Analytical Study of Consumer Prices Indices Using Cluster Analysis, Syria

Safwan Mutha Abou -Assaf*⁽¹⁾ Remal Slman Saab⁽¹⁾ Maya Youssef Al-Abdala⁽¹⁾ and Samar Hossam Aldeen Al-Ashaoush⁽¹⁾

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

(*Corresponding author : Dr. Safwan Abou Assaf. E-Mail: aboassaf2011@hotmail.com).

Received: 23/07/2016 Accepted: 12/08/2016

Abstract

The aim of this research was performing an analytical comparison of consumer prices index in Syria, to determine the convergence and spacing among them, using the method of hierarchical cluster analysis, and creating a proximities matrix that rely on calculating squared Euclidean distance between the studied units, according to the provinces, months and main groups of goods and services during 2014 compared to 2010. It was found that there were 10 provinces formed the first cluster, and this refers that these figures are homogenous among these provinces, while months were distributed in four clusters, which indicates a lack of homogeneity of the indices of consumer prices between months. In addition, the results revealed that nine of goods and services were concentrated in one cluster, indicating the homogeneity of these groups. The study recommended to use recent years and to consider the base year in the estimation of indices of consumer prices, also the study advised the competent authorities to expand the use of database accounts indices, and putting more details in performing main groups of goods and services. In addition to that, domestic investment must be run at a faster scale, especially the local industrial sectors.

Keywords: Index numbers, Cluster analysis, Hierarchical cluster analysis, Squared Euclidean Distance, Inflation.

Full paper in Arabic: Analytical Study of Consumer Prices Indices Using Cluster Analysis, Syria

Chemical and Manufacturing Study on Rosa Damascene

Khuloud A. AL-Mubarak^*(1) Faten .M. B. Hamed⁽¹⁾ and Lina A. Al-Maghrabi⁽²⁾

(1). Food Technology Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Khuloud Al-Mubarak. Technology Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria).

Received: 31/01/2016 Accepted: 02/03/2016

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to study the chemical, sensory, and microbial characteristics of Rosa Damascene jam during processing and storage. Rosa damascene Jam samples were prepared with different sweeteners i.e. .sucrose, fructose, and aspartame, and the samples were stored at room temperature for 6 months. The results showed a reduction in the sensory characteristics of aspartam jam after processing, but an increment in the total and reducing sugars, and a reduction in anthocyanins, phenolics, and antioxidant activity were detected in the other treatments (sucrose and fructose) during storage. Jam that processed with sucrose was preferred at the end of storage period. Subsequently, microbial tests showed that all products were accepted at the end of the storage period.

Key words: Rosa damascene, Jam, Anthocyanins, Antioxidant activity, Storage.

Full paper in Arabic: Chemical and Manufacturing Study on Rosa Damascene

Estimation of Benzoic Acid and Trace Elements in Some Fresh and Processed Foods in Basra Markets-Iraq

Shamaail A. Saewan^*(1) and Sawsan A. H. Al-Hilfi⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Basra University, Basra, Iraq.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Shamaail A. Saewan. E-Mail: shamaail@yahoo.com).

Received: 05/02/2016 Accepted: 15/04/2016

Abstract:

The current study was carried out between November, 2015 and June, 2016. It included two points, first is determination the concentration of benzoic acid in some imported and local food stuff, using titration method. Samples of pickles were collected from the local market, also some imported food samples as mango slices, various types of beans, appetizers, canned vegetables and fruits, jams and cheese were collected. Results showed that concentration of benzoic acid ranged between (3.05 – 6.1) mg/kg for appetizers, (not detected – 24.4) mg/kg for pickles, (18.3 – 30.5) mg/kg, in jam. For beans and other samples, benzoic acid content was (12.2 – 24.4) mg/kg, and between (not detected – 24.4) mg/kg in some Iranian cheese categories. Concentrations of benzoic acid didn’t exceed the recommended limits set by FAO and WHO (1000 mg/kg) in all food stuffs. The second point was to estimate the trace elements levels (Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe) in 23 vegetables samples collected from various regions in Basra city, south of Iraq (Al Madina, Al Haretha, Al Zubair, Abi Al Khasib, and Al Faihaa Island). Flame atomic absorption was used to determine trace elements. The highest Fe concentration 18.756 mg/ kg (dry weight) was detected in cucumber from Al- Midaina town, while the highest Pb level was in fenugreek and celery leaves, that collected from Al- Fayhaa island, 2.847 and 2.846 mg/kg, respectively.

Key words: Benzoic acid, Trace elements, Canned food, Vegetables and fruits, Preservatives.

Full paper in Arabic: Estimation of Benzoic Acid and Trace Elements in Some Fresh and Processed Foods in Basra Markets-Iraq

Zeolite Effect on Two Saline Alkaline Soils and the Productivity of Some Forage Crops under Deir Azzor Governorate Conditions

Zeolite Effect on Two Saline Alkaline Soils and the Productivity of Some Forage Crops under Deir Azzor Governorate Conditions

Arij Khuder*⁽¹⁾Awadis Arslan⁽²⁾ and Omar Abdulrazzak⁽³⁾

(1). The General Commission for Scientific Research

(2). The Higher Commission for Scientific Research

(3). Department of soil and soil reclamation/Faculty of Agriculture DeirAzzor.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Arij Khuder. Email: areejalkeder@gmail.com).

Received: 20/04/2016 Accepted: 24/05/2016

Abstract

Two forage crops sorghum and barley were sown within crop rotation to study the effect of zeolite on two saline alkaline soils, in two soils differ in salinity where the ECe values of (7.92 and 14.91) dS/m for the first and second soils, respectively. The experiment was conducted at the Third Location of Almrieih, Agricultural Research Center in Euphrates Basin, Deir Ezzor/Syria. Zeolite was added in two rates (20 and 30 t/ha) besides the control (no addition), using Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD, with three replicates. The results obtained by the end of 2009/2010 season showed a reduction in soils salinity under the effect of adding zeolite. The application of zeolite 30 t/ha was superior in ECe reduction, where it reached 15 and 23% compared with control for medium and high salinity soils, respectively that cultivated with sorghum. The reduction rates for the soils cultivated with barley were 18.8 and 17.89% for medium and high salinity soils, respectively. Also there was a reduction in the pH and the concentration of ions in the soil extracts. The analysis showed positive improvement in soil physicist, chemical and fertility characters because of zeolite addition, such as ESP reduction, which it reached 35.48 and 28.40 % compared with control for medium and high salinity soils, respectively cultivated with sorghum. The reduction rates for the soils cultivated with barley were 44.84 and 35.73% for medium and high salinity soils, respectively. The results exhibited an increase in the productivity of fresh and dry weight of sorghum and grain yield of barley, as a result of zeolite addition, where the increase in yield for medium salinity soil was double than that of high salinity soil. The addition of zeolite of 30 t/ha was significantly superior over the other treatment and the control.

Keywords: Zeolite, Barley, Sorghum, Soil salinity and alkalinity, Forage productivity, Grain yield.

Full paper in Arabic: Zeolite Effect on Two Saline Alkaline Soils and the Productivity of Some Forage Crops under Deir Azzor Governorate Conditions

**Taxonomic Study of Genus Atriplex spp. in Syrian Flora**

Taxonomic Study of Genus Atriplex spp. in Syrian Flora

Basem Al Samman*⁽¹⁾Abdullah Abo-Zakham⁽²⁾ and Yousef Wejhani⁽¹⁾

(1). Genetic Resources Department, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(2). Renewable Natural Resources and Ecology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Basem Al Samman. Email: basemhsam1@yahoo.com).

Received: 24/05/2016 Accepted: 10/08/2016

Abstract

In the course of an ongoing taxonomic study on the genus Atriplex, an extensive field trips has been carried out in Syria during the period 2009-2012. Eleven Atriplex species spread in 10 sites related to the Syrian governorates of Daraa, Hama, Homs, Deir Azzour, Hasaka, Aleppo and Lattakia were used in the study. These are: A.halimus, A.leucoclada, A.canescens, A.lentiformis, A.polycarpa, A.nummularia, A.glauca, A.hortensis, A.lindleyi, A.portulacoides,and A.hastata. As a result, a classification key was deduced according to more than 25 characterization indicators.

Key words: Flora, Atriplex L., Taxonomy, Characterization indicator, Syria.

Full paper in Arabic: Taxonomic Study of Genus Atriplex spp. in Syrian Flora

The Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Mulching on Cotton yield and Water Use Efficiency

The Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Mulching on Cotton yield and Water Use Efficiency

Galia Abdel Majeed^*(1) Abdel Naser Aldarir⁽¹⁾ Mohamed.Ameen Alo⁽²⁾ and

Awedes Arslan⁽³⁾

(1). Rural Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria.

(2). Al Qamishli Agricultural Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.

(3). High Organization of Scientific Research, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: galiamajeed@yahoo.com).

Received: 28/04/2016 Accepted: 16/05/2016

Abstract

Drip irrigation is the best method for increasing cotton yield. A field experiment was implemented during 2011 season, at the Research Station of AL- Hasaka Agricultural Research Centre, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research Center (GCSAR)/Syria, using randomized complete block design arranged in split plots. Three levels of irrigation were used: The first treatment (A) is to add 100% of water requirement, when the soil moisture is 80% of field capacity, the treatment (B) is to be irrigated with 75% of the water requirement, and the treatment (C) is to be irrigated with half amount of (A). Also three methods of soil coverage were adopted, without mulching, cover with black plastic, and white film cover as mulch, with three replicates. The goal of study was to evaluate the response of cotton variety Aleppo ₉₀, to different levels of drip irrigation, and different soil mulching, and to determine water requirement. The results showed a high significant superiority (P<0.005) of treatment (A) compared to (B) and (C) treatments, while according to mulching levels; the white plastic mulch surpassed the other treatments. The saving percentage of water in drip irrigation with white, and black plastic films were (25, and 18)% respectively, compared with drip irrigation without cover.

Keywords: Cotton, Drip irrigation, Mulch, Water use efficiency.

Full paper in Arabic: The Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Mulching on Cotton yield and Water Use Efficiency

The Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Manure Biogas on the Productivity of Maize and Some Soil Properties

Lina Maydaa⁽¹⁾ Zuhair Zaher⁽¹⁾ Nabila Kridi^*(1) and Haitham Eid⁽²⁾

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

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

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Nabila Kridi. E-Mail: nabilakridi@hotmail.com).

Received: 18/12/2015 Accepted: 20/04/2016

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of nitrogen fertilizer, and biogas manure on the productivity of hybrid maize crop (cv. Merritt), and some soil properties, at Western Zahid Research Station, Agricultural Research Center of Tartous, GCSAR/Syria, during the seasons 2011, 2012, and 2013. Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) was adopted with three replicates. The treatments were 12 (3 levels of nitrogen fertilizer i.e., 0, 12, and 24 kg/ha, and 4 levels of biogas manure i.e., 0, 6, 8, and 10 l/ m²). The results showed a significant increase in the productivity of maize by increasing the addition of manure biogas and mineral nitrogen fertilizer. The best treatment was fertilized by 24 kg N/ ha, and 10 l/m²of biogas manure in all three seasons (15.82, 16.31.16.89 ton /ha, respectively). Soil organic matter was increased in most treatments which fertilized with biogas manure. It was observed a gradual increase in the soil organic matter with the increment in manure biogas in the absence of N fertilizers compared with the control. Total nitrogen increased in the soil gradually by increasing the addition of manure biogas. As well as the available phosphorus and potassium in soil increased in all treatments of manure biogas.

Key words: Manure biogas, N fertilizers, Organic matter, Soil properties, Maize.

Full paper in Arabic: The Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Manure Biogas on the Productivity of Maize and Some Soil Properties

Quantitative Characteristics of Honey Dew Excreted by Forestry Trees and Their Magnitudes to Honeybee Apiaries in Homs Governorate

Raed Almuhammad⁽¹⁾ Nouraldin Daher-Hjaij*⁽²⁾ and Feras Al-Ghammaz⁽¹⁾

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

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

(*Corresponding author: Dr, Nouraldin Daher-Hjaij. E-Mail: noualdin1972@gmail.com).

Received: 09/05/2016 Accepted: 24/07/2016

Abstract

Honey dew, which is produced by honeybee workers from plant living parts (blooming buds) excretions or the excretions of plant sucker insects is an important source to feed honeybee apiaries and for honey production. A survey for honey dew, which is produced by forest trees was conducted in the natural forestry sites of Homs governorate during 2011-2014 seasons. The relative density, relative covering and the relative frequency were calculated for each species and their importance for honeybee apiaries. Results showed that six species of forestry trees excreted honey dew: Normal oak (Quercus calliprinus W.), Gall oak (Quercus infectoria O.), Semi-platonic oak (Quercus pseudocerris B.), Bruty pine (Pinus brutia T.), Fruitful pine (Pinus pinea L.) and Juniper (Juniperus excelsa B.). The normal oak had the highest density and frequency in Alqusair and Talkalakh regions, with a relative importance ranged between 114.1 and 140 in Alqusair and between 74.7 and 120.5 in Talkalakh. Meanwhile, the Fruitful pine had the highest relative importance in western, southern and northern slopes and it was proximate with other oak species in the eastern slope. The similarity in the plant societies of the three regions was studied by calculating the Sorensen similarity index. The highest values were in Talkhalakh and Homs center with an average of 88.88%. The recorded forest trees in this study are a good honey dew excreted especially Juniper, and can be used in feeding honeybee apiaries.

Key words: Forest trees, Honey dew, Honey bee, Homs.

Full paper in Arabic: Quantitative Characteristics of Honey Dew Excreted by Forestry Trees and Their Magnitudes to Honeybee Apiaries in Homs Governorate

**The Effect of Bolters Cutting in the Improvement of Morphological and Quality Traits of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)**

Faddi Abbas⁽¹⁾ Mahmoud Sido⁽¹⁾ and Entessar Al-Jbawi*⁽²⁾ and Mohammad Ali Ali⁽²⁾

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

(2). Crops Research Administration, GCSR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Entessar Al Jbawi, E-Mail:dr.entessara@gmail.com).

Received: 11/06/2016 Accepted: 12/08/2016

Abstract:

Sugar beet bolting is considered one of the main obstacles of sugar beet growing in the middle area of Syria, because of low temperatures during autumn sowing. This phenomenon caused big economic losses neither for the factories and the farmers, because of high reduction in sugar content. Regarding the importance of the issue an experiment was conducted in Homs Agricultural Research Center during 2013/2014 season, to study the effect of cutting bolters to limit its negative effect on the morphological and quality traits of four sugar beet varieties, tow are monogerm varieties i.e. Inverstar and Parade, while the other are multigerm varieties i.e. DS9008 and Byblos. Split plot design was used, where the dated of cutting bolters allocated in the maim plots, while the varieties were randomly distributed in the sub plot, with three replicates. The results exhibited a high bolting percentage (P<0.05) in the variety DS9008 (67%), which is considered the most sensitive varieties to bolting, while bolting was 0% for the variety Parade, which can be defined as the most resistant variety to bolting. The percentage of early bolting, which is classified as the most dangerous type of bolting, achieved the highest value (45%) in the variety DS9008, then Parade (30.2%), followed by Inverstar (2.4%), and finally Byblos (0%). Early bolters cut led to an increase in root weight in an average of 10.7%, while the increment in root weight was 1% for the medium bolters cut. In terms of brix%, early bolters cut led to an increase in brix in an average of 16.9%, while the increment in brix was 5.5% for the medium bolters cut.

Keywords: Sugar beet varieties, Bolting percentage, Bloters cut.

Full paper in Arabic: The Effect of Bolters Cutting in the Improvement of Morphological and Quality Traits of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

**The Effect of Different Rates of Two Pesticides (Benomyl and Abamectin) on Growth and Number of N₂ Fixation Bacteria Cells (Azotobacter and Burkholderia spp)**

Merfat T. Ben Mahmud*⁽¹⁾and Eman A. AL Ferjani⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Merfat Ben Mahmoud. Email: dr.mbenmahmoud@yahoo.com).

Received: 04/04/2017 Accepted: 08/06/2017

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was carried out with Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD), to study the effect of two chemical pesticides: fungicide (Benomyl 50%) and Acaro-Insecticide (Abamectin) with three rates for each treatment, on growth and number of Azotobacter and Burkholderia. Three dilution of inculcation bacteria (10^-4, 10^-5, and 10^-6) with four periods of incubation (3, 7, 14, and 21) days were used for measuring (MIC) of bacteria cells number. The results showed that the minimum (MIC) value of Benomyl fungicide with dilution of (10^-4) was (1.22 g/L), and (0.5 g/L) for each dilution of (10^-5 and 10^-6), after twenty-one days of incubation for Azotobacter and Burkholderia. The minimum value of (MIC) for Abamectin insecticide was (0.875 ml/L) for the periods of (7, 14 and 21 days) of incubation with all dilution inoculations of Azotobacter and (14 and 21 days) of incubation for Burkholderia. The results concluded that Benomyl and Abamectin had a different effect on growth and number of the studied bacteria according to their concentrations, and incubation periods. Also Azotobacter and Burkholderia were more tolerance for the dilution of 10^-4 of pesticides as compared with other concentrations 10^-5, 10^-6.

Key wards: Azotobacter, Burkholderia, Benomyl fungicide, Abamectin insecticide.

Full paper in Arabic: The Effect of Different Rates of Two Pesticides (Benomyl and Abamectin) on Growth and Number of N₂ Fixation Bacteria Cells (Azotobacter and Burkholderia spp)