Hessain Ekkeh^*(1) Ghinwa Lababidi⁽¹⁾ Hussien Alzubi⁽²⁾ Moatasembellah Dekker⁽²⁾

(1). Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technical Engineering, Aleppo University,                    Aleppo, Syria.
(2). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus,                          Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Eng. Hessain Ekkeh. E-Mail: HessainEkkeh@gmail.com).

Received: 23/04/2018                         Accepted: 16/06/2018

Abstract

The wide geographical spread and the exponential growth of the numbers of goats around the world clearly demonstrate the ability of these ruminants to adapt to harsh climates and grazing land. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of 42 samples of Syrian goats from many domestication stations including Jabali, Shami and hybrid (hybridization between both Shami and Jabali). The study was done by DNA extraction of these samples, application of SSR technology using 7 microstellite markers. The alleles number of markers were 29 alleles, at a rate of 4.1 allele for each genetic locus. The number of alleles of each locus ranged from 3 alleles in genetically markers (BMS1714, INRAD07, SRCRSP09) to 8 alleles at the genetic marker SRCRSP01. The rate of allele-frequency across all studied genetic sites ranged from 0.071429 with the molecular size of 210 bp for the McM527 genetic site to 0.97619 with a molecular size of 55 bp for the SRCRSP09 genetic site.
Key words: Goat, Molecular Characterization, Molecular Markers, Genetic diversity, SSR.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Zainab AL-Hussain^*(1) and AbaAljasem AL-Jibboury⁽²⁾

(1). Bio Techniques Research Center, Al-Nahrean University, Baghdad, Iraq.
(2). Agricultural and Food Research Directorate, Ministry of Science and Technology,                        Baghdad, Iraq.

(Corresponding author: Dr. Zainab AL-Hussain. E-Mail: zainab.goldy@yahoo.com).

Received: 16/12/2017                    Accepted: 06/07/2018

Abstract

The present study was conducted at Genetic Engineering Department in Agricultural Research Directorate in Ministry of Science and Technology/Iraq in 2013, to evaluate the effectiveness of aqueous extract of cogon grass at concentrations of (0.0 ,0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) and Kinetin (0.0, 1.5, 3, 5) mg/L on microtuberization of two potato varieties; Daimond and Desire, in two separate experiments. All cultures were placed in a growth room chamber at temeratures of 18-20 °C with darkness for 90 days, until microtubers harvest. Data of microtuber per plant, diameters and weights were investigated. Results showed a positive effect of cogon grass extract at 2% on the number of microtubers and fresh weight (2.1, 104.41 mg, respectively) and at 1% on the diameter (5.52 mm). Desiree cultivar was the best in fresh weight of microtubers (188.41mg). The results of kinetin showed a significant effect on all of the studied traits. The superior kinetin concentration was 5.0 mg/L which gave the highest number of microtubers 2.22, while the concentrations 3.0 and 1.5 mg/L gave the highest values of diameter and weight ( 6.95 mm and 388.38 mg, respectively). The two cultivars did not differ significantly in number of microtubers, while Diamond cultivar was significantly higher in diameter and weight (6.86 mm and 363.45 mg, respectively).
Key words: Potato, Cogon grass, Aqueous extract, Kinetin, Microtubers.

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Aysar Almemary^*(1) Bashar Z. Kassab Bashi⁽¹⁾ and Ayad Chachan Aldaoody⁽²⁾

(1). Horticulture and Landscape Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Mosul                    University, Iraq.
(2). Faculty of Education, Mosul, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Aysar Almemary. E-Mail: aysaralsalim@yahoo.com).

Received: 12/12/2017                     Accepted: 03/06/2018

Abstract

This investigation was carried out at Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, University of Mosul, Iraq during (2012-2014) on Catharanthus roseus Variety; Nirvana Pink Blush, which is one of the important medicinal plant, containing a group of alkaloids. Parts of leaves, nodes, and internodes were cultured on MS medium supplemented with NAA for callus initiation, data were taken after 28-day results refer that highest weight of callus; 0.612g, 0.639g ,0.835g were obtained from cultivated parts of leaves, nodes and internodes on MS medium supplemented with 1.0mg/l NAA respectively. Callus was initiated and cultured using parts of leaves, nodes and internodes on MS medium supplemented with BA and 1.0 mg/l of NAA, after 50 days. Vinblastine, vinblastine, vindoline, Ajmalicine were determined by HPLC, the highest absorption value for vinblastine was achieved from callus produced from cultured part of leaf on MS medium supplemented with 0.3 mg/l BA and 1.0 mg/l NAA at retention time of 12.686 with detected area of 955567, and the highest absorption value for vincristine at retention time of 17.940 with detected area of 2658303, from callus produced from cultured internodes on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA and 1.0 mg/l NAA. The highest absorption value for vindoline at retention time of 21.113 with detected area 462847 from callus produced from cultured parts of leaf on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l BA and 1.0 mg/l NAA. While the highest absorption value for ajmalicine at retention time of 32.510 with detected area 462847, and from callus produced from cultured nodes on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l BA and 1.0 mg/l NAA
Key words: Catharanthus roseus , Callus, Nods, Alkaloids.

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Imad Bilal^*(1) and Fadel Al-Kaiem⁽¹⁾

(1). Latakia Agricultural Research Center, General Commission for Scientific                                      Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Imad Bilal. E-Mail: imad-b@arabscientist.org).

Received: 12/09/2017                       Accepted: 27/03/2018

Abstract

A study on the propagation of female kiwi trees (Hayward variety) by wooden cuttings, using plant growth regulators, was conducted at Latakia Agricultural Research Centre during the seasons 2009, 2011 and 2012. Two dates for collecting cuttings (January and February) from kiwi trees which were selected. On each date, the cuttings were divided into three groups according to cutting location on the shoot (basal, middle and apical). The NAA and IBA growth regulators were applied at several concentrations, in addition to two treatments of the mixture of both growth regulators. The cuttings were planted in the glasshouse for 60 days under spray irrigation conditions. The effect of cutting collection date, cutting position on shoot, and type and concentration of hormones were studied on: Number of rooted cuttings, total number of roots, average root weight and volume, and average canopy weight and volume. The results showed that February surpassed significantly January as a date of collection, also, the cuttings that were taken from the middle and apical shoots surpassed significantly the basal ones. As for the growth regulators, NAA treatment at concentration 5000 ppm was the best, giving an average of (22.31 root/cutting), versus the value of the control was (3.6 root/cutting), while the average weight was (38.18) g/cutting, and the control value was (3.8) g, but the volume was (39.67 cm3), and the control value was (5.9 cm3). IBA treatment at concentration 6000 ppm was significant only for rooting which achieved up to 78%, and the control (28%). NAA treatment at a concentration of 5000 ppm gave rooting by 66%.
Keywords: Kiwi (actinidia chinensis ), Rooting, Plant growth regulators.

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Ola Al-Halabi^*(1) and Bayan Muzher⁽¹⁾

(1). Pome and Grapevine Division in Sweida, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture            Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syeia.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ola Al-Halabi. E-Mail: Ola_halabi@msn.com).

Received: 21/04/2017                     Accepted: 05/07/2017

Abstract

This investigation was conducted at Pome and grapevine Division in Sweida, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), and at Ira Agricultural Nursery, during 2011 and 2012 seasons, to detect the genetic variation among five apple seedling genotypes in Mafaala Malus communis fields, and within the seedlings produced from them, using 10 SSR primer pairs. The results showed the ability of 8 primer pairs to detect genetic variation among studied plants with polymorphism 100%. Genetic similarity was low among studied genotypes, the highest genetic similarity was 0.2 between B and E genotypes, while within each genotypes it was good among plants belong to A, B and C genotypes, while it was low in the genotypes D and E plants. Cluster analysis divided the studied plants into five groups, each group included one genotype plants with the mother. These results reflected the genetic distance among studied genotypes, thus it is necessary not to mix seeds for producing apple seedling rootstocks, and find one credible source for seeds. On the other hand, SSR technique is an important tool for genetic variation detection and germplasms purification.

Key words: Apple, Seedling rootstocks, Genetic variation, SSR.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Mohammed Kassem^{* (1)} and Amar Bayaa⁽¹⁾

(1). Laboratory of molecular markers of fungal plant diseases, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Aleppo

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mohammed Kassem. E-Mail: agromohammad@gmail.com).

Received: 08/05/2017                                Accepted: 12/09/2017

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to determine the percentage of loss in yield of some durum wheat varieties against wheat leaf rust, and to identify whether the slow rusting has a positive effect in limiting yield loss. The study was carried out in the fields of experiments at Faculty of Agriculture, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria, 2015, included six durum wheat varieties (Cham1, Cham5, Douma1, Cham9, Beltagy and Massine), according split plot design, the first treatment of the main factor was infected by virulent races of p. trichina, where the second treatment was treated by the systematic fungicide (Bayfidan 250). Average coefficient of infection, area under the disease progress curve, average weight of a thousand grains, average productivity and the percentage of loss in both plots were calculated. Results were statistically analyzed according to Duncan distribution. The results showed a difference in the reaction of the studied cultivars against the pathogen in the seedling stage and the mature plant. The highest severity was in Doma 1 (90S), while Cham 9 and Beltagy were resistant. P.triticina reduced the WTG, and the highest reduction rate was 19% in Doma 1, and the loss of production was 30%, 7% in Douma 1, and Massine, respectively.  No losses in the two resistant varieties (Cham 9 and Beltagy), they considered as the vertical resistance model that prevent damage of wheat leaf rust. The most important result is that Massine as the model of slow rusting reduced productivity in order to become more productive than the susceptible productive variety (Doma 1), and can be used in epidemic zone in rust.

Key words: Wheat leaf rust, Puccinia triticina, Slow rusting, Vertical resistance, Syria.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Ali Ramadan⁽¹⁾ and Rami Hasan^*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Rami Hasan. E-Mail: rami-hass86@hotmail.com). 

Received: 21/09/2017                                Accepted: 21/02/2018

Abstract

In this study, 200 Tittigoniids specimens were collected from 32 locations in Syrian coast during 2012 and 2013 seasons. Morphological and taxonomical aspects of collected specimens have been studied. Identification keys of families, genera, and species were recorded according to the most important taxonomic features. A total of eighth genera recorded and classified, and these were: Phaneroptera nana, Phaneroptera sparsa, Acrometopa syriaca, Tylopsis lilifolia, Conocephalus conocephalus, Conocephalus maculatus, Conocephalus concolor. The species Isopya savigny was considered the first record in Syria.                                

Keywords: Insects, Classification, Orthoptera, Tittigonidae, Syria.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Samira Mousa Sasi^*(1) Nagiah Mousa Al-Ghoul⁽¹⁾ and FtemaMohammad Al-Shakshouki⁽¹⁾

(1). Department od Animal Science, Faculty of Science, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya.

(*Corresponding author: Samira Mousa Sasi. E.Mail: samira_18_3@yahoo.com).

Received: 22/02/2018                                Accepted: 17/05/2018

Abstract

This study was done to evaluate reproductive potential of male mice following early exposure to dimethoate. Thirty-six Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups of twelve mice each: first group injected intraperitoneally with distilled water, and used as a control group, while second and third groups injected with dimethoate at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 ml dimethoate/100 ml distilled water, respectively for 7 days. At the end of experiment, the mice were weighed and then were killed. Testis and epididymis weights were recorded, sperm parameters were evaluated. The results revealed a decrease in body and testis weights in second group treated with dimethoate, while epididymis weights did not affect, also the statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in sperm motility and increase of abnormal sperm in dimethoate treated mice compared to control group, while sperm count did not show any effect, also marked alterations in microstructure of testicular tissues observed. In addition, there was a significant increase in mean percentage of dead embryos and deformed embryos of untreated females mating with dimethoate treated males compared to control, there was no effect of pesticide on the mean weight of embryos. This study emphasized that the dimethoate has harmful effect on testis, sperm parameters and the embryos. Therefore, more efforts should be exerted to protect our environment and health from seriously harmful effects of this insecticide.

 Key words: Male mice, Dimethoate, Testis, Reproduction.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Rehab Esber⁽¹⁾, Ziad Chikh-Khamis⁽¹⁾ and Ebraheem Al-Jouri^*(2)

(1). Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Baath University, Homs, Syria.

(2). Insect Research Department, Plant Protection Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ebraheem Al-Jouri. E-mail: e-jouri@gcsar.gov.sy;                                                                                                                        ejouri73@gmail.com).

Received: 21/11/2017                                Accepted: 07/02/2018

Abstract

Ash toxicity of burning pruning residues of three plant species i.e. apple, grape and olive was tested against adults of cowpea seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera, Bruchidae) using the following concentrations: (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80) g/kg of cowpea seed. The study was carried out in incubator at fixed temperature and humidity at Biotechnology Research Center, Al-baath University. Readings were taken after (24, 48 and 72) h of treatment, and corrected mortality rates were calculated and values of LC₅₀, LC₉₀, LT₅₀ and LT₉₀. Results showed that mean of corrected mortality rate after 24 hours was (18.47, 36.45, 44.60, 49.64, 53.71) % at concentrations of (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80) g/kg respectively with significant difference (P≥0.01), and (45.04, 40.29 and 36.40)% for apple, grape and olive ashes, respectively with significant difference. The values of LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were (1.251 and 11.520) g/kg for apple ash, (2.154 and 12.490) g/kg for grape ash and (2.631 and 18.492) g/kg for olive ash after 48h. The values of LT₅₀ and LT₉₀ were (22.941 and 35.262) h for apple ash, (24.377 and 37.306) h for grape ash and (26.305 and 40.242) h for olive ash when the concentration 40 g/kg. As a result, apple ash showed higher toxicity and minimal mortality time.

Key words: Toxicity, Ash, Pruning residue, Apple, Grape, Olive, Cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Hayfaa Al-Tameemi⁽¹⁾ Najla Al–Amiri^*(1)  Mohammed Hassan⁽¹⁾

(1). Dept. of Soil Science and Water Resources, College of Agriculture, Univ.of Basrah, Iraq.

(*Correponding author: Dr.Najla Al–Amiri. E_Mail: dr.alamirism@yahoo.com).  

Received: 25/12/2017                                Accepted: 13/04/2018

Abstract

An experiment was conducted on maize crop (Zea mays L.) in plastic pots in two different soils (Qurna soil, which is poor organic matter and the other soil from Maysan marshes, which is rich in organic matter), to study the effect of selenium, sulfur and phosphate and their interaction on dry weight of shoot of maize crop. Selenium was added at four levels (0, 10, 20 and 40 g Se ha), sulfur at three levels (0, 30 and 60 kg S ha), and phosphorus at three levels (0, 60 and 120 kg P ha). Results indicated that the dry weight values ​​increased significantly, where it increased from14.79 to15.79 gm dry matter/5 plants  in Qurna soil, and from16.91 to18.01 gm dry matter/5 plants in marshes soil with increasing the quantity of selenium from 0 to 40 g Se ha, and from 14.54 to 16.00 gm dry matter/5 plants in Qurna soil, and from 16.90 to 18.05 gm dry matter/5 plants in marshes soil with increasing the quantity of phosphate from 0 to 120 kg P ha. While increase the quantity of added sulfur gave a significant increase in the dry weight of shoot of maize crop grown in the Qurna soil, where it increased from14.94 to 15.86 gm dry matter/5 plants with increasing the quantity of sulfur from 0 to 60 kg S/ha, but in the soil of marshes the increase was not significant. The results also showed that the binary interaction between selenium and sulfur and the binary interaction between selenium and phosphorus as well as the triangular interaction between selenium, sulfur and phosphorus had no significant effect on the dry weight of shoot for maize crop. The highest values ​​of Se₄S₃ treatment were (16.20 and 18.00 gm dry matter/5 plants), and Se₄P₃ (16.27 and 18.48 gm dry matter/5 plants) and Se₄S₃P₃ (16.90 and 18.70 gm dry matter/5 plants) in the Qurna and Marshlands, respectively.

Keywords: Selenium, Sulfur, Phosphate, Maize crop.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF