@gcsar.gov.sy).

Received: 11/03/2018 Accepted: 12/05/2018

Abstract

This research aimed to study the impact of both; sowing date and variety in controlling maize stem-borers and its influence on the production as well as the total cost, revenue, and net profit of the cultivation of maize crop. This study was carried out at Al-Meriayah Research Station in Deir Ez-Zor governorate during 2010 and 2011. Maize varieties and hybrids i.e. Ghouta₈₂, Ghouta₁, Basel₁ and Basel₂ were cultivated in the intensive planting time, every ten days starting on the first of June. The results showed that the total costs increased with the delay of planting date with an average about 1149.2, 1473.04 and 1501.17 dollar/ha in the first, second and third sowing dates respectively in 2011. The maximum and minimum average of costs were about 1384.1 and 1183.41 dollar/ha for Basel₁ hybrid and Ghouta₈₂ variety, respectively in 2010. The total revenue was positively correlated with the date of sowing. The lowest total revenue was detected in Gouta_82,but Bessel₁ achieved the highest value. As a result, Basel₁hybrid achieved the highest net profit (542.97 dollar/ha) in 2010, as well as the third date of sowing (21^st July) gave the highest net profit (679.4 dollar/ha) in 2011.

Key words: Net profit index, Agricultural practices, Maize Stem-Borers.

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A Survey of Wheat Rust Diseases in Al- Hassakeh Governorate

Alan Remo^*(1)

(1). Al Qamishly Agriculture Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Alan Remo. E-mail: alanremo123@hotmail.com).

Received: 12/08/2018 Accepted: 15/10/2018

Abstract

Field survey have been conducted on 120 fields in 2017 and 110 fields in 2018 in zone1 and zone2 in Al- Hassakeh governorate, to identification the distribution of three wheat rust diseases (stripe, leaf and stem rusts) which caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Puccinia triticina and Puccinia graminis. Diseased leaves samples were collected from farmers’ fields in Al- Hassakeh governorate. It was noticed the infection did not appear on durum wheat during 2017 and 2018, while all infections were recorded on soft wheat. The results of survey showed distributing of rust diseases (stripe, leaf and stem rusts) in a percent of 31.66%, 19.16% and 0% respectively in 2017. While the infected fields percentages were 14.54%, 10% and 7.27% respectively in 2018. The highest severity of stripe and leaf rusts were 70S and 50S respectively. Stem rust disease did not appear in 2017. While the highest severity of stripe, leaf and stem rusts were 40S, 20S and 40S respectively in 2018.

Key words: Rust, Wheat, Survey, Al- Hassakeh, Syria.

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The Effect of Biological Control of Two Spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae Koch by Using the Predatory Mite Phytoseiulus Persimilis Athias-Henroit on Growth and Productivity of Some Climbing Beans Cultivars

Riad Zidan⁽¹⁾ Mohammad Ahmad⁽²⁾ and Alisar Shaabow^*(1)

(1). Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(2). Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Alisar Shaabow. E-Mail: alisar.nadeem@yahoo.com).

Received: 19/11/2018 Accepted: 19/12/2018

Abstract

The study was carried out in a greenhouse at Latakia center for rearing natural enemies during 2017 and 2018, in order to study the effect of the biological control of the two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) by using the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henroit (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on growth and production of five cultivars of climbing bean i.e. Kentucky wonder white, Blue lake, Fatima, Purple Queen, and Zilioni Gigant. The results showed that releasing the predatory mite increased the leal area to 10294 cm² compared with that in the prey treatment 5983 cm², and the net assimilation rate increased from 0.15 to 0.36 mg/cm²/day, while the production increased from 0.27 kg/m² to 1.25 kg/m², for both prey and predator treatments respectively. The results also showed that Kentucky wonder white cultivar of the predator treatment exceeded other cultivars in leaf area 9499 cm² and production 1.18 kg/m².

Key words: Climbing bean, Growth traits, Biological control, Tetranychus urticae Koch، Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henroit.

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**The Development of Peacock Eye Disease Caused by Spilocaea oleagina on Khadairy Olive Variety in Latakia Governorate**

Samer Ghanem^*(1) Mohamed Tawil⁽¹⁾and Sabah Al-Maghribi⁽¹⁾

(1). Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Samer Ghanem. E-Mail: samer.gh85@hotmail.com).

Received: 25/02/2018 Accepted: 26/04/2018

Abstract

The development of peacock eye disease on olive trees of Khadairy variety was studied during 2016 and 2017 in five orchards, located at Baksa in Latakia governorate, in order to identify the disease development during these two years. The disease development was observed during spring and autumn compared to summer and winter. The disease incidence was during spring of 2016 (March, and May), also between 20.22 – 24.17% and ranged between 23.34 – 28.19% in 2017. The disease severity ranged between 12.76 and 17.80% in 2016 and ranged between 15.75 and 19.14% in 2017. In autumn, the disease incidence was medium, where it ranged between 13.23 – 20.13% in autumn 2016 (September, October and November) and between 11.09 – 22.72% in the autumn of 2017. While the disease severity was between 6.89 – 12.45% in autumn 2016, and between 5.17 – 14.69% in 2017. The disease incidence was low in summer and winter, where the incidence rate was only 11.19% in summer of 2016 and 10.25% in 2017. The severity did not exceed 5.13% in 2016 and 5.05% in 2017. The incidence did not exceed 16.35% in winter 2016 and 16.07% in 2017. The severity was not more than 7.64% in 2016 and 8.35% in 2017. It was also observed different development of the disease, when comparing the lower part (1-2 m) of the tree with the upper part (2-4 m). The incidence and severity were high at the lower parts, and it was low at the upper parts of the tree over all of the studied traits.

Key words: Khdairy variety of Olive, Peacock eye disease, Spilocaea oleagina, Latakia, Syria.

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