Economic Possibilities to Achieve Self-sufficiency of Wheat in Syria

Khetam Idris*(1)

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

(*Correspoding author: Dr. Khetam Idria. E-Mail: vera_naya@yahoo.com).

Received: 24/10/2017 Accepted: 04/12/2017

Abstract

The research aimed to identify the current status of wheat in Syria during the period (2000-2012), and to study the energy of production and consumption, gap size, besides self-sufficiency ratio of wheat, as well as to highlight on the average per capita of the available for consumption, the annual average income per capita, and the annual population increase. The research also indicated the most important factors affecting the production and domestic consumption of wheat. The results had showed that the general trend of total production, cultivated area and productivity is a descending direction during the studied period. Also, the consumed amount of wheat during the studied period increased, with an average of (4084.42) thousand tons annually, while the average of domestic production amounted to about (4008.38) thousand tons for the same period. Besides the food gap of wheat ranged between a minimum value at (17.3) thousand tons in 2000, and a maximum value about 1660 thousand tons in 2009, the year in which consumption reached its maximum value in the time of studied series. The self-sufficiency ranged from (69.04%) in 2009 and (131.03)% in 2007 with an average of about (99.1)% during the period (2000 – 2012). The results also clarified that the rate per capita consumption and the population affected significantly the domestic consumption of wheat, and these variables explain about (91)% of the changes of the consumed wheat during the study period. Also, both cultivated area and yield had a significant effect on wheat production, and these variables explain about (95) % of the changes in the domestic production of wheat. It is also concluded that increasing self-sufficiency of wheat will take in the future for quite some time and it will be gradual. The results showed that the maximum of wheat self-sufficiency that could be achieved was approximately (242.86)%.

Key words: Wheat, Available for consumption, Self-sufficiency, Food gap.

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Determination Some Pregnancy Toxemia Indicators in Shami Goat During Perpartum

Abd Alnasser Al-Omer*⁽¹⁾ and Yassin Almohsen⁽²⁾

(1). Agricultural Research Center in Hama, General Commission for Scientific and Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Hama, Syria.

(2). Internal Diseases – Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine- Hama Uni.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Abd Alnasser Al-Omer. E-Mail: abdnaser64@gmail.com).

Received: 26/01/2017 Accepted: 16/05/2017

Abstract

This study was carried out at Hamah Research Centre during 2014/2015 season on Shami goat flock (25 heads) in late pregnancy to determine some indicators of pregnancy toxemia in Shami goat. The blood samples were taken from both groups at different stages of late pregnancy to be used in several biochemistry tests (BHB, NEFA, glucose, total protein, albumin and triglyceride). The blood tests showed a significant increase (p≤0.01-0.001) in BHB and NEFA, and a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in glucose during 2-3 weeks antepartum, but one week antepartum for the albumin. But regarding triglyceride it was high (p≤0.05) during 1-3 weeks antepartum. It was noticed a trend to acidic pH in urine of the tested animals. Also, the acetone was positive (+++) one week before partum. In conclusion, it is important to evaluate some clinical and biochemical parameters, besides acetone and pH estimation in urine for the early diagnosis of risks of pregnancy toxemia in Shami goat’s prior the birth time. This can give time for owners to take some protection procedures.

Key words: Shami goat, Pregnancy toxemia, NEFA, BHB.

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Effect of Foliar Application of Tecamin Flower on Some Vegetative Growth Characters of Tomato Plant Under Water Stress Conditions

Aziz Mahdi Abd Al-Shammari⁽¹⁾ Mohammed Ali Abood⁽²⁾ and Ghassan Jaafar Hamdi*⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Horticulture and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Diyala, Iraq.

(2). Department of soil Science and Water Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Diyala, Iraq.

(^*Corresponding author: Ghassan Jaafar Hamdi. E-Mail: ghassanhamdi38@gmail.com).

Received: 01/04/2018 Accepted: 03/07/2018

Abstract

The experiment was carried out during spring season 2016 to study the effect of foliar spraying treatment with Tecamin Flower 2.5 ml/L in comparison with distilled water, on growth of three hybrids of tomatoes at two different levels of irrigation (100 and 50 % of field capacity). Three sprays were conducted started from flowering with two weeks’ interval. The results showed that ‘Finenss’ hybrid had significant differences in plant height, branches per plant and leaves number per plant. ‘Hadeer’ hybrid had superiority in dry matter ratio and content of chlorophyll in leaves. Reducing the level of irrigation resulted in a significant decrease in plant height, total branches number, versus an increase in the leaves number per plant, total leaves area and the percentage of dry matter. The results showed that the treatment with Tecamin flower led to a significant increase in all indicators studied. The interaction treatments shoed that Hadeer hybrid irrigated in level 50 % and spraying of nutrient solution (Tecamin flower) had a significant increase in dry matter ratio and chlorophyll content in leaves. While the hybrid Finenss which irrigated in level 100 % with nutrient solution (Tecamin flower) had a significant increase in leaves number per plant and total leaves area.

Key words: Foliar spray, Deficit irrigation, Tomato, Amino acids.

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**The Effect of IBA (Indol-3-Butyric Acid) Dose Applications on Rooting of Hardwood and Softwood Top Cuttings of White Mulberry (Morus alba L.) and Black Mulberry (Morus nigra L.)**

Hussam Baroudi *⁽¹⁾ Georgous Makhoul⁽²⁾ and Hafez Mahfoud⁽³⁾

(1). Department of Citrus and Tropical Plants Researches, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

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

(3). Department of Biotechnology, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Hussam Baroudi. Email: hussambaroudi@gmail.com).

Received: 22/10/2017 Accepted: 21/12/2017

Abstract

This study was conducted at glasshouse of Citrus and Tropical Research Department in Tartus governorate, and Olive Nursery in Latakia governorate, during 2015 to determine the influence of Indol-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) doses on hardwood and softwood top cuttings of three types of M. alba L. (B-1, B-5, KH-8) and three types of M. nigra L. (M-4, KH-9, KH-1) and one fruitless type (B-3), which spreads in different locations in Tartus, Syria. Hardwood cuttings were prepared during February from one-year-old shoots, and the softwood top cuttings were prepared during August in 2015. The cuttings were treated with different doses of IBA (1000, 2000 and 4000 ppm) in addition to the control application 0 ppm. The cuttings were planted in the glasshouses in order to root. The results indicated that the softwood cuttings had the highest average of rooting percentage, number of roots, and roots length comparing to the hardwood cuttings. The hardwood cuttings of the phenotype (KH-9) had a high significant difference comparing with the other phenotypes with average of rooting percentage (60%), length of roots (4.65 cm), and number of roots (2.6 unit/cutting). The concentration 4000 ppm of IBA was superior regarding rooting percentage, roots number, and length of roots over the other concentrations, while the softwood cuttings (M-4) phenotype was superior over the other phenotypes with average of length of roots (9.14 cm), and number of roots (6.73 unit/cutting). (KH-9, KH-8) phenotypes had the highest rooting percentage (53.33%), while the best treatment was found in 2000 ppm concentration of IBA comparing to other concentrations.

Keywords: White Mulberry, (Morus alba L.), (Morus nigra L.), Propagation, IBA.

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Determination the Optimal Harvest Date for Some Apple Varieties under Swieda Conditions

Bayan Muzher^*(1) Ola Al-Halabi⁽¹⁾ Alaa Alzgair⁽¹⁾ and Samer Abou Hamdan⁽¹⁾

(1). Pome Research Department, Horticulture Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Bayan Muzher. Email: bmuzher@hotmail.com).

Received: 02/03/2017 Accepted: 23/05/2017

Abstract

This investigation was carried out in the fields and laboratories of Pome and Grapevine Department, GCSAR/Syria, on some apple varieties i.e. Richared, Mutsu and Tourly Winsap to determine the optimal harvest date and its effect on storability. Fruits were harvested in (16/9, 26/9, 7/10, 17/10 and 30/10) depending on physical and chemical maturity indicators, and stored with the study of changing in quality indicators and weight lost monthly. The results showed that the studied varieties differed in their storability according to harvest date, Richared fruits in 26/9 showed long storage for seven months with weight loss of 4.9%, fruit firmness 6.4 kg/cm², and 18.7% TSS. While the storability was six months for Mutsu fruits which harvested in 7/10 with weight loss of 4.4%, and fruit firmness 6.1 kg/cm², and finally, Tourly Winsap fruits which were stored for five months in 7 and 17/10 harvest dates with fruit firmness 5.1 kg/cm². Moreover, the three varieties were able to storage for three months when harvested in 30/10 with weight loss of 3.3%, 4.4% and 4.5% in Tourly Winsap, Richared and Mutsu respectively, which considered as consuming maturity for these varieties. These results indicated to the various storage periods according to fruits harvest time, and the storability, which assists in regulating offer and demand, and providing markets with fruits for long period, however harvesting at optimal time reducing the total weight loss, in addition to high quality indicators.

Key words: Apple, Harvest date, Weight loss, Storability.

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The Effect of Different Doses of Gamma Rays on Growth and Productivity of Local Garlic Allium sativum L. Var. Yabroudi in Syria

Osamah Al- Abdallah*⁽¹⁾ Nabeel. Al- Ayoubi⁽²⁾ and Rawaa Babilie⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of tuber vegetables, Horticulture Research Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research.

(2). Assistant Professor, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Baath, Homs.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Osamah AL-Abdallah. E-Mail: samo773@live.com)

Received: 02/03/2017 Accepted: 23/05/2017

Abstract

This research was conducted at AlTieba Research Station, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) in 2012 and 2013 seasons, to study the effect of different doses of gamma rays on growth and productivity of local garlic Allium sativum L. cultivar “Yabroudi” in Syria. Cloves were exposed to four different doses of gamma rays of ⁶⁰Co source (1, 2.5, 5, 10 Gray). Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used. The results showed the surviving plants after 60 days of planting declined with the increase of dose levels. The percentage of dead plants at the doses (2.5, 5 Gray) was 50 and 54 %, respectively. Also, it was possible to obtain a larger number of viable mutations. Therefore, they could be considered as close as to LD₅₀. The dose (10 Gray) had a negative effect on the length of the cloves’ germination period, leading to the death of all the plants after 60 days of planting, this could be considered lethal dose (LD₁₀₀). The response of the local garlic cultivar Yabroudi to the low-dose (1 Gray) of gamma ray was higher comparing with other doses. This is due to the positive effect of this dose (Stimulus) on the vegetative growth that was reflected on the productivity indicators. The productivity reached (4.50 kg/m²), which was significantly superior to the control (2.91 kg/ m²) and the two doses (2.5, 5 Gray), respectively (2.26, 1.60 kg/ m²).

Key words: Garlic, Yabroudi cultivar, Gamma rays.

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New Records of Three Larval Species of Erythraeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes) in a Citrus Orchard in Latakia, Syria

Ziad Barbar^*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ziad Barbar. E-Mail: ziadbarbar89@yahoo.com).

Received: 04/11/2017 Accepted: 14/12/2017

Abstract

Most larvae of Erythraeidae are considered as parasites of various insect species, and their adults seem to be effective generalist predators of several agricultural pests. Studies of this fauna is limited in Syria. The present study aimed to identify mite species of Erythraeidae in a pesticide-free citrus orchard in Latakia governorate/Syria. Surveys were carried out three times in 2016 and 2017. Three Erythraeid species were collected, and all belong to the genus Erythraeus: Erythraeus (Erythraeus) phalangoides, Erythraeus (Erythraeus) adanaensis and Erythraeus (Zaracarus) didonae. This is the first report of these species in Syria. Morphological remarks of each species were collected and provided.

Keywords: Acari, Erythraeidae, Erythraeus, larva, Syria.

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Biosynthesis of Medium Chain Length Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Dw7

Eman H. Gatea^٭(1) Saad H. Khudair⁽¹⁾ and Nadhim H. Haider⁽²⁾

(1). Environment and Water Directorate, Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.

(2). Collage of science, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr Eman Gatea. E-mail: eman77aa@yahoo.com).

Received: 04/11/2017 Accepted: 14/12/2017

Abstract

Polyhydroxya lkanoates (PHAs), are a promising family of bio-based polymers, which considered to be alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Poly-β – hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is the most known degradable biopolymers, produced by bacterial genera. It is generally accepted that PHB can be used instead of plastic to solve one of the greatest problems facing the environment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Dw7 was grown on mineral salt medium supplemented with waste cooking of corn oil for the synthesis of a medium chain-PHB. This study is divided into three steps, at first fermentation of P.seudomonas aeruginosa Dw7, which was carried out aerobically at optimum temperature of 30 ˚C and 500 rpm of agitation speed. Lab scale bioreactor (5L) operated as a batch culture system for 80 hours. The highest cell dry weight (CDW) of bacteria reached to 5.3 g/l observed after 60 h of operation, which was corresponding to 62.6 % of PHB. The results suggested the efficiency of the system for production of PHB in large scale. Many solvent systems were conducted to evaluate the best solvent for PHB extraction from bacterial cell in the second step. Chloroform–hypochlorite dispersion extraction was followed by that extraction with chloroform showed the best solvent system for yielding of PHB. Relatively; it has the high rate with 63% yield of PHB. Characterization study of PHB was the last step. PHB were included chemical, physical; mechanical and solubility properties of the produced PHB have been characterized by many analyses techniques, comprising Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (X-Ray) and melting point. PHB was a yellowish white crystal, soluble in chloroform and other chlorinated hydrocarbons like dichloromethane, dichlorethane and chloropropane. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) study was carried out to check if the polymer had a crystalline or amorphous structure. The increased intensity of peaks showed that the polymer had more organized packed crystalline structure. The results of the GC-MS recorded that there were 9 different active peaks predictive. The two major compounds that were produced by P. aeruginosa Dw7 were then identified as undecanoic acid which eluted at 15.4 min and tridecanoic acid at 17.3 min with relative abundance of 100% and 33.14% respectively. The characteristic FTIR peaks for PHB indicated that the most prominent marker band for the identification of PHB is the ester carbonyl band at C=O, OH and C-O.

Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginoa, Poly-β- hydroxybutyrate, Bioreactor, Extraction with solvents.

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Variance, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation Coefficient of Some Phenological, Morphological and Productivity Traits **in Some Lentils (Lens culinaris M.) Genotypes**

Mohammad Nael Khattab^*(1)

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Mohammad Nael Khattab. E-Mail: aboalabd876@gmail.com).

Received: 20/09/2017 Accepted: 08/11/2017

Abstract
The phenological, morphological and productivity characteristics of six lentil genotypes (Idlib 1, Idlib 2, Idlib 3, Idlib 4, Balade and Kurdi) were assessed, using some genetic indicators (genetic and phenotypic variance, genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients, broad- sense heritability, and the genetic advance between seeds yield and its components at Dmsrkho area, in Latakia during two seasons (2014/2015) and (2015/2016). Randomized complete block design with three replicates was used, in order to investigate as much as possible, the genetic power of the genotypes to exploit them to the fullest extent and determine the appropriate selectorial evidence to improve lentils crop. Analysis of variance indicated that the genotypes differ significantly (P<0.05) for all studied characters. Moreover, years, genotype and years by genotypes interaction were significant for all studied traits. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than genetic coefficient of variation, and heritability values were high for most traits, this indicates the dominance of genetic factors and the low impact of environmental factors. Seed yield/plant (g) had a significant, positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation on number of pods/plant (r_g=0.905^** and r_ph=0.907^**), while hundred seed weight (r_g=0.294^** and r_ph=0.294^**) and biological yield (r_g=0.76^** and r_ph=0.78^**). Biological yield had significant positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with hundred seed weight (r_g=0.62^* and r_ph=0.59^*) and seed yield (r_g=0.93^* and r_ph=0.95^**). This indicates the possibility of selection for the biological yield through the selection of hundred seed weight and seed yield.

Keywords: Lentil, Heritability, Genetic advance, Genetic variance, Phenotypic variance, Correlation coefficient.

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Preparation of Formulations of Weaning Food from Black and Brown Rice and Study its Different Properties

Nagham Abdul Razzaq Mshemesh^*(1) Waafa Hasson⁽¹⁾ Khamees Habeeb Mutlag⁽¹⁾ Rasha Mussa⁽¹⁾ and Ahamed Hussien⁽¹⁾

(1). Agricultural Research Directorate, Ministry of Science and Technology, Baghdad, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Nagham Abdul Razzaq Mshemesh. E-Mail: raghad1974@yahoo.com).

Received: 13/11/2017 Accepted: 09/02/2018

Abstract

This study has been performed in Agriculture Research Directorated Labs, Ministry of Science and Technology/Iraq, aimed to use different formulations of weaning food contained different concentrations of black rice flour, brown rice, peas and oat chips. Some physical treatments like cleaning, peeling and milling to rice and and germination, chard, peeling, drying and milling to peas were used to make these four formulations, which were chosed depended on chemical analysis (moisture, protein, ash, fiber, carbohydrate, fat and energy) in addition the estimation of some minerals (Ca, Fe and Zn) comparing with recommendation of FAO weaning food and functional properties; like bulk density (BD), foam capacity (FC) and swelling power (SP). Sensory evaluation was also conducted. Results showed that the treatment F4 (25% black rice, 40% peas, 20% oat and 15% dry milk) was the best formula comparing with the other formulations, which recorded high protein (19.50%), oil (7.50%), fiber (3.33%), ash (2.0%), carbohydrate (63.67%) and energy 400.18 kcal. The minerals estimations percentages of Fe, Zn of the treatment F4 were 7.43 mg/100g and 8.21mg/100g repectively. These results was within FAO recommendations for weaning food. Regarding the functional properties of the formula F3 (50% bron rice, 25% peas, 10% oat and 15% dry milk) was sperior in bulk density (0.63g/cm³), while formula F4 was superior in foam capacity which recorded 33.53%, while F2 (30% blak rice, 30% peas, 30% oat and 10% dry milk) recorded the highest value in swelling power (1.84%). In terms of sensory evaluation, which was conducted by 10 evaluators, the formula F1 (30% brown rice, 30% peas, 30% oat and dry milk) obtained the highest degree of color rating, its value was 9 degrees. The formula F2 got the lowest grade of color, it reached 4 degrees (brown color), but for taste description all the formulas were low in sweetness, and the formula F4 got the highest degree of taste amounted to 7 degrees, while texture and solubility F3 got the highest degree which reached 8 degrees. Solubility was good for all formulas. F1 formula in general was acceptable.

Key words: Weaning food, Legumes, Black rice, Brown rice, Oat.

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